As reported by: Las Vegas Review-Journal
A vastly upgraded Imperial Palace will be the first of three Gulf casinos expected to reopen by the end of the year.

In addition to the Imperial Palace, reopening dates have been set for the Isle of Capri and the Palace Casino in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The storm, which struck Aug. 29, damaged or destroyed most of the 12 coast casinos and a 13th about to open.

The Imperial Palace reopens on Dec. 20. The reopening will be followed by the Isle of Capri on Dec. 26 and the Palace Casino's on Dec. 30.

The Isle of Capri is putting its casino inside its new hotel tower; the Palace's initial operation will be smaller than it was before Hurricane Katrina.

Owen Nitz, a member of the family trust that owns the Imperial Palace, recently told the Mississippi Gaming Commission the casino and hotel amenities will be completely revamped.

"It's going to be a mindblower," Nitz said.

The Imperial Palace Casino will increase its slot machines from 1,400 to 1,900, its table games from 36 to 52 and will add a 16-table poker room. It will also have a new 470-seat buffet, steak and seafood restaurant, and 1,088 renovated guest rooms.


Article By: Las Vegas Review-Journal