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Biloxi Planning Commission Approves Black Marlin Casino: A Comprehensive Guide to the Proposed Development

By jili tutorial · September 6, 2026

Biloxi Planning Commission Approves Black Marlin Casino: A Comprehensive Guide to the Proposed Development

Overview: A Long-Awaited Casino Project Moves Forward

The Biloxi Planning Commission has granted approval for a significant casino development at the intersection of US 90 (Beach Boulevard) and Veterans Avenue. This decision marks a major milestone for the proposed Black Marlin Casino, a project that has been in the works for over 15 years. The approval involves rezoning three parcels of land located east of Veterans Avenue, directly across from the Big Play Entertainment Center. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the approval process, the project’s features, its legal history, and what it means for Biloxi’s gaming landscape.

Key Players and Their Roles

The Zoning Approval: What Changed and Why It Matters

Waterfront Reclassification: A Critical Step

The Planning Commission agreed to reclassify the properties located north of US 90 as waterfront zoning. This reclassification is not merely administrative—it is a legal requirement for a casino license under Mississippi state law. By designating the land as waterfront, RW Development can now apply for a casino license from the MGC, a step that was previously blocked due to the property’s location inland from the beach.

Tree Removal and Environmental Mitigation

As part of the approval, RW Development received permission to remove 25 live oak trees and three magnolia trees from the 11-acre site. To address environmental concerns, an arborist assessed the trees’ health:

In exchange, RW Development must either plant 209 new trees on the property or make a payment into the city’s tree fund to offset the loss. This mitigation plan ensures that the development balances economic growth with environmental stewardship.

Project Details: What the Black Marlin Casino Will Offer

Hotel and Amenities

The centerpiece of the development is a 300-room hotel featuring:

Casino Floor and Gaming Options

The casino itself will span 43,800 square feet and include:

This mix of attractions positions Black Marlin as a competitive addition to Biloxi’s gaming market, which already includes eight existing casinos.

The Veterans Avenue Pier: A Controversial but Crucial Component

Proposal and Purpose

Wooldridge is offering to construct a $1 million handicap-accessible pier south of the casino, to be called the Veterans Avenue Pier. This pier would replace the former pier at the West Beach Boardwalk, which was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. The pier is central to the casino’s viability: by linking the property to the waterfront via the pier, Wooldridge argued that the Big Play Entertainment Center site qualifies as waterfront and thus can apply for a casino license.

The pier proposal sparked a legal dispute with then-Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann, who argued that Wooldridge needed a tidelands lease to build the pier, as the state controls Mississippi’s tidelands. However, the case ultimately reached the Mississippi Supreme Court, which ruled in March 2023 that Wooldridge did not require a tidelands lease to construct a public pier. This ruling cleared a major legal hurdle and allowed the rezoning and casino application to proceed.

Next Steps: Approval Timeline and Regulatory Hurdles

Biloxi City Council Review

With the Planning Commission’s approval secured, the Black Marlin Casino proposal now moves to the Biloxi City Council. The Council will review the development plan, including zoning changes, environmental mitigations, and the pier construction agreement. If the Council gives its blessing, the project advances to the next stage.

Mississippi Gaming Commission (MGC) Final Approval

The final regulatory step is a hearing before the Mississippi Gaming Commission. The MGC will evaluate whether the project meets all state licensing requirements, including financial stability, background checks on key personnel, and compliance with gaming laws. Historically, the MGC has been supportive of new casinos in Biloxi, but each application is scrutinized individually.

Market Competition: Biloxi’s Growing Casino Landscape

Current Casinos in the Region

Black Marlin would become Biloxi’s ninth casino and the 13th in South Mississippi. The existing casinos in Biloxi include established names like the Beau Rivage, Hard Rock, and IP Casino Resort. The addition of Black Marlin would intensify competition for visitors and revenue.

Other Proposed Projects

The Black Marlin is not the only development in the pipeline. Two other notable projects are under consideration:

  1. Tivoli Hotel Site: A proposal to develop a casino where the historic Tivoli Hotel once stood, before it was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.
  2. Tullis Gardens Hotel & Casino: Located just east of the Tivoli site, this project includes a full-scale replica of the Tullis-Toledano Manor, another landmark lost to Katrina.

These projects indicate a broader resurgence in Biloxi’s casino industry, driven by post-Katrina rebuilding and renewed investor interest.

Practical Implications for Stakeholders

For Local Residents

For Potential Investors and Developers

For Gaming Industry Observers

Conclusion

The Biloxi Planning Commission’s approval of the Black Marlin Casino rezoning represents a significant step forward for a project that has faced legal and regulatory challenges for over a decade. With a 300-room hotel, extensive gaming options, and a public pier, the development is poised to reshape the city’s entertainment district. However, it still requires approval from the Biloxi City Council and the Mississippi Gaming Commission before construction can begin. As Biloxi’s casino landscape continues to evolve, the Black Marlin Casino stands as a testament to persistence and strategic planning.