Of course, as Wildcard predicted, Mississippi legislators are predicting that the laws requiring the gambling aspects of casinos (as opposed to the hotels and restaurants, which are on land) will be changed to allow land-based casinos, at least in a limited aspect (keeping them only in areas that currently have casinos, and not allowing growth inland).

Ameristar has reopened it's Vickburg casino and will pay employees for time lost. Casino Rouge has re-opened, as well ? no news on employee payments.

Harrah's is trying to re-open some of their damaged hotels for use as housing for displaced employees. Their 60,000 employees will continue to be paid for up to 90 days. No word yet on how the hurricane will affect their bank statement, and potentially disrupt or at least delay any planned renovations taking place in LV.

IGT lost two of it's three Gulf Coast-area offices, both are completely destroyed. However, their sales will likely get a boost since thousands of machines (estimated at 25,000) will need to be replaced in the coming months.

Bettie