Mississippi's top gaming regulator says gaming along the Mississippi Gulf Coast isn't likely to be affected by a casino's decision to abandon a $300 million project.

The Isle of Capri is backing out of a proposed expansion at its Biloxi site and a project in west Harrison County.

The executive director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission, Larry Gregory, said Thursday that he thinks Isle of Capri executives are evaluating the Gulf Coast market.

Officials with Isle of Capri announced they were terminating their lease on the west Harrison County project.

The proposed Pine Hills Casino Resort was expected to employ 1,500 people and generate a $40 million payroll when it opened at the end of 2008.

Gregory said construction on an expanded casino and amenities in Biloxi also have stopped, and the project is being re-evaluated.