The Mississippi Gulf Coast has been an entertainment mecca
for several decades, but it wasn't always a gambling-friendly place. The very
first resort in the area Isle of Caprice opened in 1925 to incredible fanfare,
but there was pushback about gambling from the local authorities and religious
organizations. Slot machines and pinball machines were outlawed by the governor
in 1938, and raids on businesses to seek out illegal gambling were frequent. The
passing of the Mississippi Gaming Control Act of 1990 finally legalized
off-shore, dock-side gambling. The history of gaming in Mississippi is truly
fascinating.
Today, many cities of the Mississippi Gulf Coast allow gambling, and beautiful Vegas-style casinos and resorts have sprung up from the sand. Some of them even celebrate National Card Playing Day on December 28. If you haven't visited the coast in a while, now is the time to see what you've been missing.
The Most Thrilling Casinos on the Coast
1. Silver Slipper Casino & Hotel
5000 S Beach Blvd., Bay St. Louis, (228) 469-2777
silverslipper-ms.com
The Silver Slipper is a 21+ hotel and casino with classic slots and table games for everyone to play. Along with official sports betting, you'll never be bored with the options for gambling at Silver Slipper. They host frequent promotions so you could even be the winner of big-ticket prizes like a smart TV or even a new car. Frequent players can join their Slipper Rewards program to earn points towards free play, special offers, gift shop discounts, and more amazing perks.
Guests staying at the Silver Slipper can enjoy their pool/bar that overlooks the beautiful beach or eat at the restaurants around the venue. Their cozy rooms will feel like a home away from home (but with a beach view). Comfort, familiarity, and quality are all promises of Silver Slipper Casino.
2. Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort
9380 Central Ave., D'Iberville, (888) 752-9772
scarletpearlcasino.com
Scarlet Pearl is a hotel and casino that takes VIP treatment to the next level with their Orchid Room. This space allows VIP players to have a private gaming area with table service, a personal television, and phone charging outlets. Regular players can still enjoy 60,000 square feet of casino with hundreds of slot machines, sports betting, and over 30 gaming tables.
At Scarlet Pearl, it's all about getting a room with a view. Their 300 rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows with a beautiful view of the harbor. If you're looking to live in luxury, stay at the Scarlet Pearl.
3. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
777 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, (228) 374-7625
hrhcbiloxi.com
The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino has become a household name across the country for a good reason. Their 50,000-square-foot casino has nearly 1,000 electronic games that are always being updated for your enjoyment. Or you can try your luck at over 50 table games like Blackjack, Texas Hold'em, Craps, and more.
The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino also has nine restaurants, huge live performances, and a gift shop with their iconic Hard Rock merch. Guests can even rent a record player and vinyl to their hotel door with the Hard Rock exclusive service, Wax. Whatever you're staying at The Hard Rock for, you're sure to feel like the star of the show.
4. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
875 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, (228) 386-7111
beaurivage.mgmresorts.com
Standing like a glorious castle on the sands of the Gulf of Mexico, the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino never fails to impress in looks, dining, shopping, entertainment, and, of course, gaming. The Beau's theater receives big-name performers regularly, but there will also be great bands playing in the Eight75 lounge.
Before you hit the extensive floor, have dinner at the new seafood restaurant Coraline's, Pan-Asian fusion restaurant Jia, or Italian restaurant Stella. There are even more options than that to check out. You're really going to need a whole weekend to see it all.
5. Margaritaville Resort & Family
Entertainment Center
195 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, (228) 271-6377
margaritavilleresortbiloxi.com
Margaritaville was made to get away from it all, even the casino. Margaritaville in Biloxi previously operated a casino, but now the resort caters mostly to families with the largest arcade in the country.
The fun doesn't end at the arcade, though. The kids (of all ages) will
love the 450-foot lazy river, waterslides, and waterpark on the roof with
beautiful views of the gulf. And adults will really enjoy the swim-up bar that
looks like a cave made for a mermaid. Don't forget the sunscreen; you'll be spending
a lot of time in the sun.
6. Treasure Bay Casino & Hotel
1980 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, (228) 385-6000
treasurebay.com
Gaming is the main focus at Treasure Bay; the slots and tables are where you can find a fortune if you're lucky. Sports Book is also at The Bay, and sports betters are always ready to place their bet on the line. When you're taking a break from the action, there are many ways to unwind and fulfill your other senses.
Infinity Buffet overlooks the glittering infinity pool terrace which has
recently been renovated to include upgraded cabanas and more food options from
Agua. The lovely lounge blu is the best place for an after-dinner drink in some
comfy chairs while overlooking the gulf from the window. Treasure Bay is only
open to adults aged 21 and over.
7. Hollywood Casino
711 Hollywood Blvd., Bay St. Louis, (228) 469-2100
hollywoodgulfcoast.com
The Hollywood Casino makes its guests feel like stars on the floor and in their luxurious rooms. But they have the option of hosting you in the RV park or marina for those who prefer staying in their own space.
Hollywood Casino is located nearer to Old Town Bay St. Louis, and it is
highly recommended that you take an afternoon to peruse the area at your
leisure. You can also spend some time playing on the golf course designed by
Arnold Palmer himself. The casino will be there for the late-night fun.
8. Island View Casino & Resort
3300 W. Beach Blvd., Gulfport, (228) 314-2100
islandviewcasino.com
Island View stands out among the rest because it is smoke-free. It also has some incredible dining options like the Prime Cut, Carter Green Steakhouse, and Beach BLVD Steamer. It's the best mix of surf-and-turf on the coast.
Real players will get great deals when they sign up for the Player's Club. There are promotions happening constantly that you'll want to take advantage of, so make sure to check Island View's website and see what they have going on.
9. IP Casino & Resort
850 Bayview Ave., Biloxi, (228) 436-3000
ipbiloxi.com
The IP is one of the top destinations on the Mississippi Gulf Coast for New Orleanians. The deals are so good that it makes everyone want to come back for more. The IP towers over the competition at 32 stories high, and they would love to host your furbabies in a dog-friendly room.
Put on your walking shoes for the casino floor; the IP boasts 70,000
square-feet of nothing but gaming. That's 1,200 slots, 48 table games, and even
a non-smoking poker room. The immensely popular Sportsbook is also available there for sports betters.
10. Golden Nugget
151 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, (228) 435-5400
goldennugget.com/biloxi
When the weather is hot, young adults love to mix and mingle at Golden Nugget's H2O Pool and Bar. The lounge areas, fire pits, and private cabanas are to die for, but it's the in-pool day beds that really get a lot of attention. They're perfect for taking selfies that cause envy.
In the evening before you hit the busy gaming floor, have dinner at one
of the fine dining restaurants like Morton's The Steakhouse, Lillie's Asian Cuisine,
or Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. You can unwind in the Rush Lounge until the early
morning hours.
These Are The Most Exciting Casinos on The Gulf Coast
Don't have all your fun at one table! There's plenty of places to get your game on along the Mississippi coast, and you may want to make it a regular trip so that you can experience it all. Be sure to leave some time for dining, drinking, and entertainment. There's always something going on here on the Gulf Coast.
From gaming to golf to great food and more, it's easy to see why these
Mississippi casinos are always full of people looking for a good time. Make
your reservations in advance because these hotels are known to be booked solid.
