The first casino to open on the Gulf Coast became the second casino to re-open after Katrina. During the storm, the casino's barge rose over twenty feet and collided with the parking garage. The storm also flooded the gaming floor with two feet of water.
So, taking advantage of the state's new law allowing land-based gaming, the Isle of Capri initially opened using facilities previously serving as meeting and entertainment spaces. The casino played a pivotal role in getting the local residents back to work, at one point employing over a quarter of all gaming employees on the Coast.
