The Growth of Casinos in Tunica

Tunica has 10 world-class casino resorts with no waiting and no cover charge. In 1992 when Splash Casino opened at Mhoon Landing in Tunica, there was a three-hour wait and a $10 cover charge to get onto the gaming floor. It did not take long for other casino operators to notice the success enjoyed by Splash Casino. Opening in 1993, Lady Luck Casino shared in the success, however, there soon became a two-and-half to three-hour wait outside each casino. This began to peak the interest of large gaming corporations. Today, the casinos have helped make Tunica the third largest gaming destination behind Las Vegas and Atlantic City. "To mark the 10-year anniversary of the first casino opening its doors, the Tunica Convention & Visitors Bureau is launching an eight-month celebration," stated Webster Franklin, Executive Director of the Tunica CVB.

These significant accomplishments will be celebrated with three key events: a press conference launching the 10-year celebration, founders banquet, MS Legislator/Gaming CEO event and a "Big Bang" culmination. In addition, the industry as well as area businesses will incorporate the ten-year theme into their own events.

Once labeled as "America's Ethiopia", the 10 casinos are credited with turning one of the country's poorest counties into an area full of opportunity. With a county population of about 8,000 and an industry that has created 15,601 jobs, virtually every employee in the county has seen a salary increase by 25% due to the increase in demand for labor. In January 1992, the county had an unemployment rate of 26.2%. Through November 2001, the figures showed a rate of 5% for Tunica County and a 5.2% unemployment rate for the state of Mississippi. County residents have experienced per capita income increases from $11,875 in 1992 to $20,203in 1999. Since 1992, the number of persons receiving Total Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) payments has been reduced by 90%. In 1992 Food Stamp distribution payments were $259,551. Currently Food Stamp payments are $77,145, a 70% countywide reduction.

Tunica County has seen its revenue grow from $3.5 million in 1992 to an $80 million budget. Ken Murphree, Tunica County Administrator, oversees the flourishing prosperity that has resulted in vast improvements throughout the area. For instance, the county now benefits from improved roads, highways, water and sewage systems and numerous infrastructure upgrades. The schools along with medical and public safety have benefited through additions, renovations and budget allocations. "Tunica County has experienced phenomenal and unprecedented growth which has resulted in a better quality of life for county and area residents," indicated Murphree.

Along the eastern shore of the Mighty Mississippi River, an area of economic growth and development has transformed Tunica into a vibrant and exciting place. The past ten years have been the result of Mississippi's fundamentally different way of legislating casino gaming. The state moved to permit casino gaming in 1990 and took a remarkably different approach than most other states. Some states enforced restrictions such as limiting the number of casinos that could open and player wagering and casino "riverboats" must be "cruising" before gaming action can get underway. Mississippi's approach allowed locations, such as Tunica, to have casinos with regulations that are similar to those in Las Vegas and Atlantic City: 24-hour-a-day, non-stop action with no limit wagering. Pure competition decides the success or failure of a casino. The free market has encouraged major investments in the construction of bigger and better facilities with all of the latest amenities to provide a first class product for the visitor.

An area where cotton, rice and soybean fields and catfish ponds thrived for generations is now "The South's Casino Capital." The county has progressed from being one of the most economically depressed areas in America into energetic prosperity. In just one decade, Tunica has become the nation's third largest gaming destination. While still experiencing the effects of such a drastic economic turnaround, Tunica is anticipating several new attractions: airport improvements totaling $40 million, $22 million - 168 acre RiverPark, Tunica Arena expansion and a county golf course.

Tunica, Mississippi, located thirty miles south of Memphis, TN, has 10 world-class casino resorts. With over 6,000 hotel rooms, over 40 restaurants, shopping, spas, and more - odds are you will love visiting Tunica. 

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