Mississippi’s Tidelands bill has raised concerns about the future of coastal casinos. The bill received unanimous approval from the Senate and has 30 days before a final vote is held.

Senate Bill 2780 passed the Senate on Thursday after receiving two amendments. The first amendment allows cities to control properties on ports and harbors as long as there is not a “gaming component” to them. This means that the state cannot restrict the public use of a coastal property, as long as it is for public purpose.

However, the amendment maintains the points that provide the Secretary of State with control over coastline casinos. Under the new bill, developers must secure a lease from the state, instead of from the local government. Additionally, new casinos cannot be located on or adjacent to sand beaches but still have to be located within 800 feet of the shore. Finally, the casino developer must control all property.

Overall, the bill has the potential to hinder the creation of new casinos, some believe. Critics furthermore claimed that coastal leaders were not consulted about the Tidelands bill, depriving them of their input.

The bill highlighted a discrepancy between the state government and the local governments.

Mississippi’s Government Doesn’t Want to Repeat the Recent Biloxi Hassle

David Blount, chair of the Senate Gaming Committee, ushered in the first amendment to Senate Bill 2780. He explained that the government is not interested in micromanaging local harbors and instead wants to create a “consistent environment” for the casino industry.

His comment echoed the recent approval of RW Development’s casino in Biloxi which was greenlit by the Mississippi Gaming Commission. The project was initiated by a partnership between the developer and the city of Biloxi and Harrison County to rebuild Veterans Avenue Pier. The Secretary of State blocked the initiative – a decision that was later disputed in the Supreme Court. As a result, RW Development was later able to secure approval for adding a casino to the pier.

Mike Thompson, chairman of the Senate Ports & Marine Resources Committee, explained that the Tidelands bill seeks to make sure that nothing precludes government authorities from having exclusive control over their ports and harbors. He acknowledged that the bill has generated concerns among coastal leaders and added a reverse repealer amendment that ensures the bill will have more time for adjustments to be made.

In the meantime, the House version of this measure, HB 1659, passed the House by a landslide after 113 representatives voted in favor of the bill against 6 who opposed it.

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Coastal casino sites in Mississippi are once again in the sights of lawmakers, after a recent controversial project approval. RW Development, a company planning to build a casino on US 90 and Veterans Avenue in Biloxi, Mississippi, has been trying to secure approval from the gambling regulator in the state, the Mississippi Gaming Commission, for years.

After three unsuccessful attempts, RW Development secured site approval from the Commission in December. This was achieved after the company was allowed to build a pier at the end of Veterans Avenue. This strategic move enabled the company to secure the site approval from the gambling regulator. But the controversial approval captured the attention of lawmakers in the state, who filed a new bill that seeks to clear any inconsistencies and concerns in case other casino operators are interested in securing sites near the waterfront.

As announced by Sun Herald, the state’s legislators are currently reviewing a bill that seeks to clarify and change different provisions, ensuring clear rules are set for casinos interested in investments related to the state’s tidelands. Ultimately, the proposal seeks to outline a specific framework for the gambling regulator in cases similar to the recently approved license for RW Developments.

The proposal reiterates the currently established rules for casino projects on the state’s tidelands that require a minimum of 40,000 square feet of casino gaming space, along with restaurants and a minimum of 300 hotel rooms. Moreover, under the existing laws in Mississippi, such casino projects must boost the local economy and tourism as well.

Consistent Regulations to Protect the Environment, Encourage Investments

Under the proposal, SB 2780, Mississippi lawmakers seek to set clear lines when it comes to the authority of the state over Public Trust Tidelands. The proposal seeks to make it mandatory for casino licensees interested in tidelands projects to secure a tidelands lease via the secretary of state. Such licenses can also be subject to rent payable on an annual basis. The bill also seeks to clarify rules for cases related to Tidelands casino licenses that would not require annual rent.

The proposed bill is sponsored by the Senate Gaming Committee’s chairman, Sen. David Blount. “I am working with the Secretary of State’s office and every Coast casino operator on the bill,” he explained in a recent interview for Sun Herald. Additionally, Blount pointed out: “Now more than ever, we need to restore a consistent regulatory environment to preserve the sand beach and encourage further investment and improvements in the Coast casino market.”

Besides Sen. Blount, SB 2780 is sponsored by the Gaming Committee’s members, Jeremy England and Bryce Wiggins, along with Senators Philman Ladner and Mike Thompson.

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