Mississippi is ranked 31st in terms of population size and 32nd in terms of population density among all the states, according to 2014 data by the US Census Bureau.
Mississippi authorized riverboat gambling in 1990 and was, in fact, the third state to do so. On August 1st 1992 the first casino (The Isle of Capri in Biloxi) opened doors to its patrons. At present, the state hosts a total of 33 casinos, which offer gaming options such as video poker, blackjack, craps, roulette and 3-card poker as well as others. Among all gambling establishments, there are three Native American casinos, which are owned and managed by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.
A Closer Look at Industry Numbers
| Monthly Gross Casino Gaming Revenue in Mississippi in US dollars | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Period | GULF COAST COUNTIES | MISSISSIPPI RIVER COUNTIES | Total | |
| 2015 | April | $94,284,960 | $82,771,015 | $177,055,975 |
| March | $107,370,246 | $90,960,800 | $198,331,045 | |
| February | $95,214,234 | $85,705,081 | $180,919,316 | |
| January | $87,290,355 | $77,691,344 | $164,981,699 | |
| 2014 | December | $84,641,265 | $83,356,041 | $167,997,306 |
| November | $82,765,828 | $73,114,620 | $155,880,448 | |
| October | $90,931,389 | $76,051,391 | $166,982,779 | |
| September | $88,453,583 | $71,647,624 | $160,101,207 | |
| August | $94,139,559 | $80,956,794 | $175,096,352 | |
| July | $95,489,386 | $84,768,029 | $180,257,415 | |
| June | $98,544,819 | $77,555,213 | $176,100,032 | |
| May | $84,257,936 | $87,369,916 | $171,627,852 | |
| April | $84,544,909 | $79,267,903 | $163,812,812 | |
| March | $104,834,926 | $103,338,442 | $208,173,368 | |
| February | $89,379,756 | $92,974,650 | $182,354,407 | |
| January | $81,436,764 | $78,061,383 | $159,498,147 | |
| 2013 | December | $85,623,982 | $82,658,682 | $168,282,664 |
| November | $82,233,504 | $81,476,366 | $163,709,870 | |
| October | $83,231,403 | $82,225,655 | $165,457,058 | |
| September | $88,169,692 | $76,095,033 | $164,264,725 | |
| August | $89,980,470 | $89,037,374 | $179,017,843 | |
| July | $96,441,106 | $95,027,999 | $191,469,105 | |
| June | $84,676,084 | $89,054,463 | $173,730,547 | |
| May | $94,690,116 | $97,484,451 | $192,174,567 | |
| April | $85,271,222 | $90,438,125 | $175,709,347 | |
| March | $102,002,980 | $112,097,124 | $214,100,104 | |
| February | $89,129,364 | $98,985,180 | $188,114,544 | |
| January | $82,874,140 | $77,719,316 | $160,593,456 | |
| 2012 | December | $90,268,704 | $95,570,471 | $185,839,175 |
| November | $80,503,299 | $83,874,497 | $164,377,796 | |
| October | $83,451,387 | $83,941,595 | $167,392,983 | |
| September | $86,707,396 | $91,235,631 | $177,943,027 | |
| August | $86,340,381 | $92,107,180 | $178,447,561 | |
| July | $105,439,464 | $99,072,300 | $204,511,764 | |
| June | $89,922,598 | $96,968,253 | $186,890,851 | |
| May | $90,993,625 | $96,050,227 | $187,043,852 | |
| April | $93,377,702 | $93,706,743 | $187,084,446 | |
| March | $101,574,395 | $118,824,076 | $220,398,471 | |
| February | $98,373,412 | $115,708,848 | $214,082,260 | |
| January | $87,837,125 | $89,241,162 | $177,078,287 | |
| 2011 | December | $86,918,411 | $99,170,059 | $186,088,470 |
| November | $81,101,391 | $85,569,071 | $166,670,463 | |
| October | $88,242,635 | $93,945,909 | $182,188,544 | |
| September | $84,330,845 | $101,550,351 | $185,881,196 | |
| August | $90,891,526 | $93,817,622 | $184,709,148 | |
| July | $99,475,389 | $111,109,334 | $210,584,723 | |
| June | $93,970,509 | $92,167,346 | $186,137,854 | |
| May | $95,992,957 | $40,846,649 | $136,839,607 | |
| April | $87,442,376 | $101,874,488 | $189,316,864 | |
| March | $96,913,431 | $115,224,804 | $212,138,235 | |
| February | $93,582,860 | $115,051,131 | $208,633,991 | |
| January | $97,823,401 | $92,071,210 | $189,894,611 | |
| 2010 | December | $86,591,448 | $97,238,606 | $183,830,054 |
| November | $85,640,981 | $93,938,807 | $179,579,788 | |
| October | $88,068,482 | $103,529,254 | $191,597,736 | |
| September | $90,643,486 | $100,609,256 | $191,252,742 | |
| August | $101,208,923 | $100,535,259 | $201,744,181 | |
| July | $97,663,468 | $126,454,532 | $224,118,000 | |
| June | $87,073,953 | $102,385,250 | $189,459,203 | |
| May | $95,250,993 | $107,836,992 | $203,087,985 | |
| April | $92,505,892 | $105,664,788 | $198,170,680 | |
| March | $95,599,468 | $116,853,041 | $212,452,509 | |
| February | $95,769,140 | $125,088,774 | $220,857,914 | |
| January | $90,495,764 | $102,350,757 | $192,846,520 | |
Source: Mississippi Department of Revenue
| Monthly Change in Gross Casino Gaming Revenue in Mississippi in % | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Period | GULF COAST COUNTIES | MISSISSIPPI RIVER COUNTIES | Total | |
| 2015 | April | -12.19 | -9.00 | -10.73 |
| March | 12.77 | 6.13 | 9.62 | |
| February | 9.08 | 10.31 | 9.66 | |
| January | 3.13 | -6.80 | -1.80 | |
| 2014 | December | 2.27 | 14.01 | 7.77 |
| November | -8.98 | -3.86 | -6.65 | |
| October | 2.80 | 6.15 | 4.30 | |
| September | -6.04 | -11.50 | -8.56 | |
| August | -1.41 | -4.50 | -2.86 | |
| July | -3.10 | 9.30 | 2.36 | |
| June | 16.96 | -11.23 | 2.61 | |
| May | -0.34 | 10.22 | 4.77 | |
| April | -19.35 | -23.29 | -21.31 | |
| March | 17.29 | 11.15 | 14.16 | |
| February | 9.75 | 19.10 | 14.33 | |
| January | -4.89 | -5.56 | -5.22 | |
| 2013 | December | 4.12 | 1.45 | 2.79 |
| November | -1.20 | -0.91 | -1.06 | |
| October | -5.60 | 8.06 | 0.73 | |
| September | -2.01 | -14.54 | -8.24 | |
| August | -6.70 | -6.30 | -6.50 | |
| July | 13.89 | 6.71 | 10.21 | |
| June | -10.58 | -8.65 | -9.60 | |
| May | 11.05 | 7.79 | 9.37 | |
| April | -16.40 | -19.32 | -17.93 | |
| March | 14.44 | 13.25 | 13.81 | |
| February | 7.55 | 27.36 | 17.14 | |
| January | -8.19 | -18.68 | -13.58 | |
| 2012 | December | 12.13 | 13.94 | 13.06 |
| November | -3.53 | -0.08 | -1.80 | |
| October | -3.76 | -7.99 | -5.93 | |
| September | 0.43 | -0.95 | -0.28 | |
| August | -18.11 | -7.03 | -12.74 | |
| July | 17.26 | 2.17 | 9.43 | |
| June | -1.18 | 0.96 | -0.08 | |
| May | -2.55 | 2.50 | -0.02 | |
| April | -8.07 | -21.14 | -15.12 | |
| March | 3.25 | 2.69 | 2.95 | |
| February | 12.00 | 29.66 | 20.90 | |
| January | 1.06 | -10.01 | -4.84 | |
| 2011 | December | 7.17 | 15.89 | 11.65 |
| November | -8.09 | -8.92 | -8.52 | |
| October | 4.64 | -7.49 | -1.99 | |
| September | -7.22 | 8.24 | 0.63 | |
| August | -8.63 | -15.56 | -12.29 | |
| July | 5.86 | 20.55 | 13.13 | |
| June | -2.11 | 125.64 | 36.03 | |
| May | 9.78 | -59.90 | -27.72 | |
| April | -9.77 | -11.59 | -10.76 | |
| March | 3.56 | 0.15 | 1.68 | |
| February | -4.33 | 24.96 | 9.87 | |
| January | 12.97 | -5.31 | 3.30 | |
| 2010 | December | 1.11 | 3.51 | 2.37 |
| November | -2.76 | -9.26 | -6.27 | |
| October | -2.84 | 2.90 | 0.18 | |
| September | -10.44 | 0.07 | -5.20 | |
| August | 3.63 | -20.50 | -9.98 | |
| July | 12.16 | 23.51 | 18.29 | |
| June | -8.58 | -5.06 | -6.71 | |
| May | 2.97 | 2.06 | 2.48 | |
| April | -3.24 | -9.57 | -6.72 | |
| March | -0.18 | -6.58 | -3.81 | |
| February | 5.83 | 22.22 | 14.53 | |
| January | 8.26 | 0.92 | 4.24 | |
Monthly gross casino gaming revenue in Gulf Coast Counties fell for the first time in the past five months in April 2015, down 12.19%, to reach USD 94.284 million. The latter has been the lowest revenue figure since January 2015, when casino gaming revenue was valued at USD 87.290 million. April’s monthly rate of drop has also been the sharpest one since April 2014, when gross gaming revenue in Gulf Coast Counties slumped 19.35%. The latter has been the most considerable monthly revenue drop during the period January 2010-April 2015. On the other hand, the fastest monthly rate of gross gaming revenue growth in the region was reported in March 2014, 17.29%.
Casino gaming revenue in Gulf Coast Counties rose 11.52% in April 2015 compared to the same month a year ago, 10.57% compared to April 2013 and 0.97% compared to April 2012.
Monthly gross casino gaming revenue in Mississippi River Counties decreased for the first time in the past three months in April 2015, down 9.00%, to reach USD 82.771 million. The latter has been the lowest monthly revenue since January 2015, when a figure of USD 77.691 million was reported. April’s monthly rate of drop has been the most significant one since September 2014, when the gross gaming revenue figure went down 11.50%.
Within the period January 2010-April 2015, the most notable monthly rate of revenue drop was posted in May 2011, 59.90%. It also marked the end of the fourth out of five two-month declines, which were observed during the period in question. In the period April-May 2011, Mississippi River Counties had the largest back-to-back monthly decline in casino gaming revenue, or 71.49%, compared to a 16.00% drop in August-September 2014, -20.84% in August-September 2013, -16.41% in October-November 2011 and -16.16% in March-April 2010.
Within the period January 2010-April 2015, the most notable monthly rate of revenue growth in Mississippi River Counties was recorded in June 2011, or 125.64%.
Casino gaming revenue in Mississippi River Counties rose 4.42% in April 2015 compared to the same month a year earlier, but represented an 8.48% decline compared to April 2013 and an 11.67% decline compared to April 2012.
Monthly gross casino gaming revenue statewide went down for the first time in the past three months in April 2015, down 10.73%, to reach USD 177.055 million. The latter has been the lowest monthly revenue since January 2015, when a figure of USD 164.981 million was posted. April’s monthly rate of decline has been the sharpest one since April 2014, when the gross gaming revenue figure in the state slumped 21.31%.
Within the period January 2010-April 2015, the most considerable monthly rate of revenue drop was reported in May 2011, 27.72%. It also marked the end of the fifth out of seven two-month declines, which were observed during the examined period. In the period April-May 2011, the state of Mississippi had the largest back-to-back monthly decline in casino gaming revenue, or 38.48%, compared to an 11.42% drop in August-September 2014, -14.74% in August-September 2013, -15.14% in April-May 2012, -10.50% in October-November 2011, -15.18% in August-September 2010 and -10.53% in March-April 2010.
Within the period January 2010-April 2015, the most remarkable monthly rate of revenue growth in the state of Mississippi was posted in June 2011, or 36.03%.
Casino gaming revenue in the state of Mississippi rose 8.08% in April 2015 compared to the same month a year ago and 0.77% compared to April 2013, but represented a 5.36% decline compared to April 2012.
| Annual Gross Casino Gaming Revenue in Mississippi in US dollars | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Period | GULF COAST COUNTIES | MISSISSIPPI RIVER COUNTIES | Total |
| 2014 | $1,079,420,121 | $988,462,006 | $2,067,882,127 |
| 2013 | $1,064,324,063 | $1,072,299,767 | $2,136,623,830 |
| 2012 | $1,094,789,488 | $1,156,300,984 | $2,251,090,473 |
| 2011 | $1,096,685,732 | $1,142,397,973 | $2,239,083,705 |
| 2010 | $1,106,511,998 | $1,282,485,315 | $2,388,997,313 |
| 2009 | $1,114,778,815 | $1,349,883,335 | $2,464,662,149 |
| 2008 | $1,258,354,511 | $1,462,784,705 | $2,721,139,216 |
| 2007 | $1,302,102,369 | $1,589,444,058 | $2,891,546,427 |
| 2006 | $910,696,342 | $1,660,187,243 | $2,570,883,586 |
| 2005 | $886,158,035 | $1,582,318,836 | $2,468,476,871 |
| 2004 | $1,226,874,812 | $1,550,095,500 | $2,776,970,312 |
| 2003 | $1,173,314,320 | $1,526,522,916 | $2,699,837,236 |
| 2002 | $1,158,158,105 | $1,559,100,576 | $2,717,258,682 |
| 2001 | $1,151,112,775 | $1,549,325,030 | $2,700,437,805 |
| 2000 | $1,110,445,713 | $1,538,850,404 | $2,649,296,117 |
Source: Mississippi Department of Revenue
| Annual Change in Gross Casino Gaming Revenue in Mississippi in % | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Period | GULF COAST COUNTIES | MISSISSIPPI RIVER COUNTIES | Total |
| 2014 | 1.42 | -7.82 | -3.22 |
| 2013 | -2.78 | -7.26 | -5.08 |
| 2012 | -0.17 | 1.22 | 0.54 |
| 2011 | -0.89 | -10.92 | -6.28 |
| 2010 | -0.74 | -4.99 | -3.07 |
| 2009 | -11.41 | -7.72 | -9.43 |
| 2008 | -3.36 | -7.97 | -5.89 |
| 2007 | 42.98 | -4.26 | 12.47 |
| 2006 | 2.77 | 4.92 | 4.15 |
| 2005 | -27.77 | 2.08 | -11.11 |
| 2004 | 4.56 | 1.54 | 2.86 |
| 2003 | 1.31 | -2.09 | -0.64 |
| 2002 | 0.61 | 0.63 | 0.62 |
| 2001 | 3.66 | 0.68 | 1.93 |
Gross casino gaming revenue in Gulf Coast Counties rose for the first time in the past seven years, up at an annual rate of 1.42%, to reach USD 1.079 billion in 2014. Within the period of 2001-2014, gross gaming revenue in the region rose the most in 2007 (42.98%) and fell at the steepest annual rate in 2005 (-27.77%). The latter followed four consecutive years of revenue growth.
Gross casino gaming revenue in Mississippi River Counties dropped a second year in a row in 2014, down 7.82%, to reach USD 988.462 million. This has been the lowest revenue figure during the period 2000-2014. The sharpest rate of revenue decline was registered in 2011 (-10.92%), which marked the end of a five-year string of drops.
Gross casino gaming revenue in the state as a whole, decreased for a second consecutive year in 2014, down 3.22%, to reach USD 2.067 billion. The latter has been the lowest revenue level during the period in question. Gross gaming revenue in Mississippi slumped the most in 2005 (-11.11%) and increased at the steepest rate in 2007 (12.47%).
| Revenue Share by County in % | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Period | GULF COAST COUNTIES | MISSISSIPPI RIVER COUNTIES | Total |
| 2014 | 52.20 | 47.80 | 100.00 |
| 2013 | 49.81 | 50.19 | 100.00 |
| 2012 | 48.63 | 51.37 | 100.00 |
| 2011 | 48.98 | 51.02 | 100.00 |
| 2010 | 46.32 | 53.68 | 100.00 |
| 2009 | 45.23 | 54.77 | 100.00 |
| 2008 | 46.24 | 53.76 | 100.00 |
| 2007 | 45.03 | 54.97 | 100.00 |
| 2006 | 35.42 | 64.58 | 100.00 |
| 2005 | 35.90 | 64.10 | 100.00 |
| 2004 | 44.18 | 55.82 | 100.00 |
| 2003 | 43.46 | 56.54 | 100.00 |
| 2002 | 42.62 | 57.38 | 100.00 |
| 2001 | 42.63 | 57.37 | 100.00 |
| 2000 | 41.91 | 58.09 | 100.00 |
In 14 out of the past 15 years Mississippi River Counties played a dominant role in terms of gross casino gaming revenue in the state of Mississippi. Within the period of 2000-2014, on average, Mississippi River Counties accounted for 55.43% of the state’s total casino gaming revenue, with the highest share being reported in 2006 (64.58%), while the lowest – in 2014 (47.80%).
In 2014 Gulf Coast Counties became the dominant region in terms of gross casino gaming revenue, contributing to 52.20% of total revenue in the sector. Within the period of 2000-2014, on average, Gulf Coast Counties accounted for 44.57% of the state’s total casino gaming revenue. The highest revenue share was reported in 2014, while the lowest – in 2006 (35.42%).
