Biloxi, Mississippi, has a long and fascinating past when it comes to gambling and gaming. At the heart of it all lies the city’s oldest Biloxi casino – the Isle of Capri. For decades, this first-of-its-kind riverboat casino operated as a thriving center of entertainment, attracting locals and tourists alike with its stunning waterfront location and exciting gaming options. In this blog, we’ll explore the history of Biloxi’s oldest casino and what its become today.
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How the Isle of Capri was the Heart of Biloxi Gaming
The History of the Oldest Biloxi Casino
For many years, Biloxi, MS, was home to a thriving underground gambling scene and illegal casinos operating in secret. However, in the early 1990s, that all changed when casino gambling was legalized in Biloxi by the passing of the Mississippi Gaming Control Act. This law paved the way for a new era of gaming and entertainment in the city.
One of Biloxi’s oldest casinos was the Isle of Capri, which opened in 1992. It quickly became a popular destination for locals and tourists, even drawing people from three hours away in Dallas, TX. The casino’s location on the waterfront made it exciting for visitors who could gamble while enjoying stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico.
The Isle of Capri Survives Challenges
In 2005, the Isle of Capri was one of the few casinos in Biloxi to survive Hurricane Katrina and Rita. Still, it suffered significant damage, which destroyed the casino but left the hotel intact. It was forced to close for several months while repairs were made. Despite facing challenges over the years, the Isle of Capri continued to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs of its customers.
The End of an Era: The Oldest Biloxi Casino Becomes the Golden Nugget
In 2012, the Isle of Capri was purchased by Landry’s Inc. for $45 million. It was then rebranded as the Golden Nugget, marking the end of an era for one of Biloxi’s oldest and most beloved casinos. Today, Biloxi’s casino industry thrives with eight casinos, like the Beau Rivage in Biloxi, and more in surrounding areas, like the Scarlet Pearl in D’Iberville. Several major casinos offer a wide variety of gaming options and top-notch amenities like luxury hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
In conclusion, the oldest Biloxi casino began what is now a thriving industry today. Its casinos have proven to be remarkably resilient by adapting and evolving to meet its diverse customer base’s changing needs and tastes. Biloxi’s casinos also play a vital role in the local economy, employing thousands of people and generating millions of dollars in revenue each year. If you’re looking for a fun and exciting vacation destination, Biloxi’s casino scene is definitely worth checking out!
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