New Casino on the Coast

The city of Gulfport is rolling the dice with Mississippi Coast Entertainment on a $140 million casino project near the small craft harbor. Officials believe the casino will add to Gulfport’s growth and development but how do residents feel about it? News 25’s Laurene Callander hit the streets of downtown Gulfport to find out.
Just last month, officials broke ground on Fishbone Alley with a turn of the dirt, signifying plans to turn what was once an eyesore into a city destination. The alleyway isn’t the only area in downtown Gulfport getting new life. City leaders announced a partnership with Mississippi Coast Entertainment Tuesday evening to develop a casino resort in the city’s small craft harbor. Gulfport resident Antonio Bogan said, “I feel like it’s a good idea. I mean, I feel like tourists come around, people come around, I don’t see why not.”
The $140 million project includes a casino, hotel, parking garage, and performance theater. It will also open new employment doors here on the Coast. “People need more jobs. I know a lot of friends of mine that need jobs. I think it’s a great idea,” said Bogan.
Carl Carmichael is visiting the Coast. He said, “Management is the key to anything, if you don’t have it managed right, it’s not going to be a positive thing, it’s going to be negative. It’ll bring in all the bad people, the bad crowds. Manage it properly, take the funds from it, do something positive with it that invests in the community, not the individual, and you’ll get something out of it.”
While some Gulfport residents see the brand new casino as a golden opportunity for job development, others think their safety is at risk. Gulfport resident Donna Moore said, “Right now, I feel safe. However, if the casino comes along, I’m not certain if I’d walk at night like I do.”
Residents hope the city and casino will also make a wager on safety measures to protect the area’s greatest assets: the people who live, visit and work in the area.

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