Businesses spanning multiple states along the US Gulf Coast have recently felt the brunt of Mother Nature’s fury as the Category 2 storm, Hurricane Francine, swept through earlier this week. The tempest wasn’t just rattling windows—it wreaked havoc, causing temporary shutdowns of numerous casinos from Mississippi to Louisiana.
Louisiana bore the initial strike, with the hurricane’s ferocious winds clocking in at a breathtaking 100 mph on Wednesday evening. By the time Francine wobbled into Mississippi, its teeth had been somewhat dulled; as per the National Hurricane Center, it was demoted to a tropical storm. Satellite imagery from the Center showed Francine’s downgraded status, nestled between Texas and Louisiana, where it continued to huff and puff with maximum winds reaching 45 mph.
Silver Slipper Casino Hotel Shutters Temporarily
In the eye of this storm, the renowned Silver Slipper Casino Hotel in Mississippi battened down the hatches, making an official announcement on Tuesday that it would temporarily close its doors. Come Wednesday, September 11th, the casino put up the ‘Closed’ sign on its table games, valet service, gift shop, and the Jubilee Buffet. Here’s a slice of their public service bulletin: “Tomorrow, Wednesday, September 11: The following will be CLOSED: Jubilee Buffet – Blue Bayou – Table Games – Valet – Promotions – Gift Shop – Host Desk,” the Silver Slipper Casino Hotel detailed.
As fickle as Lady Luck herself, the Silver Slipper forecast a bright horizon, pledging to resume normal operations by Thursday, September 12. In their message, they emphasized the importance of safety, urging patrons to “stay safe and continue to monitor for further updates.” As any seasoned gambler knows, this establishment isn’t just any old casino; it’s a treasure trove of slots, table games, and video poker, alongside a smorgasbord of dining options.
Hurricane Francine Forces Other Casinos to Fold—Temporarily
Following in the Silver Slipper Casino’s cautious footsteps, the Coushatta Casino Resort in neighboring Mississippi echoed similar safety measures by also opting to temporarily close its doors. Late on Tuesday, they dealt the news, citing the impending arrival of Hurricane Francine: “To ensure the safety of our guests and associates during Hurricane Francine, Coushatta Casino Resort will temporarily close, effective Wednesday, September 11 at 2 AM,” stated the casino resort.
“To ensure the safety of our guests and associates during Hurricane Francine, Coushatta Casino Resort will temporarily close, effective Wednesday, September 11 at 2 AM,”
reads a statement released by the casino resort
With guests and staff safety as their trump card, Coushatta Casino Resort further reassured their patrons, promising a grand re-opening feast at noon on Thursday or whenever conditions are favorable. They extended their gratitude for everyone’s patience during the storm’s interruption and added that the reopening is slated for Thursday, September 12, at 6 AM.
In an industry where the house usually wins, Hurricane Francine momentarily had the upper hand, but casinos along the Gulf Coast are already gearing up for a comeback. Just like a card shark plotting their next move, these venues are poised to shuffle back into action, ready to continue the game with renewed vigor and enhanced safety measures.
