Jackson Free Press

Despite tough times in Mississippi, casino gambling revenue saw another increase last month. Players lost $232.9 million in March, according to an Associated Press report published on Forbes.com, up from $216.5 million in February.

Gulf Coast casinos took in $101.8 million in March, while Mississippi River casinos won $131.1 million. Total March tax revenue from all casinos in the state was $31.8 million.

Previous Commentsshow

The legislature should allow the city of Jackson to have a casino. This could make up for all the state owned biuldings in Jackson for which the city receives no tax revenue. Since the legislature seems disinclined to give Jackson an annual payment in lieu of taxes (which more than 50% of other state legislatures do for their capitol cities) a casino could provide much needed revenue for Jackson. This revune could be restricted to use for infrastructure and public safety, two areas where Jackson is in dire need.

wellington

Apr 21 2009

I believe the legislature set up the law for casinos as it is to keep Jackson from having a casino. What's so special about having a casino on the water (or 800 feet inland on the Gulf Coast, due to Katrina)? Gambling is gambling, no matter where it is. Also, when will this state's leaders realize how many dollars leave this state for Louisiana and now Tennessee for lottery tickets? That's revenue that could be used to prevent car tags from going up.

golden eagle

Apr 21 2009

GE, I thought it was because Satan couldn't cross flowing water or something.

WMartin

Apr 21 2009

Golden eagle, the only way to get the gaming control act passed by the Legislature was to restrict it to where gambling traditionally occurred, i.e. coast and river. Compromise with legislators from east MS and Rankin County types.

QB

Apr 21 2009

The city of Jackson do not any form of gambling. It is bad enough the citizen travel to casinos gamble away money for rent, utilities bill, mortage payment, or any money that is needed to take of basic needs. Having a casino in the city will make worst. All it will do save money on gas.

daw

Apr 21 2009