South Mississippi casinos see $1.5 billion in gaming exercise in 2025

BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) – Casinos proceed booming in South Mississippi, with the most recent information from the Mississippi Gaming Commission displaying that greater than $1.5 billion was spent in Coast casinos in 2025.

Barry Regula, president of Hollywood and Boomtown Casinos, stated the Mississippi Gulf Coast stays successful story within the gaming business resulting from robust operators with established loyalty packages.

“You’ve got operators like MGM, you’ve got Caesars, you’ve got Boyd, you’ve got people with big loyalty programs,” Regula stated. “So they have a lot of people in their database that come to the Gulf Coast.”

Property expansions

Boomtown Casino has restored its buffet and bakery after earlier closures. Regula stated the property is a neighborhood favourite recognized for its eating choices.

“They love coming to eat, and that’s what we’ve done there. We brought back the buffet better than ever, and we brought back the bakery better than ever,” Regula stated.

Hollywood Casino in Bay St. Louis continues increasing as a resort vacation spot with an RV park, golf course, marina, cigar lounge, cocktail lounge, and spa. The property can be midway via a lodge renovation, with six flooring accomplished. Regula expects to complete the challenge in 2026.

“It’s all about casting a wider net, more people coming from more places in the regional destination zone and coming to Hollywood,” Regula stated.

Mobile sports activities betting

Mississippi lawmakers are once more contemplating legalizing cell sports activities betting after earlier makes an attempt handed the House however stalled within the Senate. Regula stated cell betting would offer an alternative choice for purchasers who aren’t bodily in on line casino buildings.

Regula stated Hollywood Casino noticed a drop in in-person sports activities betting after Louisiana legalized cell betting.

“We’re hoping that if mobile sports betting comes online, some of those same customers will choose to use our platform and come on over into Mississippi from Louisiana,” Regula stated.

New guests

The Amtrak Mardi Gras line, which launched in August 2025, features a cease in Bay St. Louis.

Regula stated the prepare service brings in new guests and likewise gives an choice for guests who wish to take day journeys to New Orleans.

“I think the visitation and ridership have been good. It’s yet another way to be here,” Regula stated.

Hollywood Casino presents free Uber rides to Amtrak passengers with out transportation.

“It’s right there on the sign when you get off the train, hit it with your QR code, and come on over,” Regula stated.

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