Big Times in Biloxi: Gambling on the Gulf

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Big Times in Biloxi: Gambling on the Gulf

Posted July 8th, 2011 by admin No Comments »

Mississippi is known for a deep history of blues music, cotton fields as far as the eye can see and, of course, gambling. Boasting several casino markets including Tunica, Vicksburg and Biloxi, they have all been through their trials and tribulations over the past decade…especially the Gulf Coast. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina destroyed virtually everything in its path including several casinos, hundreds of homes and businesses and the momentum of a striving community on its way to becoming a tier one vacation destination.

Following the storm, rebuilding was immediate with everyone sharing in the responsibility of getting back to business as usual. Under the leadership of General Manager, Jon Lucas, IP Casino Resort & Spa jumped at the opportunity to offer their hotel to FEMA workers who were in town. Hundreds of people from volunteers to state workers started cleaning up miles of beautiful beaches stretching along Highway 90, and everything else that was involved in starting from scratch and getting back to where they left off before Katrina.

While Hurricane Katrina lies in the past, the times will never be forgotten. Memories of the hurricane stretch throughout the area including light posts and telephone poles with the high water marks from the ocean surge, amazing life-size carvings of dolphins and wildlife created with a chainsaw out of damaged trees can be seen along Highway 90 and a memorial created by the popular television show Extreme Home Makeover hosted by Ty Pennington, stands across from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. The memorial pays tribute to those lost to the storm and a glass enclosed time capsule with personal items from those in the community including a tree branch a man clung to for hours in the rising floodwaters to survive the surge.

Then, just last year, another blow to the Gulf Coast was felt when the Deepwater Horizon Oil Rig, owned by British Petroleum had an explosion that caused a three month oil leak, estimated at almost five million barrels of crude oil, into the Gulf of Mexico. The spill caused extensive damage to marine and wildlife habitats and to the Gulf’s fishing and tourism industries. Shorelines were drenched in oil from Florida to Louisiana but Biloxi was spared thanks to barrier islands just off the coast that served as a buffer to the oil and the beaches were virtually unchanged. But, the perception that they were “Covered with Oil” spread far and wide as tourism dropped off, leaving thousands of hotel rooms vacant and restaurants looking for customers.

On a recent visit to Biloxi, Southern Gaming toured the community and visited several stops that showed Biloxi once again weathered the storm and was back, and better than ever! We visited some great stops including the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art that is dedicated to the work of the legendary “Mad Potter of Biloxi” George Edgar Ohr (1857-1918). Ohr was a potter from Biloxi whose designs rival some of the work pottery masterpieces of today, yet were created nearly a century ago. He claimed that no two pots he created were the same and many feel he was an artist whose creations were far before their time. In addition to Ohr, the museum also features traveling exhibits with works of artists such as Andy Warhol, Jun Kaneko and other renowned artists from Biloxi as well as throughout the world.

Today, tourism is booming and the beaches are once again active with swimmers and water sport activities. The picturesque soft white sand beaches stretch twenty six miles, the longest man made beach in the world, with a chain of barrier islands protecting the shore from large waves providing a relaxing beach atmosphere. In addition to the booming beaches, the casino floors are also buzzing again with gamblers and tourists and major headliners are playing the marquee concert venues at IP Casino, Beau Rivage, Hard Rock and others. And, when you go to the Gulf, you can expect an array of dining options from seafood to steaks. Today, the restaurants around town and at the casinos are turning tables again, including one of Southern Gaming’s favorite locals restaurant, Half Shell Oyster House which recently opened a second location in Biloxi near the Hard Rock Casino.

While gambling has been alive and well along the Mississippi coast dating back to the early 1900’s, it wasn’t until 1999 when casino mogul Steve Wynn made a major statement by building the $650 million Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, changing the entire South’s gaming landscape forever. With its opening, Wynn brought the luxury of Las Vegas to the Southeastern United States with a miniature replica of the Bellagio in Las Vegas, another Wynn creation, and making the first step in declaring Biloxi a major resort destination. Still today, when you walk into the Beau, you feel like it is opening weekend with fresh flowers and plants lining the atrium lobby and columned hallways cascading throughout the property. Artwork and décor boasting vibrant colors and outlandish designs represent another Wynn trademark. The variety of fine dining restaurants from award winning BR Prime and Jia to the lavish amenities of the spa and resort-style pool paved the way for others to follow suit with what would brand Biloxi as we know it today. Steve Wynn built Beau Rivage to withstand a category four hurricane by using a special designed suspension system and reinforced structural support. The building did just that with minimal damage from Hurricaine Katrina. The property always excels in everything they do, including this year’s Best of Southern Gaming Awards for the Gulf Coast, taking home Best Overall Casino, Best Golf Course with the amazing Fallen Oak and Best Poker Room just to name a few.

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino was days from opening when Katrina came through ultimately delaying the Grand Opening until July 7, 2007 with a marquee performance by Kid Rock. The Rock & Roll themed property is home to authentic music memorabilia from Elvis, Kiss, Johnny Cash, and more. Once you enter the property, you will notice a look and feel that no other property in Mississippi has. Great music plays throughout the casino and bright white walls in the lobby keep the vibe going from the moment you arrive. The Open and spread out casino floor is anchored by a large circular bar in the center of the floor serving premium cocktails and specialty drinks. The main focus at Hard Rock seems to be kick back, relax and let the good times roll. However, you will quickly notice that their attention to detail of customer service and premium player rewards are plentiful with VIBE Restaurant, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and an amazing nightclub on the top floor overlooking the water of the Gulf of Mexico. Hard Rock recently received Best of Southern Gaming Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Nightlife, Best Entertainment and an array of others…you can’t go wrong with this high energy property!

Another property that emerged bigger and better than ever after Katrina was IP Casino Resort & Spa, a property that was in desperate need of a total overhaul and rebranding. The property was the first to re-open after Katrina, and with it came a new look and feel that has received accolades from customers (old and new) as well as industry publications. If you haven’t been to IP Casino since 2005, you wouldn’t recognize it today. As you enter the property, you are greeted with the Chill Ultra Lounge featuring live music in an ultra chic lounge, and Carnival de Brasil, a restaurant celebrating South American Churrascaria, Brazilian barbecue and meats carved right at your table.

While there are treasures around every corner at this revitalized property, the true jewel lies on the thirty second floor of the hotel tower, Thirty-Two Restaurant. As you enter the restaurant, there is a welcoming waiting area with plush leather seating. Just a few steps down a short hallway and you are greeted by a host stand with an 8,000 bottle wine room hovering behind. The restaurant features premium views of the coast with floor to ceiling windows, contemporary décor and an incredible wine room featuring bottles from regions around the world ranging in price from moderate to the ultra rare labels. The room has won numerous awards from leading wine enthusiast publications and associations and they deserve it! There will be a full review of Thirty-Two in our Casino Dining Guide that will come out in September, but just to tempt your palate, the Bacon Wrapped Scallops accented with a Boursin Cheese Sauce were to die for. The Lobster Bisque had a great presentation with a large Lobster Craw in the center of the bowl and the bisque poured over it tableside! For the entrée, the 8 oz. Petite Filet didn’t disappoint and you can’t go wrong with asparagus and potato hash to accompany. While we dined at the bar instead of a table, we enjoyed the company of the bartender, Nicole, who was very informative and recommended a bottle of Nx NW, Columbia Valley 2007 that was excellent. In addition, Nicole personally prepared the decadent Crème Brulee table side that was a perfect temperature and consistency. Don’t miss the full review on Thirty-Two in our September Issue! Also while at IP Casino, don’t miss the pool! Located on the top floor of the parking structure, you will find your Oasis awaits you with cabanas, a large television overlooking the pool and cocktail creations to die for! IP Casino isn’t a stranger to winning awards either, taking first place in this year’s Best of Southern Gaming Awards for the Gulf Coast for Best Amenities, Best Restaurant with Thirty-Two and Best Suites. They also placed high in several other areas so you will find pleasant surprises around every corner!

If you are looking for a great Southern getaway, consider the Gulf Coast! Biloxi offers everything anyone would ever want in a vacation with an eclectic array of cultural offerings, a beautiful beach, great gambling and memories to last a lifetime!

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