Mississippi’s 28 casinos have generated $211 million in revenue for the month of April, according to the Mississippi Gaming Commission. This marks a significant increase from the $87 million in revenue generated in April 2020, when the casinos were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The state’s casinos have been operating at full capacity since March, following Governor Tate Reeves’ decision to lift all COVID-19 restrictions. This has allowed the casinos to welcome back more customers and generate higher revenues.

The majority of the revenue came from slot machines, which accounted for $163 million of the total revenue. Table games, such as blackjack and roulette, generated $48 million in revenue.

The coastal casinos, which are located in Biloxi and Gulfport, generated $105 million in revenue, while the casinos located along the Mississippi River generated $106 million in revenue.

The increase in revenue is good news for the state’s economy, as the casinos provide jobs and generate tax revenue for the state. The casinos employ over 20,000 people and pay over $260 million in taxes each year.

However, some experts are concerned about the potential negative effects of gambling on individuals and communities. Gambling addiction can lead to financial problems, relationship issues, and other negative consequences.

To address these concerns, the Mississippi Gaming Commission has implemented measures to promote responsible gambling, such as self-exclusion programs and mandatory training for casino employees.

Overall, the increase in revenue for Mississippi’s casinos is a positive sign for the state’s economy. However, it is important to balance the economic benefits of gambling with measures to prevent gambling addiction and other negative consequences.