Gaming; authorize aboard cruise vessels on the Pearl River within a city with a population of 150,000 or more.
If passed, SB2653 would create significant changes to the existing gaming framework in the state, allowing gaming operations on the Pearl River, which is set to provide local governments with additional revenue through gaming licenses and associated taxes. This could enhance local economies, particularly in larger cities, potentially promoting job creation in the entertainment and hospitality sectors. However, it would require the municipalities to vote in favor of the proposed gaming activities, meaning the bill’s implementation could vary widely depending on local elections.
Senate Bill 2653 proposes amendments to various sections of the Mississippi Code of 1972, specifically aimed at permitting gaming activities aboard cruise vessels when they are located on the Pearl River inside city limits of municipalities with populations of 150,000 or more. This bill seeks to expand the scope of where gaming can be legally conducted, presenting it as an opportunity to increase tourism and economic development within large municipalities that may not have had such options previously available.
While proponents of SB2653 argue that the bill would bring much-needed economic activity and tourism to larger municipalities, there are concerns about the implications for local governance and community sentiment. Opposition may arise from individuals or groups worried about the social impacts of expanded gaming, such as gambling addiction and the shifting of community resources. Additionally, the requirement for municipalities to hold a vote means that the outcome could be contentious, reflecting differing views on gambling within communities.