Mississippi was the third state to legalize riverboat gambling when it was approved by that state's legislature in 1990. The law restricts casinos to coast waters (including the Bay of St. Louis and the Back Bay of Biloxi) along the Mississippi River and in navigable waters of counties that border the river.

Mississippi law also requires that riverboats be permanently moored at the dock and they are not permitted to cruise. This allows the riverboats to offer 24-hour dockside gambling. The Isle of Capri in Biloxi was the first casino to open on August 1, 1992 followed one month later by The President.

Since the law does not require that the floating vessel actually resemble a boat, almost all of the casinos are built on barges. This gives them the appearance of a land-based building, rather than a riverboat.

The Mississippi Gaming Commission does not break down its slot statistics by individual properties. Rather, they are classified by region. The Coastal region includes Biloxi, Gulfport and Bay Saint Louis. The North region includes Tunica, Greenville and Lula. The Central region includes Vicksburg and Natchez.

With that in mind here's information, as supplied by the Mississippi Gaming Commission, showing the machine payback percentages for each area's casinos for the one-year period from July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2004: 

These numbers reflect the percentage of money returned on each denomination of machine and encompass all electronic machines including video poker and video keno. The best returns for each category are highlighted in bold print and you can see that all of the gaming areas offer rather similar returns on their machines.

Mississippi is one of the few states that breaks down its progressive machine statistics separately and you can see that the return is always less on machines with progressive jackpots.

Unless otherwise noted, all casinos are open 24 hours and offer: slots, video poker, blackjack, craps, roulette and Caribbean stud poker.
Other game listings include: Spanish 21 (S21), baccarat (B), mini-baccarat (MB), poker (P), pai gow poker (PGP), let it ride (LIR), three card poker (TCP), big six wheel (B6), casino war (CW) and keno (K). The minimum gambling age is 21 and all casinos offer free valet parking.

NOTE: If you happen to win a jackpot of $1,200 or more in Mississippi, the casino will deduct 3% of your winnings and pay it to the Mississippi Tax Commission as a gambling tax. The tax is nonrefundable and the $1,200 threshold would also apply to any cash prizes won in casino drawings or tournaments.

For more information on visiting Mississippi call the state's tourism department at (866) SEE-MISS or go to: www.visitmisissippi.com

For Biloxi tourism information call (800) 237-9493 or go to: www.gulfcoast.org. For Tunica tourism information call (888) 4-TUNICA or go to: www.tunicamiss.com

A new casino, the Silver Slipper Casino and Gambling Hall, in  Waveland, near Bay St. Louis, could open as early as mid-2005. Unfortunately, there was no information  available on this casino at press time.

We suggest that you contact the Hancock County Tourism Bureau at (228) 463-9222 for updated information on this casino.

Casino Magic - Bay St. Louis
711 Casino Magic Drive
Bay St. Louis, Mississippi 39520
(228) 467-9257
Website: www.casinomagic-baystlouis.com

Toll-Free Number: (800) 5-MAGIC-5
Rooms: 498  Price Range: $69-$159
Suites: 78  Price Range: $225
Restaurants: 5 (1 open 24 hours)
Buffets: B-$7.99  L-$8.99/$15.99 (Sat/Sun)  D-$15.99
Casino Size: 39,500 Square Feet
Other Games: PGP, LIR, TCP
Overnight RV Parking: Free/RV Dump: No
Special Features: 100 hookup RV Park. 25-slip marina. 18-hole golf course. Spa and fitness center.

Beau Rivage
875 Beach Boulevard
Biloxi, Mississippi 39530
(228) 386-7111
Website: www.beaurivageresort.com

Toll-Free Number: (888) 750-7111
Room Reservations: (888) 56-ROOMS
Rooms: 1,740  Price Range: $79-$249
Suites:  95  Price Range: $275-$350
Restaurants: 8 (1 open 24 hours)
Buffets: B-$8.99/$14.99 (Sat/Sun)  L-$11.99  D-$15.99/$19.99 (Fri)
Casino Size: 71,669 Square Feet
Other Games: MB, PGP, LIR, TCP, CW
Casino Marketing: (888) 567-2328
Overnight RV Parking: Free (must use self-   parking lot across the street)
RV Dump: No
Senior Discount: 50% off Friday breakfast or lunch buffets, if 55 or older and club member
Special Features: Microbrewery. Health spa and salon. 31-slip marina. Master coffee roaster. Retail shopping promenade.

Boomtown Casino - Biloxi
676 Bayview Avenue
Biloxi, Mississippi 39530
(228) 435-7000
Website: www.boomtownbiloxi.com

Toll-Free Number: (800) 627-0777
Restaurants: 2 (1 open 24 hours)
Buffets: B-$5.99  L-$7.99/$12.49 (Sat-Sun)  D-$12.99
Casino Size: 33,632 Square Feet
Other Games:  PGP, TCP, No CSP
Overnight RV Parking: Free/RV Dump: No
Senior Discount: If 50 or older join Wild
Bunch Seniors Club for various discounts
Special Features: Family video arcade. Western gift and clothing shop. 24-hour bakery.

Casino Magic - Biloxi
195 E. Beach Boulevard
Biloxi, Mississippi 39530
(228) 386-4600
Website: www.casinomagic.com

Toll-Free Number: (866) 867-7711
Rooms: 292  Price Range: $65-$249
Suites: 86  Price Range: $220-$349
Restaurants: 4 (1 open 24 hours)
Buffets:  B-$7.99  L-$9.99  D-$13.99/$15.99 (Fri-Sun)
Casino Size: 49,260 Square Feet
Other Games:  PGP, LIR, TCP
Overnight RV Parking: Free/RV Dump: No
Senior Discount:  Various Mon-Fri if 50+
Special Features: All suites have jacuzzis.

Grand Casino Biloxi
265 Beach Boulevard
Biloxi, Mississippi 39530
(228) 436-2946
Website: www.grandbiloxi.com

Toll-Free Number: (800) 946-2946
Rooms: 1,000  Price Range: $49-$229
Suites: 64  Price Range: $159-$299
Restaurants: 6 (1 open 24 hours)
Buffets: B-$7.99  L-$8.99  D-$13.99
Casino Size: 134,200 Square Feet
Other Games: MB, PGP, LIR, TCP, P, B6
Overnight RV Parking: Free/RV Dump: No
Special Features: Kid's Quest childcare center. Video arcade. Spa. Specialty retail shops. Golf packages.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Biloxi
777 Beach Boulevard
Biloxi, Mississippi 39530
(228) 374-7625
Website: www.hardrockbiloxi.com

EXPECTED TO OPEN SUMMER 2005
Rooms: 306  Prices: Not Set At Press Time
Suites: 64  Prices: Not Set At Press Time
Restaurants: 3 (1 open 24 hours)
Buffets: Not Set At Press Time
Casino Size: 48,500 Square Feet
Other Games: Not Set At Press Time
Special Features: Hard Rock Cafe. Display of Rock N' Roll memorabilia. 1,500-seat showroom.

Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino
850 Bayview Avenue
Biloxi, Mississippi 39530
(228) 436-3000
Website: www.ipbiloxi.com

Toll-Free Number: (800) 436-3000
Toll-Free Number: (888) WIN-AT-IP
Room Reservations: (800) 634-6441
Rooms: 1,000  Price Range: $49-$129
Suites:  14   Price Range: $139-$189
Restaurants: 10 (1 open 24 hours)
Buffets: B-$5.95  L-$7.95  D-$11.95/$12.95 (Fri/Sat)
Casino Size: 70,000 Square Feet
Other Games: MB, PGP, LIR, TCP, B6
Overnight RV Parking: No
Special Features: Six-screen movie theater. Comedy Club. Health spa. Video arcade.

Isle of Capri Casino & Hotel - Biloxi
151 Beach Boulevard
Biloxi, Mississippi 39530
(228) 436-4753
Website: www.isleofcapricasino.com

Toll-Free Number: (800) 843-4753
Rooms: 367  Price Range: $49-$139
Restaurants: 3 (1 open 24 hours)
Buffets: B-$7.25  L-$9.00  D-$13.95
Casino Size: 32,500 Square Feet
Other Games: LIR, TCP
Overnight RV Parking: Free/RV Dump: No
Senior Discount: Various on Tue/Thu if 50+
Special Features: Slot club members receive room discounts. 10% room discount for AAA and AARP members. Health club.

Palace Casino Resort
158 Howard Avenue
Biloxi, Mississippi 39530
(228) 432-8888
Website: www.palacecasinoresort.com

Toll-Free Number: (800) PALACE-9
Rooms: 234  Price Range: $89-$159
Suites: 2  Price Range: $500
Restaurants: 3 (1 open 24 hours)
Buffets: L-$8.99/$15.99 (Sun)  D-$13.99/$15.99 (Fri-Sun)
Casino Size: 58,500 Square Feet
Other Games: PGP, TCP
Overnight RV Parking: No
Senior Discount: Various on Thu if 50+
Special Features: Health spa. 20-slip marina.

President Casino Broadwater Resort
2110 Beach Boulevard
Biloxi, Mississippi 39531
(228) 385-3500
Website: www.broadwater.com

Toll-Free Number: (800) THE-PRES
Rooms: 500  Price Range: $65-$125
Suites: 12  Price Range: $210-$330
Restaurants: 3 (1 open 24 hours)
Buffets: B-$5.99/$13.99 (Sun) L-$8.99/$12.99 (Fri-Sat) 
D-$12.99/$6.95 (Mon)
Casino Size: 38,297 Square Feet
Other Games: P, TCP, No CSP
Overnight RV Parking: No
Fun Book: Need coupon from local card racks
Senior Discount: $3.99 breakfast and $5.95 lunch Mon-Thu if 50 or older
Special Features: Marina. Golf packages.

Treasure Bay Casino Resort
1980 Beach Boulevard
Biloxi, Mississippi 39531
(228) 385-6000
Website: www.treasurebay.com

Toll-Free Number: (800) PIRATE-9
Rooms: 262  Price Range: $59-$119
Suites: 8  Price Range: $189-$338
Restaurants: 3 (1 open 24 hours)
Buffets: B-$5.95  L-$7.95 D-$13.95
Size: 41,000 Square Feet
Other Games: PGP, LIR, TCP
Overnight RV Parking: No
Senior Discount: Various for club members 55+
Special Features: Casino is 400-foot replica of 18th century pirate ship and fort that is built on a barge. On-site brewery. 10% room discount to AARP members.

Greenville Casinos
Map: #6 (On the Mississippi River, 121 miles N.W. of Jackson)

Gulfport Casinos
Map: #3 (On the Gulf of Mexico, 70 miles E. of New Orleans)

Copa Casino
777 Copa Boulevard
Gulfport, Mississippi 39501
(228) 863-3330
Website: www.thecopacasino.com

Grand Casino Gulfport
3215 W. Beach Boulevard
Gulfport, Mississippi 39501
(228) 870-7777
Website: www.grandgulfport.com

Toll-Free Number: (800) WIN-7777
Room Reservations: (800) 354-2450
Rooms: 1000  Price Range: $59-$199
Suites: 74   Price Range: $149 and up
Restaurants: 12 (1 open 24 hours)
Buffets: B-$7.99 L-$9.99/$12.99 (Sat/Sun)  D-$13.99/$14.99 (Fri/Sat)
Casino Size: 85,000 Square Feet
Other Games: MB, P, PGP, LIR, TCP, K
Overnight RV Parking: No
Special Features: Kids Quest childcare. Video
arcade. Three-acre pool area and lazy river ride. Unisex spa and salon. Golf packages.

Isle of Capri Casino & Hotel - Lula
777 Isle of Capri Parkway
Lula, Mississippi 38644
(662) 363-4600
Website: www.isleofcapricasino.com

Toll-Free Number: (800) 789-5825
Toll-Free Number: (800) THE-ISLE
Rooms: 173  Price Range: $49-$90
Suites: 4   Price Range: $80-$149
Restaurants: 4  (1 open 24 hours)
Buffets: B-$5.95  L-$8.95  D-$12.95
Casino Size: 63,500 Square Feet
Other Games: LIR, TCP
Overnight RV Parking: Free/RV Dump: No
Senior Discount: Various on Mon/Wed if 50+
Special Features: Two movie theaters. 10% hotel discount for AAA and AARP members.

A new casino, the Emerald Star Casino, could open  in Natchez as early as mid-2005. Unfortunately, there was no information  available on this casino at press time.

We suggest that you contact the Natchez Chamber of Commerce at (601) 445-4611 for updated information on this casino.

Isle of Capri Casino & Hotel - Natchez
53 Silver Street
Natchez, Mississippi 39120
(601) 445-0605
Website: www.isleofcapricasino.com

Toll-Free Number: (800) 722-LUCK
Toll-Free Number: (800) THE-ISLE
Rooms: 147  Price Range: $79-$99
Suites: 5  Price Range: $135-$165
Restaurants: 2
Buffets: B: $6.95 (Fri/Sat)  L-$6.95  D-$10.95/$12.95 (Fri-Sun)
Size: 15,783 Square Feet
Other Games: TCP, No CSP
Overnight RV Parking: No
Special Features: Casino is built on barge that resembles 1860s paddlewheeler.

Bally's Tunica
1450 Bally's Boulevard
Robinsonville, Mississippi 38664
(662) 357-1500
Website: www.casinoms.com

Toll-Free Number: (800) 382-2559
Rooms: 235  Price Range: $40-$125
Suites: 8  Price Range: $250-$425
Restaurants: 2 (1 open 24 hours)
Buffets: B-$7.95  L-$8.95  D-$13.95
Casino Size: 40,000 Square Feet
Other Games: PGP, TCP
Overnight RV Parking: Free/RV Dump: No
Special Features: Refrigerators in every room. $1 buffet on Thursdays for ladies who are slot club members.

Fitzgeralds Casino/Hotel
711 Lucky Lane
Robinsonville, Mississippi 38664
(662) 363-5825
Website: www.fitzgeraldstunica.com

Toll-Free Number: (800) 766-LUCK
Room Reservations: (888) 766-LUCK
Rooms: 507  Price Range: $29-$99
Suites: 70  Price Range: $69-$199
Buffets: B-$6.25  L-$8.50  D-$10.99
Restaurants: 3 (1 open 24 hours)
Casino Size: 36,000 Square Feet
Other Games: LIR, TCP
Overnight RV Parking: Free/RV Dump: No
Senior Discount: 10% AARP room discount
Special Features: Indoor pool and spa. Sports pub.

Gold Strike Casino
100 Casino Center Drive
Robinsonville, Mississippi 38664
(662) 357-1111
Website: www.goldstrikemississippi.com

Toll-Free Number: (888) 24K-PLAY
Room Reservations: (888) 245-7829
Rooms: 1,130 Price Range: $45-$99
Suites: 70   Price Range: $169-$239
Restaurants: 3 (1 open 24 hours)
Buffets: B-$7.75  L-$8.95  D-$14.95/$18.95 (Fri)
Casino Size: 50,486 Square Feet
Other Games: MB, PGP, LIR, P, TCP
Casino Marketing: (800) 871-CLUB
Overnight RV Parking: No
Special Features: Food court with three fast-food restaurants. Health spa. Starbucks.

Grand Casino Tunica
13615 Old Highway 61 N.
Robinsonville, Mississippi 38664
(662) 363-2788
Website: www.grandtunica.com

Toll-Free Number: (800) 946-4946
Rooms: 1,356  Price Range: $45-$159
Suites: 117  Price Range: $140-$279
Restaurants: 8 (1 open 24 hours)
Buffets:  B-$7.99  L-$8.99  D-$14.99/$16.99 (Fri)
Casino Size: 136,000 Square Feet
Other Games: MB, P, PGP, LIR, TCP
Overnight RV Parking: Must use RV park
Special Features: World's largest dockside casino. 18-hole golf course. Kid's Quest  childcare  center. 200-space RV park. Spa and salon. Shooting range.

Hollywood Casino Tunica
1150 Casino Strip Resorts Boulevard
Robinsonville, Mississippi 38664
(662) 357-7700
Website: www.hollywoodtunica.com

Toll-Free Number: (800) 871-0711
Rooms: 437  Price Range: $59-$149
Suites: 57  Price Range: $129-$350
Restaurants: 3 (1 open 24 hours)
Buffets: B-$7.50/$12.50 (Sun)  L-$8.95 
D-$12.95/$15.50 (Tue/Thu)/$19.50 (Fri)
Size: 54,000 Square Feet
Other Games: P, TCP
Overnight RV Parking: Must use RV park
Special Features: Casino features a collection of Hollywood memorabilia. 123-space RV park. Slot club members get 10-15% discount in hotel, restaurants and gift shop. Indoor pool and jacuzzi. 18-hole golf course.

Horseshoe Casino & Hotel
1021 Casino Center Drive
Robinsonville, Mississippi 38664
(662) 357-5500
Website: www.horseshoe.com

Toll-Free Number: (800) 303-7463
Rooms: 200  Price Range: $59-$89
Suites: 311 Price Range: $99-$129
Restaurants: 2 (1 open 24 hours)
Buffets: B-$7.75/$13.25 (Sun) L-$8.75
D-$13.95/$22.50 (Fri)/$15.95 (Sat)
Casino Size: 63,000 Square Feet
Other Games: MB, LIR, P, PGP, TCP
Overnight RV Parking: Free/RV Dump: No
Special Features: Blues & Legends Hall of Fame Museum. Bluesville Nightclub.

Resorts Tunica
1100 Casino Strip Boulevard
Robinsonville, Mississippi 38664
(662) 363-7777
Website: www.resortstunica.com

Toll-Free Number: (866) 676-7070
Rooms: 180  Price Range: $59-$129
Suites: 20  Price Range: $149 and up
Restaurants: 3 (open 24 hours)
Buffets: L-$8.99  D-$12.99/$15.99 (Sat)
Casino Size: 35,000 Square Feet
Other Games: LIR, TCP
Overnight RV Parking: Free/RV Dump: No
Special Features: River Bend Links golf course. 10% AARP room discount (Sun-Thu).

Sam's Town Tunica
1477 Casino Strip Boulevard
Robinsonville, Mississippi 38664
(662) 363-0711
Website: www.samstowntunica.com

Toll-Free Number: (800) 456-0711
Rooms: 850  Price Range: $39-$109
Suites: 44  Price Range: $59-$199
Restaurants: 4 (1 open 24 hours)
Buffets: B-$7.95  L-$8.95/$9.95 (Fri/Sat) D-$12.95/$17.95 (Fri/Sat)
Corky's Barbecue Buffet: D-$8.95
Size: 74,210 Square Feet
Other Games: MB, P, PGP, LIR, TCP, K
Overnight RV Parking: Free/RV Dump: No
Special Features: 18-hole golf course. Slot club members get buffet discount.

Sheraton Casino & Hotel
1107 Casino Center Drive
Robinsonville, Mississippi 38664
(662) 363-4900
Website: www.caesars.com/Sheraton/Tunica

Toll-Free Number: (800) 391-3777
Suites: 140  Price Range: $79-$169
Restaurants: 4 (1 open 24 hours)
Buffets: L-$7.95  D-$13.95/$16.95 (Fri)
Casino Size: 32,800 Square Feet
Other Games: LIR, TCP
Overnight RV Parking: No
Special Features: Jacuzzi in every room. Spa and fitness center.

Vicksburg is one of the most historic cities in the South and is most famous for its National Military Park where 17,000 Union soldiers are buried. The Park is America's best-preserved Civil War battlefield and you can take a 16-mile drive through the 1,858-acre Park on a self-guided tour. In the Park you can also see the U.S.S. Cairo, the only salvaged Union Ironclad. Admission to the Park is $4 per car and allows unlimited returns for seven days.

Downtown Vicksburg is also home to several museums: The Old Court House ($3 admission), Gray and Blue Naval ($2.50 admission), Antique Doll and Toy ($2 admission); and Coca-Cola ($2.95 admission).

There are also about 12 historic homes in Vicksburg that are open to the public for narrated tours. Admission prices are $5 for adults and $2 to $3 for children 12 and under. Some of the homes also function as Bed and Breakfasts and rooms can be rented for overnight stays.

For more information on visiting Vicksburg call the city's Convention and Visitors Bureau at (800) 221-3536.

Ameristar Casino Hotel - Vicksburg
4146 Washington Street
Vicksburg, Mississippi 39180
(601) 638-1000
Website: www.ameristarcasinos.com

Reservation Number: (800) 700-7770
Rooms: 146  Price Range: $69-$99
Suites: 4   Price Range: $99-$129
Restaurants: 3 (1 open 24 hours)
Buffets: B-$4.99 L-$6.99/$12.99 (Sat/Sun)  D-$10.99/$17.99 (Fri/Sat)
Casino Size: 42,500 Square Feet
Other Games: LIR, TCP
Overnight RV Parking: No
Special Features: AAA members receive 10% hotel discount.

Horizon Casino Hotel
1310 Mulberry Street
Vicksburg, Mississippi 39180
(601) 636-3423
Website: www.horizonvicksburg.com

Toll-Free Number: (800) 843-2343
Rooms: 101  Price Range: $69-$109
Suites: 16  Price Range: $99-$129
Restaurants: 3 (1 open 24 hours)
Buffets: B-$4.99/$9.99 Sun)  L-$7.49/$9.99 (Sun) 
D-$10.99/$8.99 (Fri-Sun)
Casino Size: 20,000 Square Feet
Other Games: P, TCP, No CSP
Overnight RV Parking: No
Special Features: Casino is on 1,200-passenger paddlewheel riverboat. Planet 4 Kids childcare facility. 10% room discount for AAA and AARP members.

Isle of Capri Casino & Hotel - Vicksburg
3990 Washington Street
Vicksburg, Mississippi 39180
(601) 636-5700
Website: www.isleofcapricasino.com

Toll-Free Number: (800) THE-ISLE
Rooms: 61  Price Range: $59-$99
Suites: 61  Price Range: $99-$149
Restaurants: 2 (1 open 24 hours)
Buffets: B-$4.99  L-$6.99  D-$10.99/$14.99 (Fri-Sun)
Casino Size: 24,000 Square Feet
Other Games: LIR, TCP
Overnight RV Parking: Must use RV park
Senior Discount: Various discounts if 50+
Special Features: 67-space RV park ($17 per night). Room discount for slot club members.

Rainbow Hotel Casino
1380 Warrenton Road
Vicksburg, Mississippi 39182
(601) 636-7575
Website: www.rainbowcasino.com

Toll-Free Number: (800) 503-3777
Room Reservations: (800) 821-8330
Rooms: 82  Price Range: $49-$75
Suites: 7  Price Range: $69-$89
Restaurants: 1 (open 24 hours)
Buffets: B-$4.44  L-$5.99/$6.99 (Sat/Sun)  D-$8.99/$13.99 (Fri/Sat)
Casino Size: 25,000 Square Feet
Other Games: TCP
Overnight RV Parking: No
Senior Discount: Various discounts if 50+
Special Features: Hotel is Amerihost Inn.

Indian Casino

Pearl River Resort & Casino
Highway 16 West
Philadelphia, Mississippi 39350
(601) 650-1234
Website: www.pearlriverresort.com
Map: #8 (81 miles N.E. of Jackson)

Toll-Free Number: (800) 557-0711
Room Reservations (866) 44-PEARL
Silver Star Rooms: 450 Prices: $49-$124
Silver Star Suites: 50 Prices: $180-$780
Golden Moon Rooms: 572  Prices: $99-$144
Golden Moon Suites: 144  Prices: $230-$800
Restaurants: 12 (1 open 24 hours)
Silver Star Buffet: L-$5.99/$10.99 (Sat/Sun)  D-$9.99
Golden Moon Buffet: B-$12.99 (Sat/Sun)  L-$6.99  D-$13.99
Silver Star Casino Size: 90,000 Square Feet
Golden Moon Casino Size: 90,000 Square Feet
Other Games: MB, LIR, P, TCP, B6
Overnight RV Parking: Free/RV Dump: No
Special Features: Resort consists of two separate hotel/casinos across the street from each other. 18-hole golf course. 15-acre water theme park. Health spa. Beauty salon. Gift shop. Specialty retail shops. 10% room discount for AAA/AARP members (Sun-Thu).