Margaritaville Casino Biloxi closed its doors one last time Monday night

A train clacked by around 9:30 p.m., its whistle a last call for the casino that opened in 2012 with a concert by Jimmy Buffett. A couple moving from Michigan to Nevada pulled in and when they learned it was the final hour, hurried inside to buy a souvenir T-shirt.

A few employees carried items to their cars, while others not scheduled to work headed in one last time. "We've been here since Day 1," a woman said while another said, "We're just saying goodbye to our co-workers."

The casino management announced July 21 to employees that they would close by Sept. 19. Customers have dwindled since the announcement. "The employees are going to be paid through the 19th as promised," said Michael Cavanaugh, attorney for MVB Holdings, which operated the casino.

Cavanaugh said the company was unable to come to an agreement with the landlords to build a hotel on the property, which the management said is needed for the casino to stay in business. "Everybody wants a better outcome," Cavanaugh said, "everybody but the landlords."

The landowners won't be able to step in and run the casino, he said. "When we close down the license is history."

Gaming Commission regulations now require a casino to have a 200-room hotel and other amenities before they open. This isn't the first time a casino has closed in South Mississippi. Gold Shore Casino and Biloxi Belle closed in 1995 and Lady Luck in Biloxi in 1998.