Casino Developers Like the Odds of Success in Biloxi, Mississippi

Article by : Erik Gibbs Oct 16, 2024

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Developers in Biloxi, Mississippi, are making strides in their efforts to establish two new casinos along the city’s east coast, according to local media outlet NOLA. After years of planning and anticipation, these projects are now advancing toward a crucial milestone: securing site approval from the Mississippi Gaming Commission. 

Jay McDaniel, executive director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission, confirmed the progress of both projects. “They’re two different casinos,” he stated, clarifying that although they are close in proximity, each development has unique attributes and financial backers. The first, the Tullis Gardens Hotel and Casino, is situated just west of Harrah’s Gulf Coast, while the second, proposed by Biloxi Capital, would be built on the Tivoli property, a short distance away near the Biloxi Yacht Club and the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art.

The Tullis Gardens project is set to be presented to the Gaming Commission in Jackson this Thursday. This request for site approval marks a significant step forward for the development. Meanwhile, Biloxi Capital’s proposal is still in the advertising phase, as required by law. The legal advertisement for the site is running for three weeks, with publication dates on October 2, 9, and 16 in the Sun Herald. After this, the proposal will also be considered by the Commission.

Securing site approval from the three-member Mississippi Gaming Commission is a key hurdle in the development process. However, it is just the beginning. If the Commission grants approval, developers must move forward with a more detailed phase of planning. This involves submitting extensive architectural designs, financial documents, and operational plans, all of which must demonstrate the financial viability of the casino and ensure that the necessary funding is in place for construction.

The Tullis Gardens Hotel and Casino has evolved considerably since its original conception. Initially, it was envisioned purely as a resort, but after a feasibility study indicated that profitability would be an issue without a casino, developers adjusted their plans. To meet the Mississippi Gaming Commission’s requirements for a casino, the project now includes 300 hotel rooms—100 more than initially planned. 

Israel “Izzy” Schwartz, a Tennessee-based developer, holds a 90% stake in the project, while Luke Lenzi, Schwartz’s attorney and the company’s CEO, owns the remaining 10%. The amenities proposed for the Tullis Gardens resort include a 53,280-square-foot casino floor, 909 slot machines, 35 table games, and a sportsbook, in addition to its hotel rooms.

A distinctive feature of the Tullis Gardens development is the planned reproduction of Tullis Manor, a historic brick structure that was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. This replica will sit adjacent to an 11-story hotel tower on Beach Boulevard, offering a nod to the region’s heritage while embracing the future.

The second project, proposed by Biloxi Capital, aims to transform the Tivoli site into a world-class casino resort. The company has been working on the project for years and plans to construct a massive 1,300-room hotel alongside a 100,000-square-foot casino with 2,000 slot machines. The site, located just west of the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, was initially proposed as the $1 billion Tivoli Casino back in 2007, though plans have since been modified.

While both projects are still in the early stages of the approval process, their progress represents a significant step in the ongoing development of Biloxi’s waterfront. If successful, these casinos could bring substantial economic growth and new tourism opportunities to the region, continuing Biloxi’s long tradition as a hub for gaming and hospitality along the Gulf Coast.