Wind Creek Hospitality Buys Second Casino Site In Mississippi

Tribal gaming firm Wind Creek Hospitality which handles casino operations of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians in Mississippi has bought an additional gaming site in D’Iberville, Mississippi and has begun working on plans for developing a new casino there.

The company had purchased the Royal D’Iberville land near Interstate 110 in March 2016, and the latest addition would expand its gaming facilities.

Jay Dorris, chief executive officer of Wind Creek confirmed the purchase stating the company now had a majority interest in it.

The site earlier owned by Las Vegas casino executive Peter Simon is adjacent to the Royal D’Iberville location. Dorris stated that market research was underway in the area and final architectural designs would be developed after receiving inputs from the research, a process which might take up to six months. This fresh purchase will provide the firm with 34 acres and two sites that can be legally utilized for casino development on Back Bay.

According to Mississippi Gaming Commission regulations, casino projects must have a minimum 300 hotel rooms, a casino floor measuring at least 40,000 sq. ft, restaurants as well as a unique attraction to bring new visitors to the region. Scarlet Pearl Casino was the first casino to open in D’Iberville in December 2015. Although it hasn’t affected existing casinos in the Coast area, those in Biloxi have suffered a loss in revenue.

Wind Creek runs three casinos in Alabama and owns a majority stake in two greyhound tracks in Florida. It has also teamed up with the Washoe Tribe to run a casino in Nevada.

According to Dorris, the new casino in D’Iberville would not compete with its casino properties in Alabama but complement it. The latest casino would be a Class III slot machines project and since it is not located on tribal lands,, it will pay out a 12 percent gaming tax.

Dorris highlighted that the D’Iberville property would be honoring Wind Creek Rewards’ loyalty program when it starts operations. He stated that Wind Creek would like to develop a close working relationship with D’Iberville city officials and the Mississippi Gaming Commission.

While there are plans to expand further in the coming years, Dorris said that the current focus was on working out plans that make the best use of the site and identifying a unique attraction for the facility.

Adrian Sterne

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