Grand Casino Biloxi

Casino infobox
casino=Grand Casino Biloxi
theme=
address=265 Beach Boulevard
Biloxi, Mississippi 39530


rooms=495
date_opened=
space_gaming=convert|35000|sqft|m2|abbr=on
attractions=
shows=
restaurants= LB's Steakhouse
owner=Harrah's Entertainment
casino_type= Slots, table games, no poker room
renovations=
names_pre=
website= [http://www.harrahs.com/casinos/grand-biloxi/hotel-casino/property-home.shtml Harrah's Official Site]

Grand Biloxi Casino Hotel and Spa is the name of a gambling establishment in Biloxi, Mississippi. It is 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 convert|106000|sqft|m2|sing=on casino, a 975-room hotel, and a convert|42000|sqft|m2|sing=on convention center.

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 convert|500|ft|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 convert|35000|sqft|m2|abbr=on 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. [http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/060417/20060417005638.html?.v=1 ref] In May 2007, Harrah's announced the Margaritaville Casino and Resort will be built on the site. [cite press release | title = Harrah's Entertainment and Jimmy Buffett Unveil Plans for New Margaritaville Casino and Resort in Biloxi| publisher = Harrah's Entertainment | date = 2007-05-17 | url = http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/harrahs/22667/ | format = | language = | accessdate = | quote = ]

References

External links

* [http://www.caesars.com/grandcasino/ Grand Casino's web site]