$1 million sportsbook coming to Mississippi coast casino

A $1 million, state-of-the-art sportsbook will soon open at a Mississippi coast casino.

Golden Nugget Biloxi, in partnership with DraftKings, Inc., will open the DraftKings Sportsbook in January.

The Golden Nugget was one of multiple coast casinos which did not reopen a buffet restaurant after the COVID-19 pandemic. A large portion of that former buffet space is being used for the sportsbook.

“Our team is proud to announce the addition of the DraftKings Sportsbook at Golden Nugget Casino Biloxi,” said Golden Nugget general manager Chett Harrison. “Together with the leadership team at DraftKings, we are creating an amenity that patrons can enjoy, while offering sports fans an unparalleled sports betting experience at one of the top entertainment destinations in Mississippi.”

The sportsbook will feature three video walls with state-of-the-art LED screens and a viewing area for patrons, with VIP and stadium seating and food and drink service available. The LED screens are being billed as the “largest seamless screen on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.”

Additionally, the area will feature 17 live betting kiosks and five betting windows.

“The Golden Nugget Casino Biloxi is known for providing customers with a luxurious entertainment experience,” said Michael Kibort Sr. Director of Retail Sportsbook Operations at DraftKings. “We look forward to opening the doors to the newest addition to the property with a state-of-the-art retail sportsbook.”

Officials plan to open the sportsbook prior to the start of the NFL playoffs in January.

Currently, Michael Patrick’s Sports Bar offers sports betting, using DraftKings technology. The current betting services will remain while the new sportsbook is being built.

The Beau Rivage Casino Resort was the first to offer sports betting, beginning on Aug. 2, 2018 -- the first day sports betting became legal in Mississippi.

Since then, every other casino on the coast has added sports betting to their amenities offered.