Tuesday 15th May 2007

Singer-songwriter Jimmy Bluffett has announced that he will be a major player in Harrah's latest $704 million casino plans in Mississippi.

The new Margaritaville Casino Resort is the biggest single investment made along the Gulf Coast since Hurricane Katrina struck and Harrah's hopes that the new resort will regenerate the area.

"I have always considered myself a 'Gulf Coast kid'," Jimmy Bluffett mused. "I was born there, grew up there and jumped on a stage for the first time there, before hitting the road. I have seen the world, travelled to distant shores, written a few songs and lived a few tall tales along the way, and now it is good to be coming back home."

"I have seen the best and the worst of times along Mississippi Sound, and as a survivor of storms myself, I feel an enormous sense of gratitude and good fortune to be part of the re-birth of the region by joining forces with Harrah's," he said

Charles Atwood, vice chairman of Harrah's Entertainment said that the new development would "include many exciting and diverse dining, entertainment and retail experiences that will be unique to the Gulf Coast region".

The Margaritaville Casino will be developed on 46 acres of land in Biloxi and work will begin this summer. The casino floor itself will measure 100,000 square feet while 798 hotel rooms will accommodate guests.

Source: Gambling.co.uk News