The Mississippi Gaming Commission has given conditional approval to the Tullis Garden Hotel and Casino project in east Biloxi, according to a local Sun Herald report. While the green light marks progress for the proposed site, the approval hinges on resolving ongoing legal disputes.
During a meeting in Jackson, the Commission discussed the Tullis project and acknowledged the legal hurdles surrounding the location. Gaming Commission Executive Director Jay McDaniel explained, “The Commission recognizes that there’s litigation over that site involving the Secretary of State’s office.”
The Tullis casino project includes plans for a 300-room hotel and a 53,280-square-foot casino. The facility would feature over 900 slot machines, 35 table games, multiple restaurants, and a sportsbook. This proposal represents a significant addition to the gaming and hospitality options in the area, pending the resolution of legal challenges.
There were two projects close to getting approval as we reported in October. With regards to the second one, the Commission postponed its decision on another proposed casino project involving the Tivoli site. This application was delayed to allow for further consideration, partly due to a recent lawsuit filed by Secretary of State Michael Watson. The lawsuit argues that a tidelands lease is necessary for the Tivoli site to meet legal requirements.
The Tivoli proposal envisions a large-scale resort with a 100,000-square-foot casino housing 2,000 slot machines, 75 table games, and a sportsbook. Additional amenities would include a 1,300-room hotel, convention facilities, and other attractions, aiming to compete with existing casinos in the region.
Meanwhile, efforts to legalize mobile sports betting in Mississippi have stalled. Earlier in the legislative session, both the House and Senate passed versions of the Mobile Sports Wagering Act. However, concerns about potential impacts on brick-and-mortar casinos led to a standstill, leaving online sports betting illegal in the state for now.
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