John Branston: A Casino on Mud Island Might be Just What Tennessee Needs
Despite its picturesque riverside location and historic charm, the park between a river and a harbor on Mud Island sits almost abandoned, yearning for rejuvenation. Journalist John Branston shares a radical vision for its revival: a casino. While the park has seen various ventures over the years, from museums to playgrounds to concerts, a casino could be the catalyst for revitalizing the park, the Island, and potentially revving up the economic engine of Memphis.
The Case for a Casino
With the “MEMPHIS” sign marking its southern end, Mud Island stands as a symbol of a city that has much to offer but is caught in the throes of stagnation. Branston points towards the obvious solution from nearby states Arkansas and Mississippi, both housing casinos only minutes from downtown Memphis. He argues that while Memphis fuels these markets, it fails to capture any of the millions of tax dollars that they generate.
Comparisons to thriving casino-rich cities like St. Louis, New Orleans, and spill over towards coastal Mississippi towns such as Gulfport and Biloxi, where Branston claims casinos saved them from deterioration in the ’80s. Yet, cities lacking casinos such as those on the Alabama coast, Florida coast, and along the northeastern expanse of Louisiana up to Texas, make up important feeder markets.
Branston argues Tennessee should capitalize on this opportunity, echoing sentiments of citizens and lawmakers who believe Memphis could use this opportunity to its advantage. Should a casino be introduced, it would not be Memphis’ first foray into gambling. As noted in G. Wayne Dowdy’s book, “Mayor Crump Don’t Like It,” a century ago, during Boss Crump’s reign, Memphis was home to an illegal lottery-like venture known as “the policy racket.” Tennessee has already made peace with the concept of gambling, hosting the Tennessee Lottery for over 20 years.
The Potential Benefits
Beyond just a revenue generator, a casino could be a tool for urban redevelopment. A casino would not demand esoteric tax breaks. Instead, its patrons, who are no strangers to the exorbitant value placed on entertainment, would willingly pour money into the project. Moreover, the location on Mud Island is a priceless advantage. Not merely on the river, the island park feels as though it is nestled within the Mississippi itself, providing a unique offering compared to Mississippi’s riverboat casinos that sit in man-made lagoons.
Opposition to casinos usually circles back to moral qualms about promoting gambling, a perceived vice. Yet, Branston argues, vices are subjective and relative. While some may see gambling as sinful, others may say paying an athlete a billion dollars to shoot a basketball or charging $15 for a hamburger and $10 for a beer are equally sinful.
In conclusion, the debate surrounding the introduction of a casino on Mud Island is worth substantial consideration. With the potential for economic development, urban revitalization, and tourism, a casino could be a game-changer for Memphis and Tennessee.
