Breaking News: It’s a big day for Mississippi Coast casinos. Here are 3 reasons why.

Call it a trifecta day for South Mississippi as the ribbon was cut Thursday morning on the new Beach Casino at Island View Casino Resort just as the Gaming Commission adopted rules for sports betting to begin in Mississippi in 30 days.

The new casino opened to the public at 2 p.m., and later Thursday rapper Pitbull will open the iLov305 Nightlife and Cocktail Lounge inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi.

“I’ve been waiting for a smoke-free casino for 30 years now,” said Rick Carter as he and Island View co-owner Terry Green prepared to open the Beach Casino south of U.S. 90 in Gulfport.

The nonsmoking designation begins before customers enter the enclosed walkway over the highway, he said, and the new casino, the hotel tower, restaurants and all other areas on the south side are smoke-free.

“That’s going to be a very strict policy,” Carter said.

Those who prefer to smoke have the same games, promotions and similar amenities at the casino on the north side of the highway.

The new $75 million casino built by Roy Anderson Corp. of Gulfport opened on time and on budget, Green said.

LED lights placed throughout the casino will change color and mood. Carter said, “When you hit a jackpot there’s going to be a light show.”

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Take a tour of the new Beach Casino at Island View

The finishing touches are being added to the new Beach Casino at Island View Casino Resort in Gulfport on Wednesday, June 13, 2018. The new addition is expected to open by the end of June.

The 43,000-square-foot casino has 967 slots, 18 table games down the middle, an elevated stage, daiquiri bar, 24-hour Beach Coffee Shop and a Dockside Deli with a 236-seat dining balcony overlooking the beach.

It also has walls of windows to make the most of the sunset views and beachfront location.

“My understanding is it’s the only casino in the world to offer floor-to-ceiling all glass,” Carter said.

“When you’re in here you get the full effect of the Mississippi Gulf Coast,” Green said.

Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves helped Carter and Green, friends since grade school in Gulfport, cut the ribbon on the new casino.

Reeves called them “Mississippi boys who are investing back in Mississippi.”

Carter said Island View now has almost 1,900 employees. He and Green have invested $400 million since they purchased the casino from Harrah’s after their Copa Casino was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.

“It is the only casino in the state of Mississippi owned by locals,” said state Rep. Richard Bennett, R-Long Beach, and the biggest tax contributor to the city and Gulfport School District.

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