Mississippi considers changes in casino laws

The Sun Herald, 3/26/8

The debate over giving tax incentives to casino companies eventually became an argument over whether Mississippi should reward an industry that profits from what many consider a vice.

On a 36-16 vote, the Senate passed a bill that would include casino companies in a tourism incentive program.

Sen. Gary Jackson, a Republican from inland Kilmichael, said the gaming industry doesn’t need additional incentives to conduct business in the state.

“All this will do is to pay them to do something to make more money,” said Jackson, a Baptist pastor. He said the casinos make millions of dollars from patrons who lose money gambling.