Pearl River Resort
- Founded
- 1994-01-01 in Choctaw, Neshoba County, Mississippi, USA
- Headquarters
- Highway 16 West, Choctaw, Mississippi 39350, USA
Pearl River Resort is the flagship gaming and hospitality enterprise of the federally recognized Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, operating three casinos, multiple hotels, an award-winning golf course, and a water theme park in east-central Mississippi. The resort opened its first property, Silver Star Hotel & Casino, in 1994 on tribal lands near Philadelphia, Mississippi, and has since expanded to include the Golden Moon Hotel & Casino (2002), Bok Homa Casino, Dancing Rabbit Golf Club, Geyser Falls Water Theme Park, and additional lodging. As the only Native American-owned casino complex in the state, Pearl River Resort offers land-based gaming in a region where most competitors are riverboats or Gulf Coast floatels. The enterprise is managed under Choctaw Resort Development Enterprise (CRDE), a wholly owned entity of the tribe. With a workforce of approximately 2,400 to 3,000 employees during peak seasons, the resort reinvests heavily in its properties—most recently a comprehensive room renovation at the Golden Moon. Pearl River Resort combines 'big city gaming with Southern charm,' serving both regional visitors and tourists drawn to its premier golf and family-friendly water park.
Detailed Review
History
Pearl River Resort began with the opening of Silver Star Hotel & Casino in 1994 on tribal land near Philadelphia, Neshoba County, under the leadership of Tribal Chief Phillip Martin. In 2002 the tribe added the architecturally distinctive Golden Moon Hotel & Casino, featuring a curved tower topped with a globe structure. A third casino, Bok Homa, opened later in Sandersville. Unlike most Mississippi casinos that were restricted to riverboats or floating structures until post-Katrina rule changes, Pearl River Resort was permitted as a land-based facility under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
Business Model and Amenities
The resort comprises three casino floors: Silver Star (90,000 sq ft, 500+ hotel rooms), Golden Moon (1,150 slot machines, 25 table games, 14-table poker room, nearly 600 rooms), and Bok Homa (27,000 sq ft, 700+ slots, event center). Non-gaming amenities include the 23-acre Geyser Falls Water Theme Park, the Jerry Pate-designed Dancing Rabbit Golf Club (awarded "Best Course in Mississippi"), a full-service spa, 11 dining outlets, and the Dancing Rabbit Inn. The loyalty program, Pearl River Rewards, offers tiered benefits. The Choctaw Hospitality Institute provides on-site training for hospitality careers.
Market Position and Regulatory Environment
As the only tribal casino in Mississippi, Pearl River Resort competes primarily with riverboat casinos along the Gulf Coast and Mississippi River. Its land-based status, conferred under IGRA and regulated by the tribe’s own gaming commission, gives it operational advantages. The resort is a major employer for tribal members and a key economic driver for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.
Notable Events and Recent Developments
The 2009 economic downturn forced Golden Moon to reduce operations to weekends and led to a layoff of 570 non-tribal workers. After a $71 million renovation, the Golden Moon reopened seven days a week in 2015. In 2025-2026 the resort initiated a full guest-room renovation at Golden Moon, with model rooms showcasing contemporary design. The resort celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2024. Leadership changes in 2024 appointed Timothy Hill as Interim President and CEO and Connie Deon as Acting Chief Financial Officer.
Key Products
Silver Star Hotel & Casino
The original resort property with over 500 hotel rooms and a 90,000-square-foot casino floor featuring slots, table games, and dining.
Golden Moon Hotel & Casino
A modern, globe-topped hotel tower with nearly 600 rooms, 1,150 slot machines, 25 table games, and a 14-table poker room.
Bok Homa Casino
A 27,000-square-foot casino in Sandersville, MS, offering over 700 slot machines, an event center, and a quick-serve eatery.
Dancing Rabbit Golf Club
An award-winning 18-hole golf course designed by Jerry Pate, set among pine forests and noted for its challenging layout.
Geyser Falls Water Theme Park
A 23-acre family water park with white-sand beaches, palm trees, water slides, and a lazy river.
Dancing Rabbit Inn
A hotel property adjacent to the golf club, offering accommodations for golfers and resort guests.
Pearl River Rewards
The free players club loyalty program allowing members to earn and redeem points across gaming, dining, and hotel services.
Choctaw Hospitality Institute
An on-site training facility for hospitality and culinary education affiliated with the resort.
Offices & Headcount
2400 employees (approx.)
Key Persons
Timothy HillInterim President & CEO
Connie DeonActing Chief Financial Officer
Recent News
AGA Reveals Gaming Hall of Fame Class of 2026, Honoring Four Industry Visionaries
The American Gaming Association (AGA) has announced the four distinguished inductees for its 2026 Gaming Hall of Fame class: Holly Gagnon, Bill G. Lance Jr., Scott Olive, and Timothy J. "Tim" Wilmott. These industry leaders are being recognized for their significant and diverse contributions across commercial, tribal, and supplier segments of the legal gaming industry, with a formal induction ceremony set for this fall at G2E in Las Vegas.
2026-07-08