P.M. BRIEFING : River Boat Gambling Approved
River boat gambling will be allowed in Mississippi beginning April 1 under a bill signed into law by Gov. Ray Mabus.
Proponents have touted the measure as a way to boost tourism in communities along the Mississippi River. Mabus signed the bill Tuesday.
River boat gambling already has been approved in Illinois and Iowa, but the Illinois law does not take effect until January, 1991, and the Iowa statute not until April, 1991.
In Mississippi, boats at least 150 feet long and capable of carrying a minimum 250 passengers will be allowed to open casinos on the waterway. The state will license the boats, which will be allowed to open their casinos while moving or docked.
Residents of Mississippi counties with ports on the river could force a referendum and voters could forbid the boats from docking in their counties.
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