Boomtown Biloxi Receives Warm Welcome at Re-Opening
Boomtown Biloxi has re-opened its doors to gamblers after its unfortunate closure due to damages sustained from hurricane Katrina. People lined up eagerly at the entrance, waiting to be let in once the casino doors open. Many of the patrons in line, aside from those coming from surrounding areas, were loyal customers all the way from sunshine state Florida.
"A lot of the people were from Florida, " Larry Gregory, executive director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission said. "I thought it would be mostly a locals' market since Boomtown catered to that market before Katrina. It is the only casino without a hotel."
Florida folks Abel and Jean Koren live six hours away in Apalachicola Bay, and drove over to be part of the opening. Harry and Edna Andes from Old Town, old customers of Boomtown Biloxi, were also there. "It's just the friendliest, " Harry Andes said.
Boomtown is the fifth casino to reopen since hurricanes Katrina and Rita wrought damage to the gaming industry in the region. Boomtown Biloxi was damaged by Katrina on Aug. 29. and its reopening has put 750 employees back to work.
Boomtown Biloxi's general manager Pat Murphy, graciously stood at the entrance greeting incoming customers old and new.
No big changes can be observed inside the casino, except the absence of the Family Fun Center, a spot reserved for children with an arcade where they also provide baby-sitting services.
"It's been hectic. It's been crazy, " Murphy said. "The employees are all jazzed up and excited."
Chairman of the House Gaming Committee Rep. Bobby Moak and executive director of Mississippi Gaming Commission Larry Gregory were present at the opening. "Look at it, " Moak observed. "The floor has just filled up in literally five minutes."
Boomtown Biloxi has revamped its gambling barge and installed brand new slot machines upon opening. The casino now houses 1, 000 slot machines and 22 game tables.
Boomtown Biloxi is owned by Penn National Gaming, which also has another casino set to reopen later this year. The company is re-introducing its Bay St. Louis property as Hollywood Casino.
Boomtown Biloxi joined the group of four other casinos that reopened following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the IP, the Isle of Capri, The Palace, and Treasure Bay.
Other casinos set for reopening are Grand Casino Biloxi (Mid-August), Beau Rivage (Aug. 29), Island View, a casino at the site of the former Gulfport Grand's Oasis Hotel (September) and the Silver Slipper in Hancock County (October).
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