Two recent decisions, one from the Mississippi Gaming Commission and another from the Biloxi Planning Commission, put on hold any plans for expanding gaming in the city, at least for the time being.

The gaming commission voted 3-0 against RW Development’s plans to build a casino on U.S. 90, across the highway from the waterfront. Commissioners said the decision was not issued because the site was across the highway from the waterfront, but because the developer did not control the land all the way up to the water.

Instead, there is a section of public beach that sits between the edge of the development and the water line.

While RW lawyers argue that the seawall marked the water’s edge, commissioners did not agree.

“The definition of the seawall as the shore would open up a proliferation of casinos in Biloxi and Harrison County and would go beyond what the legislature intended when it allowed onshore casinos,” said commissioner John Hairston. “To adopt a change in regulations for one project that is proposed is a very slippery slope.”

RW is putting its plans on hold while it decides whether to appeal the decision of the gaming commission.

In a related development, the planning commission later voted against rezoning 81 acres in East Biloxi for gaming. That decision now goes before the city council for a final vote.

By Casino Connection Staff

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