The Mississippi Gaming Commission (MGC) has approved a site for the Tullis Garden Hotel and Casino in Biloxi, marking potential for the first new casino development in the area since 2007.

The approved 35-acre property, located at 360 Beach Blvd. west of Harrah's Gulf Coast, meets state gaming regulations and holds the required tidelands lease. Following Hurricane Katrina, Mississippi law allows land-based casinos within 800 feet of the high water line, provided they secure tidelands lease agreements.

Tennessee businessman Israel Schwartz's project pays tribute to the historic Tullis-Toledano Manor, a Greek Revival mansion destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The development plans include:

• 11-story hotel with 300 rooms
• 53,000+ square feet of gaming space
• 900+ slot machines
• 35 live dealer table games
• Sportsbook
• Full-scale replica of the Tullis-Toledano Manor

Meanwhile, a competing nearby casino proposal, the Tivoli Casino, faces delays. Led by developer Danny Conwill, the $1 billion project lacks a tidelands lease and remains in litigation. The proposed development includes:

• 1,300 hotel rooms
• Convention center
• 100,000-square-foot casino
• 2,000 slots
• 75 table games
• Sportsbook

Tullis Gardens must now secure financing, undergo suitability checks, and obtain construction permits before proceeding with development. If successful, it will be Biloxi's first new casino since the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino opened in June 2007.

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