A new Biloxi casino may be on the way.
For more than ten years, the city of Biloxi has been at the center of a long and complicated story involving legal battles and strict rules, all set against Mississippi's lively casino scene.
At the heart of this story is Ray Wooldridge, a developer with a vision to build a new casino on the Gulf Coast. Now, after years of legal battles, regulatory challenges, and multiple rejections, he may finally get his chance.
The Biloxi Community Development Department has given the green light for a $1 million project to tear down the remnants of the pier at Veterans Avenue and build a new one. The original pier was destroyed 20 years ago by Hurricane Katrina.
It's considered the first big step towards building another Biloxi casino. The news also comes on the heels of plans to build two new casinos in Biloxi, just a couple of blocks apart in The Playground of the South.
Biloxi Casinos Have a History of Making Big News
Biloxi casinos have a knack for making news. In May, you may remember when a lucky player hit the biggest jackpot of the year (at the time) at the Golden Nugget Casino.
Biloxi is also where the Terry Rozier betting scandal emerged. It revolves around 30 suspicious bets placed on the Miami Heat guard's performance during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 23, 2023.
Biloxi is also a popular destination for casino-goers who like to book charter-flight experiences.
Now it appears that Biloxi could be closer to adding an additional option to stay and play for those who decide to visit.
Development Timeline for New Biloxi Casino
Wooldridge, through his company RW Development, has been pursuing casino approval at the Veterans Avenue and Beach Boulevard site since around 2008.
His journey included three previous rejections by the Mississippi Gaming Commission before finally securing site approval in December 2023 on his fourth attempt. The primary obstacle throughout this process was establishing property control extending to the water's edge, as required by Mississippi gaming law.
But Mississippi's unique gaming regulations also provide a hurdle.
These rules say casinos must have access to water. This rule was initially made to ensure casinos were on barges in the water, but after Hurricane Katrina, the rules were changed to allow land-based casinos as long as they still have water access.
To comply with this rule, Ray Wooldridge secured a vital five-year lease from the City of Biloxi in 2021, granting him waterfront access. He pays $1,000 per month for this lease. However, the lease clearly states that no gambling can take place on the city pier itself.
Current Construction Progress of New Biloxi Casino
The recently issued $1 million construction permit marks the beginning of actual physical development after years of legal and regulatory proceedings.
Apple Construction of Gulfport, owned by John Boothby, has been contracted by RW Development to demolish the remaining Hurricane Katrina-damaged pier pilings and construct a new facility. The demolition began this week, with the entire construction phase expected to last approximately six months.
The current pier design represents a significant scaling back from original plans.
Initial proposals called for a $3 million pier featuring dining and entertainment options over the water, but this was reduced to a $1 million fishing and walking pier prior to permit submission. The approved structure will be 353 feet long and 12 feet wide, ADA-accessible, and include a pavilion, nighttime lighting, and a perpendicular finger pier for fishing activities.
Ongoing Legal Challenges in Mississippi
Despite the construction permit approval, RW Development continues to face legal opposition.
Treasure Bay Casino, which is about half a mile from the proposed site, challenged the Gaming Commission's decision from December 2023. However, their appeal was dismissed by Judge Larry Bourgeois in August 2025.
Now, Treasure Bay, Island View Resort, and the Mississippi Gaming and Hospitality Association are trying to take the case to the Mississippi Supreme Court.
The Gaming Commission has set firm deadlines for RW Development to meet. They have until around late 2026 to secure funding and submit construction plans, or they risk losing their site approval.
With just over a year left to meet the commission's requirements, Jay McDaniel, the executive director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission, mentioned that RW Development's next step is to officially ask for permission to move forward with building the casino.
Building this pier is an essential step towards creating what would be Biloxi's ninth casino and the thirteenth along the Mississippi Coast, marking a big milestone in a development story that has taken a long time to unfold.
