Located on the Gulf Coast, Biloxi is one of Mississippi’s most well known cities. It’s a favorite among locals and tourists alike. And it seems the city’s popularity is nothing new – decades ago, it was a hot spot of the Deep South. What has changed, though, are the reasons for Biloxi’s popularity. Today, it’s probably most known for its casinos, while in the past, it was a top destination for illegal gambling, bootleg liquor, and great music. Take a look:
Though the Biloxi of today boasts great restaurants, shopping, and beaches, legal gambling is probably the city’s biggest draw.
Roman Eugeniusz/Wikimedia
The area’s relationship with gambling truly blossomed in the 1920s, when Isle of Caprice Hotel and Resort was built on Dog Key Island.
Mississippi Department of Archives and History Because of the island’s location 12 miles outside of the jurisdiction of the U.S., gambling and drinking were legal.
In the years that followed, gambling became extremely profitable and resorts, like Broadwater Beach Hotel, began to pop-up in order to accommodate out-of-state gamblers.
Mississippi Department of Archives and History/Wikimedia What’s more, slot machines could be found just about anywhere, from grocery stores to hotels.
By the time the 1950s rolled around, gambling was no longer legal and gambling establishments were condemned. However, that doesn’t mean the fun times were over.
Sun Herald/YouTube
During the 1950s and 1960s, Biloxi was a “hot spot of the Deep South.”
Sun Herald/YouTube
People from all over flocked to the city for first class dining, great musical entertainment, dancing, and gambling, of course.
Sun Herald/YouTube
Back room gambling was extremely common. Establishments throughout the state had slot machines, roulette wheels, and more.
Sun Herald/YouTube
Gambling was especially prevalent in nightclubs. Red Carpet Club and The Fiesta were among Biloxi’s most popular after-dark spots.
Fiesta at the Fiesta LLC/Facebook
Guy Stevens, a supper club, was another favorite for those seeking a good time – along with some great entertainment.
Sun Herald/YouTube
Touted as “Las Vegas on the Gulf Coast,” the supper club hosted some of the biggest names in the business.
Sun Herald/YouTube
Jayne Mansfield actually performed at Guy Stevens the day before she passed away in a fatal car accident.
Sun Herald/YouTube
Biloxi nightlife included more than gambling and entertainment, though. Despite being illegal, liquor flowed freely in eateries and clubs throughout Biloxi, only adding to the city’s allure.
Sun Herald/YouTube
Did you know about Biloxi’s past? Have your own stories about the era? Tell us in the comments section.
Roman Eugeniusz/Wikimedia
Mississippi Department of Archives and History
Because of the island’s location 12 miles outside of the jurisdiction of the U.S., gambling and drinking were legal.
Mississippi Department of Archives and History/Wikimedia
What’s more, slot machines could be found just about anywhere, from grocery stores to hotels.
Sun Herald/YouTube
Fiesta at the Fiesta LLC/Facebook
Want to learn more about the Gulf Coast of decades past? Click here.
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Address: Biloxi, MS, USAAddress: Gulfport, MS, USA
