Casino news source: Sun Herald - http://www.sunherald.com
Isle announces Biloxi expansion plans
By TOM WILEMON
SUN HERALD
BILOXI - Isle of Capri Casinos Inc. announced today expansion plans for the Isle of Capri Biloxi Casino Resort.
The more than $180 million construction project will be largely funded by insurance proceeds associated with Hurricane Katrina. The project includes a land-based casino with approximately 2,100 slot machines, 50 table games, a new poker room, rebuilding the Company's signature steakhouse, Farraddays', as well as an expanded tropical-themed buffet, plus one other restaurant yet to be named.
Approximately 45,000 square feet of convention space that is currently serving as gaming space will be restored to its original use. In addition, the casino entryway will be renovated to allow guests easier access. The casino will go where the Isle's gambling barge was located before Hurricane Katrina. The company has received environmental approvals to fill in this area and put the new construction on dry ground.
When complete, this project will return the Isle of Capri Biloxi Casino Resort to the planned pre-Katrina levels. The Biloxi property also includes 731 hotel rooms, a European spa, infinity pool and waterfall which opened to the public last summer.
"The Mississippi Coast continues to work toward a complete restoration and Isle of Capri is actively participating in the continued evolution of the region," said Tim Hinkley, president and chief operating officer. "We have worked closely with our insurance carriers, as well as the City of Biloxi and the Mississippi Gaming Commission, throughout the past year to return our property to pre-Katrina levels. I am proud of the work we have done thus far and I am quite sure that our guests and the community will enjoy everything the Isle of Capri offers when this project is completed."
The company did not say when it expects the construction to be complete.
The Isle of Capri is one of three casinos on Biloxi's Point Cadet. The other two are the Grand Biloxi and the Palace.
The Isle has also announced plans to build a new casino development near Interstate 10 in the DeLisle Community at the western end of Harrison County.
Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc., a leading developer and owner of gaming and entertainment facilities, operates 13 casinos in 11 locations. The company owns and operates riverboat and dockside casinos in Biloxi, Lula and Natchez, Mississippi; Lake Charles (2 riverboats), Louisiana; Bettendorf, Davenport and Marquette, Iowa; and Kansas City and Boonville, Missouri.
The company also owns a 57 percent interest in and operates two land-based casinos in Black Hawk, Colorado. Isle of Capri's international gaming interests include a casino that it operates in Freeport, Grand Bahama and a two-thirds ownership interest in casinos in Dudley and Wolverhampton, England. The company also owns and operates Pompano Park Harness Racing Track in Pompano Beach, Florida.
Read more about the Isle's plans in Tuesday's Sun Herald and at sunherald.com. |
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