East Biloxi Awaits New Casino Developments: Tullis Gardens and Tivoli Projects Move Forward

For years, developers have been vying to reshape the gaming landscape in Biloxi, Mississippi. With the Mississippi Gaming Commission set to review two ambitious casino projects, the area could soon see a significant transformation. The proposed Tullis Gardens Hotel and Casino, located just west of Harrah’s Gulf Coast, along with Biloxi Capital’s Tivoli development, aim to capture the attention and investment of both locals and tourists.

The Tullis Gardens Hotel and Casino

The Tullis Gardens Hotel and Casino project is spearheaded by a development team that recognizes the importance of adapting to market demands. Initially envisioned as a resort, a feasibility study prompted a shift to include a casino to ensure profitability. This pivot necessitated an increase in the number of hotel rooms to meet the Mississippi Gaming Commission’s 300-room minimum requirement.

Site Approval Process
The Mississippi Gaming Commission, composed of three members, is scheduled to discuss Tullis Gardens’ site approval during their upcoming agenda. Achieving this approval is a critical step in the lengthy approval process, but it doesn’t mark the end of the road. If granted site approval, developers will need to submit extensive plans and financial documents demonstrating their ability to finance the construction of this ambitious project before breaking ground.

Site Features
The proposed Tullis Gardens Casino Resort aims to impress with its offerings, which include:

• A 300-room hotel
• A sprawling 53,280-square-foot casino floor
• 909 slot machines
• 35 table games
• A dedicated sportsbook

This development also pays homage to the region’s history, as it features a replica of the historic Tullis Manor, a landmark that was destroyed during Hurricane Katrina. This thoughtful integration of the past with modern amenities aims to create a unique guest experience.

The Tivoli Project: A New Vision for Biloxi

Just a short distance away, the Biloxi Capital project proposes a sprawling casino resort on the Tivoli site, a location with a history of ambitious proposals, including a $1 billion Tivoli Casino announced in 2007. The current vision led by Biloxi Capital LLC aims to leverage the area’s prime real estate near the Biloxi Yacht Club and the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art to create a premier attraction.

Development Details
Biloxi Capital’s proposal includes:

• A massive 1,300-room hotel
• An expansive 100,000-square-foot casino space
• 2,000 slot machines
• 75 table games
• A sportsbook and substantial convention space

This project, like Tullis Gardens, is designed to provide a comprehensive entertainment experience, capitalizing on the growing market for casino resorts in coastal Mississippi.

Historical Context
Biloxi Capital secured the Tivoli site following Hurricane Katrina, purchasing it for $40 million. This area, long zoned for casinos, presents a strategic opportunity to foster economic growth and tourism, making it an appealing site for further development.

Current Landscape of Biloxi Casinos

Biloxi currently boasts eight operational casinos, a number that has fluctuated over the years with many proposals failing to materialize. Recent developments, such as RW Development’s recent approval for a casino near U.S. 90 and Veterans Boulevard, demonstrate a continued interest in expanding the gaming sector.

One significant setback arose when the rock band KISS unveiled plans for a Rock & Brews casino resort at the former Margaritaville Casino, which ultimately fell through due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That site is now being repurposed into a restaurant and entertainment complex, highlighting the evolving nature of Biloxi’s gaming scene.

Conclusion

As East Biloxi positions itself for growth with the hopeful introduction of both Tullis Gardens and the Tivoli project, local developers are navigating an extensive approval process fraught with competition and regulatory challenges. Success in these ventures could significantly impact local tourism and the economy, paving the way for a vibrant and exciting future for casino entertainment in the region. Whether these ambitious proposals come to fruition remains to be seen, but for now, the wait continues, drawing attention from both the local community and potential visitors.