Biloxi Council approves Black Marlin Casino rezoning
The developer still needs state licensing, and the site’s gaming approval expires December 22 unless extended.
Key Takeaways
- The Biloxi City Council voted 5-1 on October 6 to rezone seven parcels near Beach Boulevard and Veterans Avenue, advancing the proposed Black Marlin Casino. The decision clears the way for removing 28 protected trees: 25 mature live oaks and three magnolias.
- The Mississippi Gaming Commission’s December 2023 site approval expires on December 22, 2026, unless extended, and the commission must still review the latest proposal and complete licensing.
U.S.- The Biloxi City Council in Mississippi voted 5-1 on October 6 to rezone seven parcels near Beach Boulevard and Veterans Avenue to allow the advance of the proposed Black Marlin Casino. The decision clears the way for the removal of 28 protected trees, a point of contention for residents.
RW Development must wait at least 10 days before cutting down any trees and meet the city’s replacement requirements. The casino also needs further approval from the Mississippi Gaming Commission before it can open. The Biloxi Planning Commission had unanimously approved the master plan, zoning changes and tree removal request on September 3.
The planned tree removal involves 25 mature live oaks and three magnolias. Residents had urged officials to reconsider the impact on the site’s natural character. Under the council’s conditions, RW Development must compensate for the loss by planting 209 replacement trees, contributing to Biloxi’s tree fund, or combining both options.
The development is planned for 1820 Beach Boulevard. Previous project details outlined a 43,800-square-foot casino, a 300-room hotel, dining facilities and parking for 668 vehicles, alongside additional retail and hospitality space. Ray Wooldridge, president of RW Development, is leading the project in partnership with Encompass, a Kentucky-based casino design and construction company. The proposed investment has previously been reported at approximately US$3m.
The Mississippi Gaming Commission approved the site for casino development in December 2023, but that approval is due to expire on December 22, 2026, unless extended. The commission must review the latest proposal and complete the licensing process before the casino can proceed.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- How many trees will be removed for the Black Marlin Casino? 28 protected trees, made up of 25 mature live oaks and three magnolias. RW Development must plant 209 replacement trees, contribute to Biloxi’s tree fund, or do both.
- What is planned for the Black Marlin Casino site? Earlier project details described a 43,800-square-foot casino, a 300-room hotel, dining and parking for 668 vehicles, plus additional retail and hospitality space at 1820 Beach Boulevard.
- Does the Black Marlin Casino still need state approval? Yes. The Mississippi Gaming Commission approved the site in December 2023, but that approval expires on December 22, 2026, unless extended. The commission must still review the latest proposal and complete licensing.
