Jackson City Council Weighs Land Sale for Potential Casino Despite Repeated Legislative Blocks

Mississippi lawmakers have repeatedly blocked legislation to permit gambling on the Pearl River and enable a casino in the state capital. Nevertheless, the Jackson City Council continues to consider selling city-owned land to developers who would pursue such a project if state approval is secured.

During the council’s October 6 meeting, members reviewed an ordinance that would authorize Mayor John Horhn to negotiate an option to sell 93 acres of bottomland hardwood acreage east of Interstate 55 between Old River Place and Laurel Street. The land would go to LeFleur Development LLC, a group of six local businesspeople, for about $1,200 an acre.

LeFleur Development seeks an exclusive option agreement costing $1,000-$2,000 a year to buy the parcel for $111,000, or $1,193 per acre. The purchase would proceed only if the group convinces lawmakers to allow a casino resort projected to generate $24 million a year in new city tax revenue and create thousands of jobs.

Legislative Barriers Remain Formidable

Mississippi law limits gambling to riverboats on the Mississippi River and the Gulf Coast, as well as land-based casinos located just inland from those shores. Legislation to include the Pearl River has repeatedly failed, most recently in 2025 when House Bill 1879, the City of Jackson Revitalization Act, was tabled. The measure was introduced by six Democrats with no Republican support in a legislature controlled by Republicans in both chambers.

Kenneth Stokes voiced support for the casino concept but highlighted the political difficulty. “It’s not going to be an easy sell for this city because many people in the legislature hate Jackson. They don’t want Jackson to have additional money,” Stokes said, as first reported by WLBT3. Ashby Foote questioned whether the city was undervaluing the land, warning that approval could increase its worth to $20 million and make the deal appear foolish in retrospect.

The council suspended the mayor’s request pending more details. The Mississippi Legislature begins its 2027 session on January 5, 2027.

Economic Pressures Facing Jackson

The capital city confronts stark economic conditions. Nearly 28% of the population lives in poverty. The median household income in 2024 was $42,000, almost half the national average of $83,730, according to the United States Census Bureau.

These figures underscore the stakes in the council’s continued deliberations over the land opportunity, even as state-level barriers persist.

Reporting: Casino.org News

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