Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Biloxi Didn’t Have A Good First Year

Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Biloxi Casino celebrated its one year anniversary Wednesday. Thousands attended the casino's grand opening on May 22, 2012. The excitement has subsided since then. Crowds are thinner and it's under new management.
I haven't been to Biloxi in a number of years, since before the 2007 opening of the Hard Rock.
Margaritaville is moving aggressively to enhance the experience with major additions. A hotel is in the planning stages.

Margaritaville CEO Doug Shipley told a Biloxi TV station, "Currently, we're in the feasibility study of determining exactly what type of hotel it's going to be, what level. We have a multitude of options that we're currently exploring."
Shipley said plans for the hotel should be finalized, and construction underway before year's end. The casino will add more than 100 new slots, and the buffet also will be redesigned.
Business at Margaritaville boomed for the first few weeks, but tailed off quickly. Shipley says it was a mistake to open without a players club. Margaritaville will aggressively market the new amenities.
"We're building our data base, with billboard advertising. We're on TV, radio and print and we're full force ahead."
- Stacey McKay, Vice President Of Marketing
I'm not much of a gambler, but I do enjoy visiting casinos for the other amenities. They usually have great hotels, food, and entertainment...and I do love going to the beach!
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