Mississippi Gaming Commission Approves Site Development for Biloxi Casino
The Mississippi Gaming Commission has granted approval for the site development of a new casino in Biloxi, marking a major milestone for RW Development after 15 years of planning and four previous attempts. The approval comes with certain conditions, including the construction of a handicap accessible pier. However, Secretary of State Michael Watson has raised concerns, arguing that the decision reeks more of politics than a legal development.
Last month, the Gaming Commission voted in favor of approving the site development for the ninth casino in Biloxi and thirteenth on the Mississippi Coast. The decision was made based on the recommendation of the Commission’s Executive Director. This long-awaited approval signifies a significant achievement for RW Development, but Secretary Watson questions the motivations behind it.
Secretary of State Raises Concerns About the Approval
Secretary of State Michael Watson, who oversees public trust tidelands and associated leases, has expressed his disagreement with the Gaming Commission’s decision. In the case of State v. RW Development, the Mississippi Supreme Court ruled that a tidelands lease was not necessary for the construction of a pier at the Veterans Avenue location in Biloxi. While Watson disagrees with the Court’s decision, he acknowledges his responsibility as an elected official and lawyer to follow the law.
Despite his disagreement with the Court’s ruling, Watson believes the Gaming Commission has incorrectly assessed and improperly applied it. He argues that the Commission’s approval grants RW Development private opportunities on the public sand beach, despite the Court’s intent to only allow the rebuilding of a public pier. Secretary Watson sees the development as a coordinated effort between RW Development, the City of Biloxi, and the Harrison County Board of Supervisors to gain control over the public sand beach for gaming site approval.
Call for Legislative Intervention
Secretary Watson has called on the Mississippi Legislature to reaffirm the state’s ownership, management, and control of the state-owned Public Trust Tidelands, including the public sand beach in Harrison County. As the trustee agent for the State’s Public Trust Tidelands, Watson is determined to protect the Trust and ensure its benefit to all Mississippians. He believes the RW Development case highlights the importance of clarifying the state’s ownership rights and preventing future instances of unclear legal interpretations.
Path Forward for RW Development
Under the approval granted by the Gaming Commission, RW Development has three years to present its final plans for the casino to the Commission. This timeline provides the development team with the opportunity to refine their project and address any outstanding concerns. Despite the controversy surrounding the approval, RW Development can now move forward with their plans, with the hopes of creating a successful casino destination in Biloxi.
The contrasting perspectives of the Gaming Commission and Secretary of State Watson shed light on the complex intersection of politics and law in the casino development process. As the controversy continues, the Mississippi Legislature will play a crucial role in providing clarity and resolving the ongoing debate over ownership and control of public trust tidelands. The outcome of this case will not only shape the future of RW Development’s project but also set precedents for similar developments across the state.
Analyst comment
Positive news: The Mississippi Gaming Commission has approved the site development for a new casino in Biloxi, a significant milestone for RW Development after years of planning. However, Secretary of State Michael Watson raises concerns about the decision, alleging political motivations. Market impact: The approval allows RW Development to move forward with their plans, but the controversy may lead to legislative intervention and potential legal clarification of ownership rights and control of public trust tidelands.
