Biloxi City Council Approves Rezoning for Black Marlin Casino Development

The Biloxi City Council voted 5-1 on October 7, 2026 to approve a rezoning resolution that clears a major hurdle for RW Development's Black Marlin Casino project, and this decision allows the 119,000-square-foot complex at 1820 Beach Boulevard to advance toward construction while the Mississippi Gaming Commission still holds final say on licensing.

Project Details and Location

The development sits at the intersection of U.S. 90 and Veterans Avenue where planners have outlined a casino floor along with a 300-room hotel, food and retail outlets, plus supporting amenities that would position the site as Biloxi's ninth gaming venue if state regulators grant approval. Observers note that the project's scale matches patterns seen in other Gulf Coast expansions, yet the rezoning vote marks the first formal city-level endorsement after months of review.

Tree Removal Concerns and Mitigation Plan

During public hearings the proposal drew attention over plans to remove 28 protected trees from the parcel, and city records show the developer must either plant 209 replacement trees or contribute equivalent funds to Biloxi's tree mitigation program to offset the loss. Those who've followed the proceedings point out that the mitigation requirement aligns with existing municipal ordinances, which tie environmental offsets directly to rezoning conditions rather than leaving them optional.

The 5-1 council tally reflects divided but ultimately supportive sentiment among members, and the single dissenting vote centered on the tree issue even after mitigation measures were confirmed. Data from the city's planning department indicates similar tree-removal cases have been resolved through the same planting or fund-contribution framework in prior commercial projects along Beach Boulevard.

Next Steps for State Approval

With city rezoning secured, attention now shifts to the Mississippi Gaming Commission, which must issue the operating license before any construction or gaming activity can begin. Commission rules require separate review of financial fitness, site suitability, and compliance with state gaming statutes, and officials have scheduled the matter for upcoming dockets according to public notices released in early October 2026. The commission's process typically spans several months, during which applicants submit detailed operational plans and undergo background checks.

Context Within Biloxi's Gaming Landscape

Biloxi currently hosts eight casinos, and the addition of a ninth would extend a trend that began after the 1990s legalization of dockside gaming along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. City planning documents list the Black Marlin site among several parcels designated for mixed-use entertainment, and the rezoning approval brings the project into parity with other approved but not-yet-built developments in the area. Figures released by the Mississippi Gaming Commission show coastal casinos generated steady revenue growth through fiscal 2026, providing context for why local officials continue to evaluate new proposals.

Community Input and Procedural Timeline

Public comment periods preceding the October vote included presentations from RW Development representatives who detailed traffic studies, parking layouts, and the tree mitigation commitments, and council members referenced these materials when casting their votes. The resolution passed after staff confirmed that the project meets zoning compatibility standards for the Beach Boulevard corridor, which already accommodates several hospitality and entertainment uses. Those who've tracked similar applications note that the city's process emphasizes documented compliance over discretionary policy judgments once mitigation steps are outlined.

Conclusion

The 5-1 rezoning approval represents a concrete step forward for the Black Marlin Casino project, yet the Mississippi Gaming Commission's final determination remains the decisive factor that will determine whether the 119,000-square-foot facility, 300-room hotel, and associated amenities move from planning documents to operational reality. City records and commission schedules indicate further milestones lie ahead in the coming months.