Mississippi Onshore Casinos Pass First Hurdle

As reported by the Biloxi Sun Herald: "The state House on Thursday night took the first step toward rebuilding the Katrina-ravaged Coast's economy, passing a bill in the Gaming Committee to allow casinos to rebuild onshore instead of floating over water.

"Now, House leaders say, it's the Senate's turn to take a similar step before they'll make another move.

"It's part of an elaborate I'll-jump-if-you-jump-too political deal brokered Thursday by Coast lawmakers and Gov. Haley Barbour's office.

"Despite strong anti-casino religious lobbying against the move, leaders were reporting Thursday they had enough votes to pass the measure in the full House and Senate.

"But neither wants to go first.

"…As insurance in the public relations war, House leaders held their bill on a motion Thursday night, keeping it technically in the Gaming Committee until they see what the Senate does today…"