Biloxi City Council Approves Rezoning for Black Marlin Casino at Veterans Avenue

The Biloxi City Council passed a resolution on October 6 that rezones seven parcels owned by RW Development at the corner of Beach Boulevard and Veterans Avenue. The action designates the land as waterfront and creates a Gaming Establishment Overlay District. It also authorizes removal of 28 protected trees, including 25 live oaks and three magnolias.

More than two dozen residents objected to cutting the trees ahead of the vote. Council members cited an arborist’s assessment that most were in poor condition, with only three rated good.

Mississippi Gaming Commission Site Approval

The local approval sends RW Development’s plans to the Mississippi Gaming Commission for review of the updated proposal and background checks on principals. The commission granted site approval in December 2023 after RW Development committed to building a $3 million pier at Veterans Boulevard. That approval satisfies the statutory requirement for gaming within 800 feet of the mean high-water line of the Mississippi Sound.

The commission’s approval expires at 12:01 a.m. on December 22, 2026. Without a gaming license or extension by that date, RW Development must restart the process with the Mississippi Department of Transportation and Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.

Black Marlin Casino Project Details

RW Development describes the project as the Black Marlin Casino. Plans call for a 43,800-square-foot casino, a 300-room hotel, restaurant and fine dining outlets, and 668 parking spaces. The company has partnered with Encompass, a Kentucky-based firm that has worked with Caesars Entertainment, Churchill Downs, and Jack Entertainment.

As reported by Casino.org, the city council action marks the latest milestone for a development first pitched more than 15 years ago.

Reporting: Casino.org News

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