MISSISSIPPI LOCAL NEWS

ARTICLE : NOVEMBER 8TH, 2024  ( 11-8-2024 ) 

Mississippi’s Evolving Stance on Gaming: A Journey of Transformation and the Change Makers

Mississippi, a state known for its deeply rooted traditions and rich history, has undergone significant changes in recent decades, particularly when it comes to gaming. What was once an unthinkable expansion of gambling within the state has now become a major part of its economic and cultural landscape. The state’s stance on gaming has evolved dramatically over the years, transitioning from a time when gambling was not only illegal but seen as morally reprehensible, to an era where casinos have become integral to Mississippi’s tourism and economic strategy. This transformation has not been a simple one; it has been driven by shifts in political attitudes, economic realities, and key figures who pushed for change and played pivotal roles in reshaping the state’s approach to gaming.

In this article, we explore Mississippi's changing stance on gaming, how it evolved over time, and who the key figures and change-makers were in this transformation. We’ll look at how the gambling industry became a crucial aspect of Mississippi’s economy, influencing both local communities and the state’s identity, and how the expansion of gaming changed the political, social, and economic dynamics of the state.

Early Stance on Gambling: A History of Opposition

Historically, Mississippi was staunchly opposed to gambling in all forms. For much of the 19th and early 20th centuries, gambling was viewed negatively, associated with vice, crime, and moral corruption. The state’s leaders, influenced by strong religious and conservative values, passed laws that strictly prohibited gambling of any kind. Mississippi was far from alone in its opposition to gambling; many Southern states at the time followed similar legislative paths.

In the 1930s, during the Great Depression, there were some moves to allow gambling in limited forms as a way to generate revenue, but these efforts were short-lived. Mississippi’s stance on gambling remained strict, and casinos, whether in the form of riverboats or land-based operations, were not a part of the state’s culture or economy for decades.

The lack of legalized gaming in Mississippi meant that residents and visitors seeking to gamble often went across state lines, most notably to neighboring Louisiana, where gambling had already begun to gain a foothold in the 1990s. This created a sense of loss for Mississippi, both in terms of potential tax revenue and the economic opportunities that gambling could bring to the state. It wasn’t until the 1980s and early 1990s that the conversation around gaming in Mississippi began to shift.

The 1990s: A Pivotal Shift Toward Legalization

The turning point for Mississippi’s stance on gaming occurred in the early 1990s, following the example of other states like Nevada and New Jersey, where legalized gaming had already made significant inroads. Mississippi’s position on gambling began to change primarily because of economic pressures and the desire to tap into the booming gaming industry that was flourishing in neighboring states, especially Louisiana.

In the early 1990s, several factors pushed Mississippi to reconsider its rigid stance on gambling. The economic downturn in the late 1980s, combined with the loss of potential tourism dollars to neighboring states, made gambling an attractive source of state revenue. Mississippi was already facing serious economic challenges, and leaders in the state began to see casinos as a potential solution to bolster local economies, especially in areas like the Mississippi Gulf Coast and Tunica, which were struggling with unemployment and stagnation.

In 1990, the Mississippi legislature passed the Mississippi Gaming Control Act, which allowed for the creation of riverboat casinos along the Mississippi River. The law permitted casinos to operate in counties along the river and, at the time, was hailed as a compromise between the need for economic development and the state’s moral objections to gambling. The gaming industry, however, was not just a response to economic realities—it was also a deliberate strategy to reshape the state’s future and embrace the changing nature of tourism and entertainment.

The Role of the Gulf Coast and Tunica: The Birth of Casino Resorts

When Mississippi first legalized gaming, it was the Mississippi Gulf Coast that saw the first wave of growth in the industry. Cities like Biloxi and Gulfport became focal points for casino development, attracting both national and international gaming operators. The state’s legalizing of riverboat casinos and resorts was seen as a positive step toward revitalizing the tourism sector, which had previously been dependent on a small number of beachgoers and seasonal visitors.

The Gulf Coast’s proximity to New Orleans and its position as a regional vacation destination made it an ideal location for casinos. As the first casinos in Mississippi opened in Biloxi in 1992, the results were immediate and profound. The economic impact was significant, with millions of dollars flowing into the local economy, creating thousands of jobs, and sparking a real estate boom in the area. In short, casinos quickly became a key engine for growth in Mississippi’s coastal cities.

Meanwhile, Tunica, a rural area located just south of Memphis, Tennessee, became the second major gaming center in Mississippi. Once a relatively undeveloped region, Tunica transformed into a bustling casino hotspot by the mid-1990s. With its proximity to Memphis, Tunica offered a new market for gaming operators, who capitalized on the city’s location to attract visitors from the larger Mid-South region. The local economy, once dependent on agriculture, diversified rapidly thanks to the gaming industry. It also positioned Mississippi as a leading competitor in the national gaming scene.

At this stage, two groups were instrumental in shaping Mississippi’s gaming landscape. The Mississippi Gaming Commission, which was tasked with regulating the industry, worked closely with lawmakers to ensure that the state's gaming laws were both progressive and capable of attracting major operators. Meanwhile, casino developers and investors, including figures like Steve Wynn and Jack Binion, pushed for more expansive gaming projects. Their investments helped cement the Gulf Coast and Tunica as major centers for gaming, tourism, and entertainment in the region.

The Political Backing: Change Makers in the State Legislature

Mississippi’s transformation from a state with rigid gambling laws to one with thriving casino resorts didn’t happen overnight. It took both political will and pressure from various interest groups to make this change possible. Some key political figures were pivotal in pushing through legislation that would eventually change Mississippi’s stance on gaming and shape the industry as it exists today.

One of the most significant political figures in this transformation was Governor Kirk Fordice, who served as governor from 1992 to 2000. Fordice, a Republican, was a strong proponent of legalized gaming and played a pivotal role in shepherding the Mississippi Gaming Control Act through the legislature in 1990. His administration understood the economic benefits of casinos and embraced them as a way to improve the state’s financial health. Fordice’s political leadership was crucial in navigating the resistance to gambling that existed among conservative factions in the state, particularly those who opposed gaming on moral grounds.

Another important political figure was **State Senator Wayne Dowdy, who served as the chair of the Senate Economic Development Committee. Dowdy, a longtime proponent of gaming, worked tirelessly to get legislation passed that would allow casinos to operate on the Mississippi River and in the state’s coastal areas. Dowdy's work in securing the legislation, along with his deep knowledge of Mississippi’s economic landscape, positioned him as one of the key change-makers in the fight for gaming.

In addition to Fordice and Dowdy, several local politicians in communities like Biloxi, Gulfport, and Tunica played pivotal roles in lobbying for gaming laws that would benefit their cities. These local leaders recognized the opportunity that legalized gaming presented for their communities, and they worked hard to ensure that their areas would benefit from casino revenue, job creation, and tourism dollars.

The Economic Impact and Changing Attitudes Toward Gambling

The legalization of casinos in Mississippi quickly proved to be a major success, both in terms of economic impact and changing public attitudes toward gaming. By the mid-1990s, Mississippi had become a regional gaming hub, attracting tourists from neighboring states as well as across the country. The gaming industry brought billions of dollars in revenue to the state, with the economic benefits spreading far beyond the cities that hosted the casinos.

Casinos contributed significantly to the local economy, creating jobs in hospitality, construction, and retail, while also boosting the real estate market. State and local governments benefitted from the additional tax revenue, which funded public education, infrastructure projects, and other vital services. The tax revenue generated by the gaming industry also allowed Mississippi to support the state’s ongoing efforts to improve health, transportation, and education.

The success of casinos in the state also shifted public perceptions of gambling. What had once been viewed as an immoral activity associated with vice and crime was now seen as an essential part of Mississippi’s economic development. Many residents, particularly in areas where casinos were located, began to view gaming as an industry that provided jobs, attracted tourists, and helped to fund community projects. Although pockets of resistance to gambling remained—particularly among religious groups—the growing support for the industry from business leaders and local politicians made it clear that gambling was here to stay in Mississippi.

Moving Forward: A Continued Evolution of Gaming

In the decades since Mississippi first legalized gaming, the state’s gaming industry has continued to evolve. New forms of gaming, such as sports betting, online gambling, and casino expansions, have been introduced, adapting to national trends and technological advancements. The state’s stance on gambling has continued to shift in response to both economic pressures and changing public attitudes.

One of the most significant recent changes occurred in 2018, when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the federal ban on sports betting, allowing states to legalize it on their own terms. Mississippi, recognizing the potential for sports betting to further boost its gaming industry, moved quickly to pass legislation that allowed sports betting in casinos. By the end of 2018, sportsbooks were open in several Mississippi casinos, contributing to a new wave of excitement around gaming in the state.

The expansion of online gaming and mobile betting platforms has also raised new questions about the future of the industry in Mississippi. While these changes present new opportunities, they also present new challenges, particularly regarding regulation, taxes, and the potential social impacts of gambling addiction. As the gaming industry in Mississippi continues to grow and evolve, lawmakers and industry leaders will need to balance economic growth with responsible regulation.

Conclusion

The evolution of Mississippi’s stance on gaming is a story of transformation, driven by economic realities, political leadership, and the changing views of the public. From its early opposition to gambling to its present status as a major gaming hub, Mississippi’s journey has been shaped by a series of key figures and change-makers who pushed for progress, overcame resistance, and redefined the state’s future. Today, gaming is an integral part of Mississippi’s economic and cultural landscape, contributing billions of dollars to the state’s economy, providing thousands of jobs, and reshaping the way people think about gambling. As Mississippi moves forward, the legacy of these early change-makers will continue to influence the state’s approach to gaming for years to come.