Biloxi City Council Votes 5-1 to Rezone for Black Marlin Casino Despite Protected Tree Opposition

Biloxi City Council voted 5 to 1 on October 6 to rezone seven parcels near Beach Boulevard and Veterans Avenue for the proposed Black Marlin Casino. The move clears a local regulatory step for RW Development but permits removal of 28 protected trees and drew immediate resident protests.

An arborist’s report reviewed by the Biloxi Planning Commission found 18 of the 28 trees in poor condition and seven in fair health. The 25 mature live oaks and three magnolias factored into the opposition, with community members urging preservation to maintain the waterfront’s character. The council imposed conditions requiring at least a 10-day wait before any tree removal and the planting of 209 replacement trees, a contribution to the city tree fund, or both.

Project Specifications and Remaining State Requirements

The site at 1820 Beach Blvd. is planned to include a 43,800 square foot casino, a hotel with 300 rooms, dining, retail, other hospitality facilities and parking for 668 vehicles. Ray Wooldridge, president of RW Development, is partnering with Kentucky-based Encompass on the project, previously reported at about $3 million. The Mississippi Gaming Commission approved the site for casino development in December 2023, but that approval expires on December 22, 2026, unless extended.

According to reporting by GamblingNews, the council vote removes a major local obstacle. The project still faces state licensing review and continued public opposition. A separate Biloxi proposal, Tullis Gardens Hotel and Casino, advanced in June after a circuit court ruling on its site approval.

Reporting: GamblingNews

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