Casino World Inc. was allowed to Extend Expansion

Casino World Inc. has received a go signal for their extension for four consecutive times since the permit was originally issued in 1996. The Commission on Marine Resources gave the casino project near Diamondhead Tuesday, August 15, to have more time to execute its plan that was long-delayed in expanding the casino's gambling space.

The extension's plan would put two gambling barges, both a bridge and a gazebo, south of Diamondhead.

Casino World Inc. and Trump Entertainment Resort has signed a contract that will form a joint venture to develop a casino resort. Now the project is on a faster track.

Deborah A. Vitale, Casino World's CEO said, "Trump is a master of marketing and that's why I'm so excited about their participation. I firmly believe that the Trump brand will bring a visibility and a recognition that the Mississippi Gulf Coast did not have before and it would have taken years to get what a name like Trump brings."

Vitale had said that the casino company might likely change its plan. That would require them to reapply for permits once again. The goal of the company is to have Diamondhead casino open by December 31, 2008. The opening of Diamondhead will qualify the casino for federal tax benefits on the new construction as part of the Gulf Opportunity Zone Act of 2005.