When Mississippi legalized casino gaming in the early 1990s, public debate often centered on promises that schools would benefit from new tax dollars. More than 30 years later, the perception still lingers in Vicksburg that gambling revenue is a major direct funding source for local education.
The numbers tell a different story.
In 2024*, Vicksburg’s four casinos paid more than $7 million to the state through the 3.2% gaming revenue tax. Under state law, those dollars are divided with 10% going to schools, 25% to Warren County, and 65% to the city of Vicksburg. However, that 10% is evenly divided between the school district and Hinds Community College.
According to the school district’s report of $702k for schools for 2024, that distribution meant roughly:
- Vicksburg Warren School District: $351K (5%)
- Hinds County Community College: $351K (5%)
- Warren County: $1.8M (25%)
- City of Vicksburg: $4.5M (65%)
