The Mississippi House of Representatives is getting ready to debate a bill that could bring a casino resort to the state capital, Jackson.
The decision would mark an important shift in the state’s approach to gaming development.
HB 1879 Would Attract a $500M Investment
House Bill 1879, which cleared the House Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday, would authorize a developer to build a casino hotel resort within 6,000 feet of the Mississippi State Capitol, placing it within the Capitol Complex Improvement District.
This legislation aims to attract a $500 million investment to Jackson while addressing long-standing opposition to casinos outside traditional gaming zones along the Gulf Coast and Mississippi River.
Under the bill’s provisions, the casino would be owned by an existing gaming operator and forced to obtain a license from the state gaming commission.
Additionally, provided the venue would negatively impact revenue at casinos in Vicksburg, the state would compensate those establishments for their losses.
Growing Support for the Bill
Rep. Chris Bell, D-Jackson, who is sponsoring the bill, emphasized the historic nature of the proposal.
“Here’s the deal,” Bell said. “It’s not costing the state a dime. It’s a $500 million investment in the City of Jackson. Mississippi has always swayed projects away from the city of Jackson. This is the first time that I can honestly say, since I’ve been here, that the state of Mississippi is willing to support the project within the boundary lines of the city of Jackson.”
Support for the initiative is growing among influential figures in Mississippi. A coalition known as Capitol City Forward, Together, which includes former Gov. Haley Barbour, sent a letter urging lawmakers to pass the bill.
The letter, obtained by the Clarion Ledger, argues that the project would revitalize Jackson and boost tourism across the state.
“This Resort would be a multi-faceted attraction that will grow the Central Region’s tourism market,” the letter stated.
“The scope of this project would support not only the Capital City, but also all other gaming destinations in the State. Historically, gaming markets grow with increased competition,” it went on.
While a similar bill introduced in 2024 stalled due to opposition within the Republican Caucus, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Trey Lamar, R-Senatobia, expressed optimism about the current proposal.
“Any time we have a group of investors who are requesting to invest (millions of dollars) in downtown Jackson, I think that is worth a conversation,” Lamar said.
Beyond casino authorization, HB 1879 includes tax incentives for revitalizing blighted properties, a revolving loan program for Jackson businesses, and tax credits for existing casino operators investing in facility improvements.
At the start of February, the Mississippi House advanced a mobile sports betting bill with a solid 89-11 vote in a new attempt to legalize the activity in the Magnolia State.
