Mississippi casinos allowed to reopen after Gustav

Biloxi, Mississippi (AP) — All 11 of Mississippi’s coastal casinos and one in Natchez have been given permission to reopen.

Eddie Williams, deputy director of the state Gaming Commission, says one casino on the coast needs a few days to recover from Hurricane Gustav. Silver Slipper in Hancock County had damage to coolers and freezers on the first level.

The state ordered all the coastal casinos and the lone casino in Natchez to close during the weekend as Gustav moved through the Gulf of Mexico. The storm struck early Monday in Louisiana, bringing strong winds and rain to Mississippi.

The Natchez casino floats on the Mississippi River. Gustav knocked out electricity in Natchez, but Williams says the casino regained power Wednesday and owners were evaluating when to reopen.