Tunica’s only true resort property, Harrah’s, announced March 26 that it will close June 2, throwing about 1,300 employees out of work. Three-quarters of those employees are Mississippians, with “something less than 400” living in Tunica, according to Chamber of Commerce CEO Lyn Arnold.

The announcement is another blow to a county that recorded the state’s highest rate of unemployment in February, 17.3 percent.

Company officials cited increased competition in the market, where 48 states now have some form of gaming.

Read more