If you want to travel to Las Vegas for your gambling interests and all that goes with it, it’s time to consider alternatives. Las Vegas is experiencing a decline in tourism in part due to a lack of affordability for visitors. If you are bringing the same trip budgets, you should be very apprehensive.
Things Ain’t What They Used To Be!
Big Band Leader Duke Ellington
The cost of travel, hotel accommodations, dining, and entertainment options is out of control. And don’t get me started on parking costs and fees on top of dining fees.
If you live in the East of the Mississippi, now is the perfect time to change the place for your gambling resort vacation. Especially for those of us on the East Coast, there are MORE AFFORDABLE options. You may not find everything that Sin City offers, but you will find most of your criteria for gambling /vacation trips, like:
- world-class entertainment
- a diverse culinary scene, with restaurants by celebrity chefs serving everything from gourmet dining to casual eats.
- numerous clubs, bars, and lounges that cater to all tastes in music
- gambling options that rival anything you’d find in Vegas
- rewards programs and staff who will treat you like a respected guest, not just another Las Vegas guest
- Luxurious resorts, with fabulous pools, drinks, and top-quality rooms with state-of-the-art technology.
So, I will be starting a series of Las Vegas alternatives for the East of the Mississippi because I just feel there must be cheaper yet quality options.
Biloxi – Southern Hospitality
As the Casino Destination of the South, Biloxi has had a long history of gambling. By the 1950s, gambling was firmly in place in Biloxi, even though it was technically illegal. Card games and slot machines were available everywhere. By 1990, the State legislature approved dockside gaming, legalizing gambling opportunities for those 21 and over.
OLD & NEW REWARDS CARDS FROM BILOXI CASINOS
Biloxi’s casinos eventually transitioned from mere wheeled paddleboats to huge, luxurious barges, since land casinos were still not approved. These floating casinos included live entertainment venues and dining to complement the gaming areas.
But two devastating hurricanes, not just one, changed Biloxi forever – Georges (1998) and, of course, Katrina (2005). Before that, either barges sat in a huge pit of water to be a legal “riverboat” for gambling, or they stayed in the water in the marina connected to the hotel, etc., through walkways.
Today, the “Vegas of the South” is better than ever. Biloxi, with its eight world-class casinos, offers gaming complexes of different sizes, from massive to comfy. Biloxi is a city known for its vibrant culture, including historical sites and a rich culinary scene, featuring fresh seafood and Southern cuisine.
Casino Variety in Biloxi, Missisippi Is a Plus
There is a size, flavor, and degree of luxury for all gamblers here. And these eight casinos are known for their favorable gambling for low to mid-rollers.
Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, an MGM property, is the headliner. If you enjoy a polished, full-resort experience, this is the place.
IP Casino Resort Spa remains a favorite for players who prefer the large classic resort casino with a little less flash. Both have the largest gaming space, most hotel rooms, slots, and table games of all other Biloxi casinos.
Looking for a more exciting vibe? Bally’s Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is your choice. This is a Bally’s property (not Seminole) that offers The Sound of Your Stay® program, an exclusive audio experience for hotel guests.
Palace Casino Resort was crowned Best Local’s Casino and Best Casino in 2024 by Best of Coastal Mississippi. Known for its slot machines and its premier Preserve Golf Club, it’s also the only smoke-free casino. It’s also known for its great customer service and casual dining.
Other casinos that offer a little bit of everything
- Boomtown Casino (Penn National) – Western Decor, Locals’ choice, 174,240sq/ft RV Park
- Golden Nugget – 11 nearby golf courses, a glamorous outdoor pool with great amenities
- Harrah’s Gulf Coast (Caesars Entertainment) – Huge pool with adult-only hours throughout the week, Multiple restaurants (9)
- Treasure Bay Casino & Hotel – pirate-themed, low-budget/great hospitality, close to the beach and shopping.
Biloxi Dining Options
The Gulf of Mexico blesses the area with a reputation as a sanctuary for seafood aficionados. The influence of French colonists created a unique blend of French and Creole cuisine. The abundance of fresh seafood, including oysters, shrimp, and crabs, has made seafood a staple in Biloxi’s cuisine. And one of the most famous dishes in Biloxi is the po’boy.
Five casinos offer buffets. (see below).
Biloxi offers a variety of dining options featuring celebrity chefs at its casinos.
Several renowned chefs have established restaurants in the area, enhancing the culinary scene post-Katrina.
Celebrity Chef Restaurants
- Emeril Lagasse, Kelly English, and Pitbull are notable figures who have opened restaurants in South Mississippi casinos, bringing their unique flavors to the region and adding to the vibrant nightlife.
Dining Experiences
- Harrah’s Gulf Coast offers a range of dining options, from upscale meals to quick bites, catering to various tastes.
- Beau Rivage Resort & Casino features Coraline’s, which specializes in seafood and Cajun cuisine, reflecting the local culture
Casino Property Summary
Transportation
The Biloxi-Gulfport Airport is a few miles away from the center of Biloxi. On the way, Gulfport and Bay St. Louis include a few casinos that complement the area. Or, fly into New Orleans, enjoy “Big Easy,” and drive to Biloxi, one hour away.
But how do you get to all those casinos? The popular Casino Hopper is a fixed route that serves the casinos, attractions, and businesses on the Biloxi Loop. The Casino Hopper provides service every 25 minutes, Monday thru Sunday. 7-days a week.
Takeaway
Biloxi is not Vegas. Truly, what is? But it checks the boxes for anyone’s criteria of a gambling vacation. One box it checks – AFFORDABILITY!
Here in Biloxi now staying at Beau Rivage. We take a charter flight from St. Pete. Clearwater Airport (PIE). We enjoy our mini vacation. We love Jia, Asian Cuisine. Their Bubble Gum Sushi is delicious. Made with cooked shrimp. Their grilled Salmon with wok sauteed vegetables is fabulous. I will be posting my slot wins and my salmon meal soon.
I just love the cuisine. Keep us posted on your trip so we can live through you!