The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and all its business operations are creating a nearly billion-dollar impact on the state annually, according to tribal leaders.
An economic impact analysis performed by Mississippi State University examined spending from several categories, including new construction projects, commercial operations, government operations, human capital investment, and tourism spending. Based on 2022 expenditures, the Tribe’s economic impact was $980 million.
“This study demonstrates the significant role our Tribe plays in the economic health of Mississippi,” Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben said. “We are proud of our contributions and remain committed to fostering growth and opportunities for all.”
Additionally, the economic analysis found that the Tribe generates $227.2 million in personal income tax annually and supports the employment of nearly 10,000 individuals.
The following breakdown was provided by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.
Tribal Businesses
The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians operates a wide array of businesses, providing goods and services across multiple sectors such as casinos, hotels, recreation, food and dining, and retail services. In 2022, the revenue of Tribe-affiliated enterprises was $323.5 million. Business operations increased the output in the state by $489.8 million, increased income by $134 million, and supported 4,367 jobs.
During the study period, recurring tribal government expenditures totaled $225.7 million, which were used to pay employees, purchase goods and services, and carry out daily operations. Tribal government operations increased production in Mississippi by $365.8 million, income by $61.3 million, and supported 1,271 jobs.
Pearl River Resort
Pearl River Resort continues to be a popular destination for visitors from other parts of the state and across the nation. World-class casinos, two award-winning golf courses, and the Southeast’s top water park attract visitors, and their spending injects new money into the state’s economy. In 2022, out-of-state visitors’ spending on Mississippi businesses off tribal lands increased the state’s output by $123.8 million. These impacts can also be described by the $31.8 million increase in income and the 1,055 jobs supported.
Additionally, in 2022, the Tribe had 20 projects under construction or planning phases, representing an investment of $310.6 million. These construction projects will increase the output in Mississippi by $486.9 million and personal income by $209.3 million. Construction will also support 3,079 jobs over the life of the projects.
Tribal Scholarship Program
The Tribal Scholarship Program was established to offer members financial support to pursue education beyond high school. In 2022, 41 TSP graduates collectively earned $795,288 more than they would have without their degrees. Their higher incomes spark additional expenditures in the state economy. TPS graduates increased the income for others by $141,052, increased output by $535,611, and supported the creation of three additional jobs in Mississippi.
The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians is the only federally recognized Native American tribe in Mississippi and has more than 11,000 tribal members and over 35,000 acres of tribal land. To learn more, click here.
