Mississippi law restricts casinos to specific gaming areas along the Gulf Coast and the Mississippi River. Changing this law to permit a casino in Jackson would need considerable legislative effort and broad backing, which currently appear uncertain. Earlier this year, House Representative Trey Lamar put a hold on House Bill 1989, a proposal that could have paved the way for casino establishments in the capital. Meanwhile, former Governor Haley Barbour, who opposed gaming expansion during his time in office, has now aligned with a group of business leaders supporting the initiative.