A new Margaritaville Casino and Restaurant, not affiliated with Caesars Entertainment, was to be constructed at a different location in Biloxi. However, construction of that expansion ceased in 2008 due to economic concerns, and in January 2011, Caesars officials announced the termination of the agreement with Jimmy Buffett and his Margaritaville brand. In May 2007, Harrah's announced the Margaritaville Casino and Resort would be built on the site. The long-term plan for this property had been to construct what Harrah's (now renamed back to Caesars) called 'a destination resort.' Part of the expansion plans revolved around Caesars' purchase of the 18 acres (73,000 m 2) that comprised the neighboring Casino Magic property. On August 17, 2006, the first phase of the rebuilding opened with a 495-room hotel and a new land-based casino.

On May 21, 2006, demolition crews imploded the beach-side hotel structure, leaving Harrah's with a clean slate for rebuilding.Īfter Katrina, the company announced that they will be re-opening the facility during Summer 2006, with a 35,000 sq ft (3,300 m 2) casino, a spa, and other amenities, but the facilities south of Highway 90 would take several years to complete. The storm destroyed the barge on which the casino floor was located the storm surge swept the barge from the shoreline all the way across Beach Boulevard, nearly 500 feet (150 m) inward. But these plans were put on hold when Biloxi and the Gulf Coast were hit by Hurricane Katrina. After the ownership change to Harrah's Entertainment it was announced that this casino was being converted to the Horseshoe brand.

Prior to 2005, this casino was a Grand Casinos and Park Place Entertainment property. ( January 2017)Īfter Katrina: Grand Casino Biloxi barge washed inland Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information.

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