Developers have long fought to build a new casino in Biloxi, Mississippi. Now, they're doubling down by attempting to construct two casinos just a few blocks apart in The Playground of the South.
Two casino properties, Biloxi Capital and Tullis Garden, are seeking site approval from the Mississippi Gaming Commission.
Tullis Garden Hotel and Casino is located just west of Harrah’s Gulf Coast while Biloxi Capital plans to build on the Tivoli site, a short walk from the Biloxi Yacht Club and the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art.
Tullis Garden Started as a Resort Only
Initially, developers planned for the Tullis Gardens Hotel to be a resort. However, a feasibility study showed that in order for it to be profitable, it needed a casino. And to meet the Mississippi Gaming Commission's requirement of 300 rooms, they had to add 100 more rooms to the plan.
The amenities would include:
- A 300-room hotel
- A casino floor covering 53,280 square feet
- 900 slot machines
- 35 table games
- Sportsbook
One thing that hasn’t changed is the proposed location. The resort would be on the site of the original Tullis Manor, which was destroyed during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. As part of the design, it will include a replica of Tullis Manor on one side and the 11-story main tower.
The gaming commission will review the site approval request for the Tullis Garden Hotel at this week’s meeting.
Biloxi Capital Plan Is Years in the Making
Biloxi Capital proposes building on the Tivoli a short walk away.
Plans are now being made to build the Tivoli Casino on the property west of the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, near the Biloxi Yacht Club.
They’re hoping to put a casino resort on this 32-acre site, which includes:
- A hotel with 1,300 rooms
- A casino with 100,000 square feet of space
- 2,000 slot machines
The developer and Biloxi Capital bought the Tivoli site for $40 million following Hurricane Katrina. The site was zoned for casinos in 2007.
Why Build Two Casinos So Close Together in Biloxi?
Mississippi allows an "open market" system for casinos, unlike many states that limit their number. If developers overcome the hurdles of site approval and financing, they can build a casino wherever they want, as long as they follow the rules.
It’s also about giving people options and reasons to come to Biloxi.
When Biloxi’s oldest casino, the Isle of Capri (now the Golden Nugget), opened in 1992, it drew people in from as far away the Dallas area.
According to the Sun Herald, the gaming commission is keeping an eye on states such as Texas, Alabama and Georgia as they try to open or grow casinos. These changes could have a big impact on the number of visitors and profits for casinos in South Mississippi.
South Mississippi casinos have fewer local customers to draw from than casinos in the Northeast, such as those in Pennsylvania, which benefit from a larger nearby population. To maintain full occupancy, some Biloxi resorts take proactive measures.
For example, the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino attracts around 100,000 guests annually from 195 cities through flights with Sun Country Airlines, ensuring its 1,700 rooms stay occupied. Similarly, Harrah’s Gulf Coast also uses charter flights to bring in visitors.
So, building two casinos may give visitors an extra reason to come back. The casinos’ location on the waterfront make it an exciting place to gamble, and it offers great views of the Gulf of Mexico.
You have to give them what they want, and seeking site approval for two casinos – so close together – may be the first step.
