Land deal delayed for possible casino resort in Jackson, Mississippi
Council members asked whether the 93 acres could be worth far more if Mississippi authorises casino gambling in Jackson.
U.S.- Jackson’s City Council has postponed a vote on a US$ 111,000 option agreement that could pave the way for a major resort on about 93 acres along the Pearl River, with no new date set. Council members questioned whether the land could be worth far more if casinos were first authorised in Jackson.
Under the proposed agreement, LeFleur would pay US$ 1,000 for an option on the property through October 31, 2027. The company could extend the option until October 2031 by paying US$ 2,000 annually. The project would depend on securing a developer and obtaining the necessary approvals for a casinos.
The site is located along the Pearl River between Fortification Street and the J.H. Fewell Water Treatment Plant, with a small portion extending into neighbouring Flowood. Most of the property is wooded and low-lying and falls within a federal flood-risk area.
Jackson obtained two appraisals for the land in March, valuing it at US$ 112,000 and US$ 110,000. However, some council members questioned whether the property could become significantly more valuable if casino gambling were authorised in Jackson. Questions were also raised about how LeFleur was selected and whether other development options had been considered.
LeFleur representative William Richardson estimates that a completed resort could generate up to US$24 m in annual sales and property tax revenue and create approximately 2,600 direct jobs. Jackson is facing financial pressures and has reduced its 2026 budget by about US$ 26 m following revenue shortfalls.
A casino remains only one possible use for the site. Mississippi law currently does not allow casino gambling in Jackson, meaning state lawmakers would have to approve a change before a casino resort could operate. Previous attempts to authorise gambling in the area failed, including legislation introduced in 2025. Council member Kenneth Stokes has questioned whether lawmakers would support the proposal and whether existing casino markets elsewhere in Mississippi could oppose it.
Representative Chris Bell, who sponsored the 2025 bill, has said he intends to continue pursuing a Jackson casino proposal.
