Biloxi Planning Commission Advances Black Marlin Casino Through Key Rezoning Approvals
Drew Fischer · Sep 5, 2026
Biloxi Planning Commission Advances Black Marlin Casino Through Key Rezoning Approvals
The Biloxi Planning Commission gave unanimous approval to rezone three parcels for waterfront use, adopt a master plan, and permit removal of 28 protected trees consisting of 25 live oaks along with three magnolias, clearing a major hurdle for RW Development's Black Marlin Casino at the corner of US 90 and Veterans Avenue.
This step addresses a project that has faced more than 15 years of delays, positioning the development as a potential addition to Biloxi's casino landscape if subsequent reviews succeed.
Project Components and Scale
The proposed facility would feature a 300-room hotel paired with a 43,800-square-foot casino floor that includes 1,100 slot machines, 24 table games, and a dedicated sportsbook, while also incorporating multiple restaurants and bars plus meeting and event space. A separate element involves construction of a $1 million handicap-accessible pier extending from Veterans Avenue, designed to improve public access to the waterfront area.
These elements combine to create a mixed-use destination that integrates gaming, lodging, dining, and recreational infrastructure along the Gulf Coast corridor.
Rezoning and Environmental Adjustments
Rezoning the three parcels to waterfront classification allows the site to accommodate the full scope of the casino and hotel structures under current city guidelines, while the master plan outlines coordinated development across the parcels to manage traffic flow, building placement, and public amenities. The tree removal request covers the 28 protected specimens, with approvals tied to mitigation measures that the developer must satisfy during later permitting stages.
City records indicate that such rezoning requests undergo review for compatibility with surrounding land uses, and the commission's decision reflects alignment with those criteria for this location.
Next Steps in the Approval Process
The project now moves to the Biloxi City Council for further consideration, followed by review from the Mississippi Gaming Commission, which holds authority over licensing and operational standards for casino developments statewide. Successful passage through these bodies would make the Black Marlin the ninth casino operating in Biloxi.
Each stage requires submission of detailed plans, financial disclosures, and compliance documentation that address traffic, security, and environmental standards before construction can begin.
Observers familiar with Mississippi gaming regulations note that the Gaming Commission evaluates applications based on economic impact projections, suitability of the applicant, and adherence to state statutes governing casino placement along the coast.
Historical Context of the Development
Efforts to advance this casino concept have spanned more than 15 years, involving multiple iterations of design and ownership changes before reaching the current proposal from RW Development. Previous attempts encountered regulatory shifts, economic downturns, and evolving local zoning requirements that extended the timeline significantly.
The latest approvals represent the most recent progress in a sequence that includes earlier environmental assessments and community input sessions held over the preceding decade and a half.
Local Infrastructure Contributions
The planned Veterans Avenue Pier stands out as a public benefit component, funded at $1 million and engineered for full accessibility to serve residents and visitors regardless of mobility needs. Integration of this pier into the overall master plan ties the private development to broader waterfront improvements along the boulevard corridor.
City planning documents outline how such features can support tourism and recreation goals while meeting requirements for mixed-use projects in waterfront zones.
Conclusion
The unanimous decision by the Biloxi Planning Commission marks a concrete advancement for the Black Marlin Casino after extended delays, setting the stage for reviews by the City Council and Mississippi Gaming Commission. Details such as the 300-room hotel, 43,800-square-foot gaming space, and accessible pier now await further scrutiny before any construction timeline can be finalized.