WILL GAMBLING RETURN TO MISSISSIPPI AFTER THIS WEEK?

The gaming industry, which is the backbone to the Mississippi Gulf Coast economy and contributes $740 million in tax revenue to the Magnolia State annually, is facing a big vote this week by the state legislature. That vote could determine the future of at least some of the area's casinos, which were devestated by Hurricane Katrina.

When casino gambling was approved 15 years ago, as a comprimise to mostly religious groups which were opposed to the idea, it was mandated that the casinos could not be built on land; instead, huge barges were constructed on which to build the gaming halls just off the beach. When Katrina struck with her Catagory 4 winds and huge storm surge, many of those barges were picked up and tossed over the beach...and in a couple of cases, over the four laned U.S. 90. The nearly 17,000 people whose jobs are directly related to the casino industry are out of work for now, and at least some of those jobs may never be back.

The Legislature began a special session last week to deal with Katrina-related issues, and many of the casino operators are seeking approval to make their operations land-based. Some operators are saying that their decision to return may be based on such approval. There are a couple of proposals to allow such land-based casino operations; one would allow casinos within 800 feet of the beach in Hancock and Harrison counties and just north of the beachfront U.S. 90 in Harrison County (Gulfport/Biloxi).

But it's by no means a given, even with the obvious benefits of the jobs and money it brings to the region. The Mississippi Baptist Convention, which has been historically very influential, remains adamently opposed to any land-based casino proposals. And with legislators home for the weekend, it was expected that pastors would take advantage of the opportunity to address their opposition from the pulpit.

It'll be an interesting fight. You would be truly surprised how many people from this neck o' the woods make the trek to Gulfport and Biloxi to enjoy the casinos.

U P D A T E (Monday, 10/03, 08:42 PM ET): The Mississippi Senate passed a measure this afternoon which would allow Gulf Coast casinos to build on land up to 800 feet from the water's edge. The bill, which passed by a close 29-21 vote, goes to Governor Haley Barbour for his signature...which he will likely sign.