Grand Casino Biloxi

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Grand Casino Biloxi
Grand Casino Biloxi
Facts and statistics
Address 265 Beach Boulevard
Biloxi, Mississippi 39530
Casino type Slots, table games, no poker room
Owner Harrah's Entertainment
No. of rooms 495
Total gaming space 35,000 sq ft (3,300 m²)
Notable restaurants LB's Steakhouse
Website Harrah's Official Site

Grand Biloxi Casino Hotel and Spa is the name of a gambling establishment in Biloxi, Mississippi. It was owned and operated by Harrah's Entertainment.

This facility replaces the former Grand Casino Biloxi, which was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. At the time, the casino offered a 106,000-square-foot (9,800 m²) casino, a 975-room hotel, and a 42,000-square-foot (3,900 m²) convention center.

After Katrina: Grand Casino Biloxi barge washed inland
After Katrina: Grand Casino Biloxi barge washed inland

[edit] History

Prior to 2005 this casino was a Caesars Entertainment property. After the ownership change to Harrah's Entertainment it was announced that this casino was being converted to the Horseshoe brand. But these plans were put on hold when Biloxi and the Gulf Coast were hit by Hurricane Katrina. The storm destroyed the barge on which the casino floor was located; the storm surge swept the barge from the shoreline all the way across Beach Boulevard, nearly 500 feet (150 m) inward. On May 21, 2006, demolition crews finally imploded the hotel structure, leaving Harrah's with a clean slate for rebuilding.

After Katrina, the company announced that they will be re-opening the facility during Summer 2006, with a 35,000 sq ft (3,300 m²) casino, a spa, and other amenities, but the area on which the hotel was located will take several years to complete. On August 17, 2006, the first phase of the rebuilding opened with a 495-room hotel and a new land-based casino.

The long-term plan for this property is to construct what they are calling "a destination resort." Part of the expansion plans revolve around Harrah's purchase of the 18 acres that comprised the neighboring Casino Magic property. ref In May 2007, Harrah's announced the Margaritaville Casino and Resort will be built on the site.[1]

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