The Mississippi Gaming Commission has approved a site for the new 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, has secured both the required tidelands lease and meets state gaming regulations that mandate casino placement within 800 feet of the mean high water line.

Developer Israel Schwartz's proposal includes:

• 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 historic Tullis-Toledano Manor

The project pays tribute to the original Tullis-Toledano Manor, a Greek Revival mansion from the 1850s that was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The historic building previously served as a museum and community center for 30 years.

Next steps for the project include:

• Securing financing
• Providing proof of funding to MGC
• Completing suitability checks for key officials
• Obtaining construction permits
• Getting final design approval

Meanwhile, a nearby competing proposal, the $1 billion Tivoli Casino project, faces delays due to ongoing litigation regarding tidelands lease requirements. The project, led by developer Danny Conwill on a $40 million property, remains stalled pending resolution of legal challenges from Mississippi State Secretary Michael Watson regarding water requirement compliance.

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