The Mississippi Gaming Commission has approved a site for the new Tullis Garden Hotel and Casino in Biloxi, marking a significant development as the first potential new casino along the Gulf Coast since Hard Rock's 2007 opening.

The approved 35-acre property, located at 360 Beach Blvd. west of Harrah's Gulf Coast, meets state gaming regulations and has secured the required tidelands lease.

The project, led by Tennessee businessman Israel Schwartz, will honor the historic Tullis-Toledano Manor, a Greek Revival mansion from the 1850s that was 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

Next steps for the project include:

• Securing financing
• Proving funding to the MGC
• Completing suitability checks for key officials
• Obtaining construction permits
• Getting final design approval

In related news, the MGC delayed action on the nearby Tivoli Casino proposal, a $1 billion development project led by Danny Conwill. The delay stems from ongoing litigation regarding tidelands lease requirements and water proximity regulations. This project remains in dispute between Conwill and Mississippi State Secretary Michael Watson over compliance with the state's 800-foot water requirement rule.

The development follows Mississippi's post-Hurricane Katrina amendment allowing land-based gaming within 800 feet of the mean high water line, replacing previous riverboat requirements.

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