Post Hurricane: Casinos to Rebuild, Reshape Gulf Coast

Lawmakers vote to allow the Mississippi's coastal casinos, once on barges, to build up to 800 feet inland

BILOXI, Miss. (AP) -- After Hurricane Katrina destroyed and heavily damage all 13 casinos along the Gulf Coast, the state's gaming industry is preparing for the future -- which may include megaresorts.

Lawmakers voted to allow the state's coastal casinos to build up to 800 feet inland.

M.G.M. Mirage chairman Terry Lanni says an advantage of the storm is the chance to develop a more exciting resort to attract more people. M.G.M. has already started repairing its Beau Rivage in Biloxi. When the resort reopens in 12 to 16 months, M.G.M. Mirage will have invested more than $1 billion in the property -- on par with Las Vegas Strip hotel-casinos like Mandalay Bay and The Mirage.

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Local Tension: Easing up
Gravity: 100

Topics: Current Events, Gulf Coast, Mobile Alabama, hurricane, Mississippi, Biloxi, Katrina