Coast casino competitors opposed the application for the new Biloxi development on Thursday. It has been in the works for 15 years.
After 15 years of planning and four attempts, RW Development won approval for the ninth casino in Biloxi and thirteenth on the Mississippi Coast on Thursday.
Commissioners Franc Lee and Kent Nicaud voted to approve the site development on the recommendation of Executive Director Jay McDaniel after nearly an hour hearing and a brief executive session in Jackson.
The Commission placed conditions on the developers after granting the approval over the objections of representatives from other Coast casinos, the developer’s future competitors. A letter from the Mississippi Hospitality and Gaming Association urged on by other casino operators along the Gulf Coast opposed the development.
One key piece in the application this time around was that Ray Wooldrige with RW Development had obtained a lease with the city of Biloxi for waterfront access. This lease allows the proposed site on Beach Boulevard and Veterans Avenue to extend to the water’s edge, a necessity per the Commission.
Conditions for the development include constructing a handicap accessible pier and the casino floor must be within 800 feet of the mean high-water line. The company has three years to present final plans to the Commission for approval.
Frank Corder
