King David Casino

Casino Workers Slowly Coming Back to Mississippi Coast

Hours after Boomtown Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi opened its doors for the first time since being forced to close from damages sustained from hurricane Katrina, James Walker, a card dealer in the casino, smiled happily despite sweating from a long shift.

Walker likens returning to his old job to "hitting the lotto". Walker used to work at Lowe's home improvement store while he waited for his beloved casino to reopen June 29.

"It feels like I never left," said the 32-year-old father of two. Walker wore a T-shirt uniform that boasts, "We're Back in the Saddle Again!"

Walker is among the thousands of casino employees returning to work this summer following the reopening of more hotel and casinos on the Gulf Coast. The region was badly hurt August 29 because of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

For many, the tip-driven income is a welcome respite from the long months of living on odd jobs or unemployment checks. "I love my job. I have a good time here, a lot of friends," Walker said.

Five coastal casinos have reopened since Katrina and around 6,000 workers have been back on their jobs. The number is expected to grow to roughly 10,000 by the first of Sept. following the reopening of more casinos.

"I can't wait to come back," John Nguyen, a Beau Rivage dealer since its opening in 1999 said. "Best job on the coast. Good company. Good money."

"I like it out here, but I was content in Mississippi," said one former Beau Rivage casino employee who has been working for the Bellagio in Las Vegas since the hurricanes left him jobless. Eric Brackett, 38, has decided to come back to his old job at the Beau Rivage. "It's all about the quality of life for me ... the Southern way of living."