Top 12 Gulf Coast Casinos

Why the top 12 and not the top 10 as most other sites would list?  Simple, there are 12 Casinos on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and they are all busy which means that someone likes them.  Most of us are not Casino experts so we included all 13.

Casino development started with the Isle of Capri which opened in 1992 in Biloxi.  2018 is the 25th anniversary of casinos on the Gulf Coast which have brought jobs and prosperity to the area.  

More than $2 billion dollars have gone to local government and schools since 1992.  2017 produced total revenues of $1.192 billion dollars, another record year. Hurricane Katrina severely damaged area casinos and their hotels.  The devastation was so bad that some locals were not sure the owners would rebuild. There was an area called “Casino Row” shown in the photo, it’s all gone now.

$2 billion to local schools and government

Rebuild they did, grander than before.  The number of casinos and their resort hotels has continued to climb with the opening of the newest Beach Casino in 2018.  

If you drive to the area, you will see the billboards on Interstate 10 advertising a host of well known entertainers.  The Gulf Coast is the place if you want to take in a show, wake up to a view of the beautiful beach and Gulf or Bay and have a good meal.

Beautiful Pools and Great Entertainment

You need not play machines or gamble at tables to enjoy the casino resorts.  They all have beautiful pools and offer other entertainment. Casino restaurants are among the best in the area often managed by well known chefs.  I have discussed the buffet meals in another blog. Incidentally, most of the casinos seem to be in competition with regard to crab and crab legs at their buffet.  You the customer are the winner of this competition.

One reason I decided to write about the casinos is that they have drawn many people to the area that may not have otherwise come.  Companies have conventions at the casino hotels which expose the Mississippi Gulf Coast to new people, some of whom decide to move here.

The growth in the number of casinos and improvements to their existing facilities is a good indicator of the good economic health of the area.  There are many jobs at casino resorts and even the lowest paid workers can afford to live here. This was true of Las Vegas at one time until housing and other costs increased there.  It was probably never true of Atlantic City. Unlike Atlantic City, which never grew as forecasted from gaming income, the Gulf Coast has. There are probably more casinos per square mile on the Gulf Coast than any other place other than Las Vegas.

Compare Las Vegas to the Gulf Coast

So how to compare Las Vegas with the Gulf Coast.  First, Las Vegas is in the desert, there is large lake there but no trees around it.  No beaches or rivers and no trees unless they were planted.

Both areas have casinos and the gaming rules are about the same at both which means your chance of winning at a Las Vegas Casino is about the same as winning at a Biloxi casino.

Las Vegas has a more international flavor to it’s buffets but the Gulf Coast casinos have local Southern and Cajun food with a large selection plus fresh caught gulf shrimp.  To some this difference is minor, It’s a big deal to me as I love the area foods.

You can actually get in a car and drive to other areas e.g. Dauphin Island, New Orleans, and many more.  In Las Vegas it’s four hours to Los Angeles. You will also pay more for gas.

Las Vegas has a crowded airport, Gulfport Airport is a breeze to get in and out of.  

Deep sea fishing and golf

Outside activities on the Gulf include golf and deep sea fishing.  Golf is available in Las Vegas with a 5:00 AM tee time (can get to 120 degrees in the Summer).  I have not seen any bill fish in the Nevada Desert.

Wrapping up the Las Vegas vs Gulf Coast comparison, remember that both places have the same named casinos e.g. Golden Nugget, Harrahs etc.  There must be a reason why the Las Vegas casino people build on the Gulf Coast.

Should you wish to visit the area, you can stay at any of the numerous fine hotels not operated by casinos.  All of the national names are here, Marriott, Hyatt etc. Uber and taxis offer shuttle service around the area.  

The restaurants are great

As a local, I enjoy eating at the fine restaurants located in the casinos and on occasion leaving a donation in a machine or two (some goes to local government and schools).  While gambling is obviously the reason Casinos are here, they do afford the locals great entertainment venues at very reasonable prices. Should you consider visiting the area, check out prices for homes, it is entirely likely they will be at prices much lower than where you currently live.  Read our other blog posts/articles about the area.

We have listed all 12 casinos here.  You can reach anyone of these by using the links provided.  The Island View Casino just added a new casino building called “Beach Casino” which is smoke free. Some players cards can be used at affiliated casinos in other cities including Las Vegas.  If you have earned “comps” in a Las Vegas, Indian or Atlantic City casino you may be able to use them for free rooms at one of the hotels listed below.