Casino nearly ready

Published 12:10 am Thursday, December 13, 2012

LAUREN WOOD | THE NATCHEZ DEMOCRAT — Magnolia Bluff Casino Shift Managers Anthony Mulvihill, left, and Eric Powell work on installing the tabletop of one of the 10 table games Wednesday afternoon on the casino’s main floor.

NATCHEZ — Five days away from opening day, the staff of the Magnolia Bluffs Casino is putting the finishing touches on the casino.

Casino President Kevin Preston said the casino’s staff is cleaning, installing seating in the casino’s restaurant and making final additions to the gaming floor this week.

The Mississippi Gaming Commission, Preston said, will be at the casino today and Sunday inspecting the games and ensuring everything is working properly.

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The casino has received its temporary certificate of occupancy from the city, and Preston said he anticipates receiving the permanent certificate today after a final inspection.

The Natchez Fire Department conducted a mock fire drill Wednesday.

The Natchez Board of Aldermen authorized City Attorney Hyde Carby Tuesday to complete an indemnification contract with casino. The contract absolves the city from any liability with any accidents at the casino, including fires or personal injuries.

Preston said the staff will continue to work until the casino’s opening Tuesday to ensure it is ready. The casino’s 265 employees are also completing departmental training and orientation that started Monday and will continue through Friday.

The casino will open at 2 p.m. Tuesday for political and business leaders and 4 p.m. for the general public.

The casino will host a grand opening ceremony with entertainment Jan. 17.

The 45,000-square-foot casino has 580 slot machines, 10 table games, a center bar with 27 poker games, a player’s club, Cypress Mill, which is an Italian steakhouse, and a lounge named 180 Lounge and a buffet named Bandsaw Buffet.

An outdoor deck wraps around the sides and back of the casino and features a seating area and a fire pit.