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Biloxi City Council Gives Green Light to Black Marlin Casino Development

By jili tutorial · October 9, 2026

Biloxi City Council Gives Green Light to Black Marlin Casino Development

Overview of the Approval Process

The Biloxi City Council has recently approved a significant rezoning initiative that paves the way for the construction of the Black Marlin Casino at the intersection of Beach Boulevard (US Highway 90) and Veterans Avenue. This decision marks a pivotal step in the development process, transitioning the project to the next phase of state-level scrutiny.

Details of the Rezoning Decision

On Tuesday, October 6, the council passed a resolution that rezoned seven parcels of land, transforming them into a “Gaming Establishment Overlay District.” This rezoning was necessary to accommodate the proposed casino resort, which includes gaming facilities, a hotel, dining options, and parking spaces. The land, owned by RW Development, a company led by local entrepreneur Ray Wooldridge, has been designated as “waterfront,” aligning with state requirements for casino operations.

Ray Wooldridge, known for his wealth accumulation through Space Master International, a modular building manufacturer, has been at the forefront of this development. The council’s approval also encompasses the removal of 28 protected trees, including 25 live oaks and three magnolias. Despite community objections to the tree removal, the council supported an arborist’s assessment indicating that most of these trees were in poor condition.

State-Level Review by the Mississippi Gaming Commission

With the Biloxi City Council’s approval secured, the project now advances to the Mississippi Gaming Commission (MGC) for further review. The MGC will examine the latest development plans and conduct comprehensive background checks on RW Development’s key personnel.

In December 2023, the MGC had already given preliminary site approval, contingent on Wooldridge constructing a $3 million pier at Veterans Boulevard. This pier ensures that the property north of Beach Boulevard complies with state gaming laws, which mandate that casino activities occur within 800 feet of the mean high-water line of the Mississippi Sound.

The MGC’s decision was based on their assessment that the RW Development site met all statutory and regulatory requirements, leading to a unanimous vote in favor of the application. However, this approval is time-sensitive, valid only until 12:01 am on December 22, 2026. RW Development must secure a gaming license within this period to proceed without needing to restart the approval process.

Project Specifications and Partnerships

Dubbed the Black Marlin Casino, the project is envisioned as a comprehensive resort offering:

RW Development has partnered with Encompass, a Kentucky-based firm renowned for its expertise in designing and constructing casinos. Encompass’s portfolio includes notable clients like Caesars Entertainment, Churchill Downs, and Jack Entertainment, ensuring that the Black Marlin Casino incorporates state-of-the-art design and construction.

Community and Environmental Considerations

The project has not been without its controversies. Over two dozen community members voiced their concerns regarding the removal of live oaks, emphasizing the environmental and aesthetic value of these trees. The council, however, relied on professional assessments that deemed most of these trees to be in poor health, mitigating some environmental objections.

Next Steps and Future Implications

As the project moves forward, RW Development faces the critical task of obtaining a gaming license before the MGC’s approval expires. Failure to secure this license by the deadline would necessitate a reapplication process, involving state authorities like the Mississippi Department of Transportation and the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.

The Black Marlin Casino promises to be a significant addition to Biloxi’s landscape, potentially boosting local tourism and economy. However, its development journey underscores the complex interplay between regulatory compliance, community concerns, and environmental considerations.