The Mississippi Gaming Commission (MGC) has recently given the green light for a new casino resort to be built in Biloxi. This exciting development marks the first casino to open along the Gulf Coast in Biloxi since the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in 2007. The proposed Tullis Gardens Hotel & Casino is set to be constructed on a 35-acre property at 360 Beach Blvd, just west of Harrah’s Gulf Coast.
Tullis Gardens Approval
The MGC approved the site for the Tullis Garden Hotel and Casino after determining that it meets all gaming regulations and has a tidelands lease with the state as required by Mississippi’s casino law. This move paves the way for the development of an 11-story, 300-room hotel with over 53,000 square feet of gaming space. The casino will feature more than 900 slot machines, 35 live dealer table games, and a sportsbook. Additionally, a full-scale replica of the historic Tullis-Toledano Manor will be incorporated into the resort.
The Tullis Gardens project, spearheaded by Tennessee businessman Israel Schwartz, aims to pay homage to the former Tullis-Toledano Manor, a Greek Revival mansion that was destroyed during Hurricane Katrina. The mansion, once a museum and community center, held significant historical value for the city of Biloxi. Schwartz and his team will now need to secure financing, undergo suitability checks, and obtain construction permits and final design approval from the MGC to proceed with the project.
Stalled Casino Bid
While the Tullis Gardens project moves forward, another nearby casino proposal called the Tivoli Casino is facing delays. The Tivoli Casino project, led by local developer Danny Conwill, has plans for a $1 billion development with a convention center, 1,300 hotel rooms, and a 100,000-square-foot casino. However, the site lacks a tidelands lease and is currently embroiled in litigation. Mississippi State Secretary Michael Watson is challenging Conwill’s claim that a local contract with the Biloxi Council satisfies the water requirement for the casino.
In conclusion, the approval of the Tullis Gardens Hotel & Casino site by the MGC signals an exciting new chapter for gaming in Biloxi. As developers move forward with financing and construction plans, the future of these projects will shape the landscape of the Gulf Coast casino industry. Stay tuned for more updates as these developments progress and bring new opportunities to the region.
