In 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused devastation on the Gulf Coast and a number of casinos on floating foundations suffered. The original Grand Casino Biloxi on Beach Boulevard in Mississippi was destroyed. It had contained a casino, a large hotel and a convention center. A demolition team cleared the site for a new casino complex to be built. The new structure completed its initial re-building in August 2006 with a new 495-room hotel and a casino, this time based on land.

Further expansion is planned and on schedule to open in 2010. The Margaritaville Casino and Resort will include a casino, spa, hotel and restaurant. Until then, the Grand Casino Biloxi Casino, Hotel and Spa is fulfilling the needs of the local economy and providing fun and entertainment. The site contains a Jack Nicklaus designed championship 18-hole golf course, set in lovely pine woods and with a 400 yard driving range.

The hotel guest rooms each have a plasma television and high-speed Internet access. Guests can relax in the outdoor swimming pool with cabanas or get fit in the fitness center. The Bellissimo Spa has a sauna and steam room and offers various therapeutic treatments. Qualified staff administer massages, body wraps and facials. The gift shop sells souvenirs from the Grand Casino Biloxi. There are two special packages on offer for the hotel. One is a Dinner and Movie deal and the Grand Bear Getaway combines one night’s stay with a free round of golf.

Serious gamers or people who just want to have a casual game will enjoy choosing from the 800 slots and 25 table games at the casino. The gaming rooms are open for 24 hours a day and games include craps and blackjack. After a few hours of chance games, it’s time to unwind in the Hotel Lobby Bar, which serves a selection of beers, wines and liquors. Meals and snacks are on offer too, including steaks, salads, hamburgers, and sandwiches. More formal dining is available at the award winning LB’s Steakhouse for steak and seafood and the Asian Cuu Long Souper Pho bistro.

Gambling was made legal in Mississippi in the 1990s and several casino resorts were opened. Only some of these have managed to re-open since the hurricane and Grand Casino Biloxi has played its part in securing revenue and employment for the area. With future plans in place, the facility will continue its hard won success.