It has been less than three months since Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast and left thirteen casinos inoperable - many of which were completely destroyed.  However, with overwhelming support from governmental bodies, as well as a determination from local businesses and citizens to rebuild the ravaged region, three more casinos are scheduled to open their doors once again in late December.

The Imperial Palace Casino, Palace Casino and Isle of Capri Casino all have tentative dates to open back up around Christmas time. Imperial Palace will be the first of the trio, when they unveil their upgraded casino on December 20th.  Imperial will be even better than it was before, according to a casino spokesperson.  The gambling establishment will now house five-hundred more slot machines, bringing the total to 1,900, in addition to sixteen more table games (fifty-two total) and a brand new 16-table poker room.  In addition to the casino upgrade, Imperial Palace has also renovated their guest suites, and built a brand new steak and seafood restaurant with a gamblers buffet.

Isle of Capri Casino looks to being doing the same as Imperial Palace, which they plan to unveil on December 26.  The casino floor will see an increase in both slot machines and table games.  And although not quite as big as the Imperial, Isle of Capri will be operating a new 8,000 sq. ft. spa before the end of January.

As for Palace Casino, they are just excited to be in a position to open and offer live betting.  The casino will initially open with fewer machines and less than half the tables they had before; However, plans are already underway to expand and upgrade the damaged  casino barge.