Choctaw casino open Monday in Heidelberg

Published: Dec. 18, 2010 at 12:11 AM CST|Updated: Dec. 20, 2010 at 10:06 AM CST
Email This Link
Share on Pinterest
Share on LinkedIn

HEIDELBERG, MS (WLOX) - Casino gaming comes to Jones County Monday. The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians will open Bok Homa Casino in Heidelberg off Highway 15.

Bok Homa will feature more than 750 slot machines, electronic blackjack and electronic roulette. And Wayne Newton, the man known as "Mr. Las Vegas," will perform at the grand opening.

The Jones County project drew sharp criticism from religious groups and some political leaders, including Governor Haley Barbour, who even sent a letter to tribal leaders asking them to drop the casino plans in Jones County. However, Attorney General Jim Hood researched Mississippi gaming law and could not find any legal reason to prevent the casino from opening.

The Choctaws expect 27,000 people a month to visit the casino. It will be open 24/7 and add 300 full and part-time jobs to the local economy.

Copyright 2010 WLOX. All rights reserved.