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A bill advancing in the Mississippi House could pave the way for a $500 million casino resort near the State Capitol, signaling a shift in gaming development.
HB 1879 Proposes Major Investment
House Bill 1879, which recently passed the House Ways and Means Committee, would permit the construction of a casino resort within 6,000 feet of the Mississippi State Capitol. The proposed location falls within the Capitol Complex Improvement District, an area targeted for economic revitalization.
If approved, the bill would attract significant private investment while addressing long-standing restrictions that have limited casinos to the Gulf Coast and Mississippi River regions. The casino would need to be owned by a licensed gaming operator and regulated by the state gaming commission. Additionally, to address concerns about competition, the state would compensate casinos in Vicksburg for any revenue losses resulting from the new venue.
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Support Grows for Casino Development
Rep. Chris Bell, a key advocate for the bill, emphasized that the project would require no state funding and represents a rare opportunity for Jackson.
"This is a $500 million investment in the City of Jackson, For the first time, the state is backing a project within the city’s boundaries.”
A coalition called Capitol City Forward, Together, which includes former Governor Haley Barbour, has urged lawmakers to support the initiative. In a letter to officials, the group highlighted the resort’s potential to attract visitors and stimulate growth across the state’s tourism and gaming industries.
“The scope of this project would benefit not only Jackson but all gaming destinations in Mississippi,” the letter stated. “Historically, competition has helped expand gaming markets.”
While a similar proposal failed to gain traction last year due to Republican opposition, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Trey Lamar expressed optimism about the bill’s chances.
“When investors want to put millions into downtown Jackson, that’s a conversation worth having.”
Additional Economic Incentives
Beyond casino development, HB 1879 includes provisions for tax incentives aimed at revitalizing neglected properties in Jackson. The bill also proposes a revolving loan program to support local businesses and tax credits for casino operators investing in facility upgrades.
Meanwhile, the Mississippi House recently approved a separate measure to legalize mobile sports betting, signaling a broader effort to expand gaming in the state.
