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The recent flooding along the Mississippi River has resulted in a financial disaster for the Tunica casinos, which were forced to close over the weekend and may remain so for another month.
The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality has stated that the river reached flood stage in Tunica County Friday, however, the forecasted crest will not take place until May 12 at over 52 feet.
"This is a disaster as far as Tunica County is concerned," said Larry Liddell, public information director for Tunica County. "It also affects these state of Mississippi economically, we're the third largest gaming destination in the country."
$107.84 million was made during the month of May last year in gross revenues for the combined nine casinos along the Mississippi.
Caesar’s will continue to pay its employees while the casino is closed. The other casinos have not made any decision as of press time.
As of Saturday night we have also learned that the Gold Strike Casino will also pay its employees including tips and benefits during this time period. Gold Strike Casino reached Gambling911.com Saturday night to notify us of this important news concerning employees.
Guests were to be off the properties by 2 pm Monday, when the final casino, Gold Strike, shuts its doors.
Webster Franklin, president and CEO of the Tunica Convention and Visitors Bureau, feared that access roads for employees and visitors could become submerged in water and cause a safety risk for those individuals.
- Aaron Goldstein, Gambling911.com
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