Quick Answer

Conditional with significant barriers. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino may hire individuals with criminal records for certain non-gaming positions only. As MGM Resorts International's AAA Four Diamond resort on Mississippi's Gulf Coast with approximately 1,500 employees, Beau Rivage operates under strict Mississippi Gaming Commission regulations. Employment in any position requiring a gaming work permit is legally prohibited for convicted felons under Mississippi Code § 75-76-67.

Mississippi law explicitly states that "no person shall be granted a license or found suitable" who has been convicted of a felony in any court. This creates a blanket exclusion for gaming positions—unlike most industries where individualized assessment is required. The Mississippi Gaming Commission conducts fingerprint-based criminal background checks on all work permit applicants.

The greatest barriers are created by any felony conviction (automatic disqualification for gaming positions), theft, fraud, and dishonesty offenses (eliminates cash-handling and financial positions), and misdemeanors involving gambling, prostitution, or alcohol sales to minors (also disqualifying under state gaming law). Recent offenses face additional scrutiny even for non-gaming roles.

Best opportunities exist in back-of-house positions that may not require gaming work permits, including certain kitchen roles, grounds maintenance at the Fallen Oak golf course, and select housekeeping positions. However, applicants should understand that even these positions may require gaming registration depending on job duties and access to gaming areas.

Table of Content

1. Quick Answer

2. Felon-Friendly Scorecard

3. Eligibility Checklist

4. Critical Regulatory Information

5. Company Overview

6. Hiring Policy Analysis

7. Background Check Process

8. Application Strategy

9. Tips for Applicants with Records

10. Benefits Overview

11. Frequently Asked Questions

12. Alternative Second Chance Employers

13. Conclusion

14. Disclaimer

Felon-Friendly Scorecard

Eligibility Checklist

Before applying, honestly assess whether you meet these baseline requirements:

• Gaming vs. Non-Gaming Distinction: Must understand that most positions at Beau Rivage require Mississippi Gaming Commission work permits. If you have ANY felony conviction, you are automatically disqualified from gaming positions under state law—focus only on non-gaming roles.

  
  

• No Disqualifying Misdemeanors: Even misdemeanor convictions involving gambling, prostitution, or alcohol sales to minors are disqualifying for gaming work permits.

  
  

• Physical Requirements: Many positions require standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, and working in a casino environment with cigarette smoke and loud noise.

  
  

• Drug Screen: Must pass a pre-employment drug test. MGM Resorts maintains a drug-free workplace policy.

  
  

• Complete Honesty Required: Gaming applications require disclosure of ALL criminal history. Any omission or false statement is grounds for immediate denial and demonstrates lack of integrity.

  
  

• Work Authorization: Must be legally authorized to work in the United States and provide required I-9 documentation.

  
  

• Age Requirement: Must be at least 21 years old to work in casino areas or serve alcohol. Some positions require only 18+.

Critical Regulatory Information

Understanding Mississippi's gaming regulatory framework is essential for applicants with criminal records. Unlike most industries where EEOC guidelines require individualized assessment, Mississippi gaming law creates statutory exclusions that override federal anti-discrimination protections. The Mississippi Gaming Commission has exclusive authority over gaming employee licensing, and their decisions are final.

EEOC Guidelines

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission advises employers not to automatically refuse applicants based on criminal records. However, gaming industry regulations create a legal exception. The EEOC recognizes that state licensing requirements can legally exclude individuals with criminal histories when mandated by regulatory bodies. For non-gaming positions that don't require work permits, standard EEOC guidelines apply—employers must conduct individualized assessments considering the Green Factors:

(1) Nature and gravity of the offense;

(2) Time elapsed since the offense;

(3) Nature of the job sought.

FCRA Requirements

If a third-party conducts background checks for non-gaming positions and employment is denied based on the report, Beau Rivage must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act adverse action procedures:

(1) Provide pre-adverse action notice with a copy of the report and summary of FCRA rights;

(2) Allow reasonable time to dispute inaccuracies;

(3) Provide final adverse action notice if decision stands. For gaming positions, the Mississippi Gaming Commission process supersedes standard FCRA procedures.

State-Specific Considerations

Mississippi does not have a statewide ban-the-box law for private employers. Employers in Mississippi can ask about criminal history on initial job applications. There is no waiting period required before conducting background checks. Mississippi also lacks a state anti-discrimination agency, so any complaints must be filed with federal EEOC. The state follows standard FCRA 7-year lookback for most employment purposes, but gaming positions have no statutory limitation.

Gaming Industry-Specific Considerations

The Mississippi Gaming Control Act (Miss. Code Ann. § 75-76-67) creates absolute barriers for certain convictions. Key disqualifying factors include:

• Any felony conviction in Mississippi, another state, or federal court—automatic lifetime disqualification for gaming work permits

• Misdemeanor convictions related to gambling offenses

• Misdemeanor convictions related to sale of alcohol to minors

• Misdemeanor convictions related to prostitution or inducement to prostitution

• Any criminal history that would demonstrate lack of 'good character, honesty, and integrity

Gaming employees must obtain work permits from the Mississippi Gaming Commission, which involves fingerprinting, FBI background check, financial background review, and suitability determination. Work permits must be renewed every three years. The Commission evaluates whether an applicant's 'prior activities, criminal record, reputation, habits, and associations' pose a threat to effective gaming regulation.

Company Overview

Beau Rivage Resort & Casino is a AAA Four Diamond waterfront resort located in Biloxi, Mississippi, on the Gulf of Mexico. Owned by Vici Properties and operated by MGM Resorts International, Beau Rivage is the largest Four Diamond resort in the Southeast and consistently ranked among the South's best resorts by Southern Living. The resort opened in March 1999 as part of Mirage Resorts before becoming part of MGM Resorts International. The hotel tower is the tallest building in Mississippi at 32 stories.

Beau Rivage was significantly damaged by Hurricane Katrina in August 2005 but underwent a $550 million renovation and reopened exactly one year later in August 2006. The resort features 1,740 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, twelve restaurants, four bars and lounges, a spa and salon, retail shopping, and a 1,550-seat theater for live entertainment. The 85,000-square-foot casino includes over 1,800 slot machines, 93 table games, and BetMGM Book Bar & Grill for sports betting.

Company Fast Facts

• Founded: 1999 (Biloxi, Mississippi)

• Headquarters: 875 Beach Boulevard, Biloxi, MS 39530

• Employees: Approximately 1,500 at Beau Rivage; MGM Resorts employs 78,000+ globally

• Parent Company: MGM Resorts International (Operator); Vici Properties (Owner)

• Stock Symbol: MGM (NYSE)

• Facilities: 1,740 rooms, 85,000 sq ft casino, 12 restaurants, spa, theater, golf course

• Golf Course: Fallen Oak - Tom Fazio-designed championship course (opened 2006)

• Revenue: Approximately $454 million annually

Hiring Policy Analysis

Beau Rivage's hiring policies are largely dictated by Mississippi Gaming Commission requirements rather than company discretion. As an MGM Resorts property, the company follows corporate diversity and inclusion initiatives, but these are superseded by state gaming law for positions requiring work permits. MGM has expressed support for second-chance hiring in other jurisdictions—the company was 'very excited' when Massachusetts changed its gaming laws to allow some ex-offenders to work in non-gaming casino positions. However, Mississippi maintains stricter statutory prohibitions.

Background checks occur after conditional job offer for non-gaming positions. For gaming positions, the Mississippi Gaming Commission process begins after the employer submits the work permit application. Temporary work permits may allow employment for up to 90 days while background investigations are completed, but these are not available to applicants with disqualifying criminal histories.

Position-Specific Barriers

Barrier levels are determined by Mississippi Gaming Commission work permit requirements and position-specific access to gaming areas, cash handling, and customer interaction.

Available Positions and Pay

Pay data compiled from Glassdoor, Indeed, and MGM Resorts job postings. Actual compensation varies by experience, shift, and position.

Career Path Examples

Beau Rivage emphasizes internal advancement through MGM Resorts' training programs. However, career advancement for individuals with felony records is severely limited because higher-level positions typically require gaming work permits. Without a pardon or expungement, advancement beyond non-gaming entry-level roles is effectively impossible.

Non-Gaming Track (if eligible): Greenskeeper ($17/hr) → Senior Greenskeeper ($19-21/hr) → Grounds Supervisor ($45K-55K/yr). Golf course operations may provide advancement without gaming permits.

Back-of-House Kitchen Track: Steward ($12-14/hr) → Prep Cook ($14-16/hr) → Line Cook ($16-18/hr). Advancement to sous chef or management requires gaming registration and may be blocked by felony record.

Standard Gaming Track (NOT available to felons): Entry positions → Shift Lead → Supervisor → Manager. All supervisory positions require enhanced gaming suitability reviews that automatically exclude felons.

Background Check Process

Understanding Beau Rivage's background check process helps you prepare for what to expect. The process differs significantly based on whether the position requires a Mississippi Gaming Commission work permit.

What They Check (Gaming Positions): Fingerprint-based FBI criminal history; Mississippi state criminal records; county criminal records; financial background including credit history, bankruptcies, liens, and judgments; employment verification; education verification; character references; social media review; any civil court records. The Gaming Commission evaluates overall 'suitability' beyond just criminal history.

What They Check (Non-Gaming Positions): Standard criminal background check at county, state, and federal levels; SSN trace and address history; employment verification for past 7-10 years; drug screening.

Lookback Period: For gaming positions, there is no statutory limitation—felony convictions at any time in your life are disqualifying. For non-gaming positions, Mississippi follows standard FCRA guidelines with a 7-year lookback for most criminal history, though serious offenses may be reported beyond 7 years.

Timeline: The hiring process takes approximately 2-4 weeks from application to hire based on employee reports. Gaming Commission work permit processing can take 30-120 days. Some positions allow temporary work permits during review, but not for applicants with disqualifying backgrounds. The overall timeline from application to hire can extend to 9 weeks for gaming positions.

Process Flow: Application submitted → Phone screening → Interview(s) → Conditional offer extended → Gaming work permit application filed (if required) → Background check and drug test → Fingerprinting at Gaming Commission district office → Background investigation completed → Suitability determination made → Work permit issued or denied → Start date confirmed (if approved).

Disqualifying Factors

Automatic Disqualification (Gaming Positions): Any felony conviction in any jurisdiction—no exceptions under Mississippi law; misdemeanor conviction for gambling-related offenses; misdemeanor conviction for sale of alcohol to minors; misdemeanor conviction for prostitution or inducement to prostitution; any criminal history demonstrating lack of integrity, honesty, or good character.

High Risk for Non-Gaming Positions: Recent theft or fraud convictions (cash handling concerns); violent offenses within past 7 years (safety concerns); drug trafficking convictions; any dishonesty-related offenses.

Your Rights as Applicant

• FCRA Protections (Non-Gaming): You must receive written notice and provide consent before a background check. If denied based on the report, you're entitled to a copy and the right to dispute inaccuracies.

  
  

• Pre-Adverse Action Notice: For non-gaming positions, before a final decision, you must receive notice with a copy of the report and a summary of your rights.

  
  

• Gaming Commission Appeal: If denied a gaming work permit, you may request a hearing before the Gaming Commission, though success is rare for applicants with felony convictions given the statutory prohibition.

  
  

• No Ban-the-Box Protection: Mississippi does not have ban-the-box laws. Employers can ask about criminal history on initial applications.

  
  

• Dispute Rights: You can dispute inaccurate information on background reports with the reporting agency. Run your own background check first to identify and correct errors.

Application Strategy

1. Research Position Requirements First: Before applying, contact Beau Rivage Human Resources to specifically ask whether a position requires a Mississippi Gaming Commission work permit. If you have a felony, do not waste time applying for positions requiring gaming registration.

   
   

2. Target Fallen Oak Golf Course: The golf course is physically separate from the casino and some positions may not require gaming work permits. Greenskeeper positions start at $17/hr. Apply through MGM Resorts careers website.

   
   

3. Consider Contractor Positions: Some back-of-house functions may be contracted to outside vendors who have different hiring policies. Inquire about contracted food service, laundry, or maintenance positions.

   
   

4. Be Completely Honest: Never lie about your criminal history. The Gaming Commission conducts extensive investigations and any omission or false statement is grounds for denial and demonstrates lack of integrity—making future applications impossible.

   
   

5. Pursue Expungement or Pardon: The only path to gaming employment with a felony record is through legal remedies. Mississippi allows expungement for certain first-time, non-violent felonies after 5 years. Consult with a criminal defense attorney about eligibility.

   
   

6. Document Rehabilitation: Even for non-gaming positions, prepare evidence of positive changes: completion of treatment programs, educational certificates, vocational training, stable housing, employment history, community involvement, and character references.

   
   

7. Apply Through Official Channels: Submit applications through careers.mgmresorts.com. Check postings regularly and apply to multiple positions to maximize opportunities.

   
   

8. Consider Alternative Industries: Given the severe statutory barriers in casino gaming, applicants with felony records may have better success in non-gaming hospitality, restaurants, construction, manufacturing, or other industries without regulatory licensing requirements.

Tips for Applicants with Records

1. Understand the Reality: Casino gaming has among the strictest background requirements of any industry due to state regulatory requirements. Be realistic about your opportunities and don't repeatedly apply for positions you cannot legally hold.

   
   

2. Run Your Own Background Check: Order your own criminal background check before applying. Know exactly what will appear. Dispute any errors in advance. The Mississippi Gaming Commission will find everything.

   
   

3. Focus on Non-Gaming Hospitality: Biloxi has numerous non-casino hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions that don't require gaming licenses. Build experience in hospitality without the gaming barriers.

   
   

4. Consult an Attorney: If you're serious about casino employment, consult with a Mississippi criminal defense attorney about expungement eligibility, pardons, or certificate of rehabilitation. This is the only realistic path.

   
   

5. Pass the Drug Test: If you have substance issues, address them completely before applying. Failing a drug test eliminates any chance at employment.

   
   

6. Demonstrate Financial Stability: Gaming background checks include financial reviews. Address outstanding debts, liens, or bankruptcies as they indicate potential financial pressure that concerns regulators.

   
   

7. Network Through Workforce Programs: Mississippi Department of Employment Security and local workforce development programs may have relationships with employers and knowledge of which positions don't require gaming permits.

   
   

8. Be Patient and Flexible: The hiring process at casinos takes longer than most industries due to licensing requirements. Be prepared for 30-120 day timelines for work permit processing.

Benefits Overview

Beau Rivage, as an MGM Resorts property, offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Benefits begin for full-time employees after the waiting period.

• Compensation: Entry-level positions range from $11-17/hr depending on role. Tips significantly increase compensation for service positions. Employees rate compensation and benefits 4.1/5 stars on Glassdoor. Free parking on and off shift. Free meal in Employee Dining Room.

  
  

• 401(k) and Retirement: MGM Resorts offers a 401(k) plan with company matching. The company matches 50% of employee contributions up to 6% of salary, with a $1,000 maximum annual company contribution.

  
  

• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance with multiple plan options including PPO. Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options. Coverage begins shortly after hire for full-time employees. 24-hour telehealth resources. Low co-pays reported by employees.

  
  

• Time Off: PTO starting at 13 days in year one, increasing to 28 days after 12+ years. Paid holidays. Parental leave including maternity, paternity, and adoption leave. PTO can be cashed out.

  
  

• Additional Benefits: Life insurance, short-term and long-term disability. Employee discounts on hotel stays, dining, entertainment, and retail at MGM properties. Employee stock purchase plan. Tuition assistance. Wellness programs including fitness reimbursements. Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Commuter benefits.

Employee Perspectives

Pros: Great healthcare benefits with low co-pays; free meals in Employee Dining Room; free parking; 7-hour work days paid for 8 hours; supportive coworkers; advancement opportunities within MGM.

Cons: Cigarette smoke in casino environment; on-call scheduling for some positions; seniority-based benefits may disadvantage newer employees; some report inconsistent management; 401(k) match maximum is low.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Beau Rivage hire people with felonies?

   Only for limited non-gaming positions. Mississippi law (Miss. Code Ann. § 75-76-67) explicitly prohibits granting gaming work permits to anyone convicted of a felony. This is not a company policy but state law—Beau Rivage cannot legally hire felons for positions requiring gaming registration regardless of rehabilitation. Some back-of-house positions at the Fallen Oak golf course or contracted services may not require gaming permits and could potentially be accessible, but applicants should verify requirements with HR before applying.

   
   

2. What is the background check process at Beau Rivage?

   Gaming positions require fingerprint-based background checks through the Mississippi Gaming Commission, including FBI criminal history, state records, financial background, and suitability review. Non-gaming positions use standard third-party background checks. After conditional offer, you'll complete work permit applications (if required), authorize background check, and report to a Gaming Commission district office for fingerprinting. Results take 30-120 days for gaming positions. The Commission evaluates 'suitability' including character, integrity, reputation, and associations.

   
   

3. How far back does the background check go at Beau Rivage—what is the lookback period?

   For gaming positions requiring work permits, there is no lookback limitation—felony convictions from any time in your life are permanently disqualifying under state law. For non-gaming positions, Mississippi follows standard FCRA guidelines with a 7-year lookback for most criminal history. Employment verification typically extends 7-10 years. Serious violent or sexual offenses may be reported beyond 7 years regardless of position type.

   
   

4. What types of convictions make hiring more difficult at Beau Rivage?

   For gaming positions: Any felony conviction is automatically disqualifying under state law—there is no case-by-case review. Additionally, misdemeanors involving gambling, alcohol sales to minors, or prostitution are specifically disqualifying. For non-gaming positions: Theft, fraud, and dishonesty offenses are most problematic due to cash-handling concerns; violent offenses raise safety concerns; recent convictions (within 3-5 years) face heightened scrutiny; any offense demonstrating lack of integrity is problematic.

   
   

5. What are the best entry-level roles at Beau Rivage for applicants with a record?

   Options are extremely limited. The best opportunities are positions that may not require gaming work permits: Greenskeeper at Fallen Oak golf course ($17/hr)—physically separate from casino; potentially certain back-of-house kitchen positions if they don't require casino access; contracted vendor positions (maintenance, laundry) through third-party employers. However, applicants must verify with HR whether any specific position requires gaming registration before applying.

   
   

6. Does Beau Rivage drug test, and what kind of test do they use?

   Yes, MGM Resorts conducts pre-employment drug testing for all positions. Testing is typically urine-based screening for standard substances including marijuana (THC), cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, and PCP. Mississippi has not legalized recreational marijuana and does not have employment protections for medical marijuana users. A failed drug test is automatic disqualification.

   
   

7. When during the hiring process will Beau Rivage ask about criminal history?

   Mississippi does not have ban-the-box laws, so employers can ask about criminal history on the initial application. Gaming work permit applications require complete disclosure of all arrests and convictions, even if expunged or sealed in other contexts. You must disclose everything asked—failure to disclose is grounds for automatic denial and demonstrates lack of integrity that will prevent any future gaming employment.

   
   

8. Can someone advance to management at Beau Rivage if they have a felony?

   Advancement to management is effectively impossible for individuals with felony convictions. All supervisory and management positions at casino properties require gaming work permits with enhanced suitability reviews. The statutory prohibition on gaming licenses for felons applies equally to entry-level dealers and senior executives. The only path to advancement would be through expungement or pardon that legally removes the felony conviction from your record.

   
   

9. How long does the hiring and background check process take?

   The basic hiring process (application to interview to offer) takes approximately 10 business days to 2-3 weeks based on employee reports. However, gaming work permit processing adds 30-120 days. Some employees report 9 weeks total from offer to start date. Temporary work permits may allow employment during processing, but these are not available to applicants with disqualifying criminal histories. Plan for a lengthy timeline.

   
   

10. What can applicants do to improve their chances of getting hired at Beau Rivage?

    For applicants with felony records:

    (1) Focus exclusively on positions that don't require gaming work permits—verify with HR before applying;

    (2) Consult an attorney about expungement or pardon eligibility;

    (3) Run your own background check to know what will appear;

    (4) Document rehabilitation thoroughly;

    (5) Consider whether the casino industry is realistic given statutory barriers, and explore non-gaming hospitality instead;

    (6) Apply to the Fallen Oak golf course as it's physically separate from the casino;

    (7) Be completely honest on all applications;

    (8) Demonstrate financial stability since this is reviewed.

Alternative Second Chance Employers

Given the severe statutory barriers to casino employment for individuals with felony records, the following employers offer more realistic second chance opportunities in the Gulf Coast hospitality industry and beyond:

Conclusion

Beau Rivage Resort & Casino presents extremely limited opportunities for individuals with felony convictions due to Mississippi's statutory prohibition on gaming work permits for felons. Unlike most industries where individualized assessment and rehabilitation evidence can overcome past convictions, casino gaming in Mississippi has legally mandated blanket exclusions that cannot be waived by employer discretion or demonstrated rehabilitation.

The few potential pathways involve positions that may not require gaming work permits—primarily golf course maintenance at Fallen Oak or potentially some contracted back-of-house services. However, applicants must verify permit requirements for specific positions before investing time in the application process. Even these positions involve standard background checks that may consider criminal history.

Key Success Factors: Focus exclusively on non-gaming positions after verifying they don't require work permits; pursue expungement or pardon as the only realistic path to gaming employment; demonstrate complete honesty as any dishonesty permanently bars future applications; consider whether non-gaming hospitality offers better opportunities.

Biggest Barriers: Mississippi Code § 75-76-67 creating absolute prohibition for felons; no exceptions regardless of time elapsed, rehabilitation, or nature of offense; gaming work permit requirements for most positions at casino properties; lifetime lookback with no statutory limitation.

For individuals with felony records serious about Gulf Coast hospitality careers, the most realistic path may be building experience with felon-friendly employers in non-gaming hospitality, while simultaneously pursuing legal remedies (expungement or pardon) that could eventually open doors to casino employment. The alternative second chance employers listed above offer immediate opportunities without the regulatory barriers present in casino gaming.

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. Hiring policies vary by position, location, and individual circumstances. While we strive for accuracy using publicly available sources including Mississippi Gaming Commission regulations, company websites, job postings, employee reviews (Glassdoor, Indeed), and salary databases, employment information and company policies may change without notice. Always verify current practices directly with Beau Rivage and the Mississippi Gaming Commission.

Inclusion in this guide does not guarantee employment. Gaming licensing requirements, background check laws, and expungement procedures vary and should be confirmed with legal professionals. Consult with a Mississippi criminal defense attorney for specific legal advice about your situation, particularly regarding expungement eligibility or other pathways to removing disqualifying convictions from your record.

Apply Now: https://careers.mgmresorts.com