Mississippi Gaming Regulator Delays Vote on Proposed Long Beach Casino Site

Gambling commissioners say they Want more time to review and Explore before deciding about the proposed casino Website

The Mississippi Gaming Commission decided on Thursday to postpone its vote on an application for a site acceptance to the construction of a casino resort in the site of Kmart at Long Beach, just north of U.S. Route 90 and east of Jeff Davis Avenue, news outlet the Sun Herald reported.

Commenting on the gaming regulator’s conclusion, Chairman Al Hopkins explained that they have more to think about and research before voting on the site approval application. Commissioner Jerry Griffith stated during yesterday’s meeting that delaying the site approval was not something unusual and that it gave the Commission the opportunity to review the casino proposal in detail and be certain that it was after regulations.

The regulatory body is set to meet again on December 20 at Jackson when it might eventually vote to the proposed site for the casino resort.

Developers plan to build the property on a 12-acre site formerly occupied by Kmart and the Sav-A-Center supermarket shop. The resort includes a 40-000-square-foot casino using 1,200 slot machines and 20 table games. The gaming facility will be located within 800 feet of the mean high water line, as required under Mississippi gaming regulations.

The hotel tower will meet the city’s height restrictions, as noted by programmers. Under state law, the complex will also need to include a fine dining restaurant.

During the Thursday meeting, programmers presented gaming commissioners with the first images of the proposed casino hotel , noting that those were only renderings and that construction documents were yet to be submitted, pending site approval from the Commission.

First news about the casino program emerged two decades back when Long Beach Harbor Resort LLC has been registered. The organization which will create the property, if it wins the necessary permissions, is led by businessman James (Jim) Parrish. Mr. Parrish owns several businesses across South Mississippi.

While site approval is a vital measure, it’s only the first of many. As stated previously, it’s been two decades since the project was first introduced and it might take years before it materializes, as developers usually need quite a while to sort out site programs and secure financing.

Long Beach voters approved the building of a casino north of U.S. 90 at a particular election that happened in the summer of 2006. During yesterday’s meeting, six city residents stated that they favored a gaming site, while three were against two and it stated they were impartial.

Those opposing the building of the casino cited concerns regarding increased crime, traffic, and property worth .

Long Beach Mayor George Bass was one of those to speak in favor of the proposed casino, stating that it might have a positive impact on the town and its stagnant market , generate millions of dollars for its colleges in addition to earnings for infrastructure improvements.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to remain Current about the day’s best casino news stories.