Jackson, Mississippi, is no stranger to economic challenges. As the fastest-shrinking city in the U.S., with a population loss of over 50 years, the state’s capital has seen better days. In an attempt to revitalize the area, a group of state lawmakers and business leaders have proposed the idea of building a casino in Downtown Jackson. The idea is drawing attention as a potential solution to the city’s economic woes.
A Bold Proposal to Boost Tourism and Job Creation
Earlier this month, members of the Capital Revitalization Committee gathered to hear a proposal from a group known as Capital City Forward Together, which includes notable figures such as former Governor Haley Barbour. The group, led by businessmen William Richardson, Richard McNeel, and Conrad Eber, believes that bringing a casino to Jackson could offer the city a much-needed economic jolt.
The group emphasized that they are not acting as lobbyists or promoting any specific casino companies. Instead, they describe themselves as businesspeople who see an opportunity to boost Jackson’s economy by attracting more visitors and creating jobs. Richardson, in particular, pointed out that the city is in desperate need of an attraction that could draw people in.
“We’ve got traffic, but how do we get people to stop, stay, and spend money?” said Richardson, speaking to lawmakers about the proposed plan.
Jackson’s Shrinking Population and Economic Struggles
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Jackson’s population has steadily decreased over the last five decades. As of 2022, it holds the distinction of being the fastest-shrinking city in the nation with a population of at least 50,000 residents.
This demographic decline has significantly impacted the local economy, with businesses closing, downtown areas struggling, and an overall sense of economic stagnation. Despite this, Jackson still enjoys heavy traffic from passing commuters, which Richardson believes could be a boon for the proposed casino project.
The stretch of Interstate 55 between the Highway Patrol Curve and Fortification Street, which sees an average of 115,000 vehicles daily, could offer a steady stream of potential casino visitors. This stretch, as the busiest interstate section in Mississippi, connects Jackson to major routes including I-10 along the Gulf Coast and routes to Memphis. Richardson argued that with such heavy traffic, Jackson could convert passersby into casino guests, stimulating local spending and bolstering the local economy.
A Strong Potential Customer Base
The proposal also highlights the city’s geographic advantage. With roughly 7.8 million people over the age of 21 living within a 300-mile radius of Jackson, the casino could draw in an estimated four million visits per year, according to the group’s research. For a city in need of economic revitalization, this could mean millions of dollars in revenue.
By focusing on these potential visitors, the casino could serve as a tourist magnet, attracting not only gamblers but also people who may come for entertainment, dining, and other attractions that could expand the city’s local economy.
Site Selection and Regulatory Changes
According to the proposal, the ideal location for the casino would be within a mile of the State Capitol in Downtown Jackson. This area is central to the city and has seen little recent growth, especially in terms of attracting new businesses. By placing a casino in this prime spot, the city could see a much-needed revival in its downtown district.
However, for the plan to move forward, state lawmakers would need to amend existing Mississippi gaming laws. Currently, casinos are only allowed to operate in coastal areas or along the Mississippi River. The group proposed that Jackson’s casino be overseen by the Mississippi Gaming Commission, with a licensed operator already active in the state.
Richardson, who has experience working with the Choctaw tribe to develop a casino in Mississippi, also suggested that any operator developing the Jackson casino should be required to contribute $10 million annually to an “Impact Fund.” This fund would support further investments in the city’s infrastructure, local businesses, and community projects, helping to ensure that the benefits of the casino project reach beyond the immediate gaming industry.
Lessons from the Past: House Bill 1989
This isn’t the first time Jackson has seen a proposed casino plan. In 2023, the state House of Representatives introduced House Bill 1989, which would have allocated state aid for a $500 million casino development in Jackson. While the bill gained attention, it ultimately failed to pass during the legislative session.
Some see the new proposal as a second attempt to secure the state’s approval for such a project. However, the fate of the current plan remains uncertain.
Despite the hurdles, proponents of the Jackson casino argue that this is a chance for the city to recover economically and stop its population decline. “We need something to put us back on the map,” said Richardson. “A casino is not just about gambling—it’s about bringing in people, creating jobs, and revitalizing a city that’s lost its spark.”
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