Gulfport developers have finally made their planned casino big enough to win Mississippi Gaming Commission approval. The commission voted 3-0 on August 16th to allow Rotate Black MS to begin construction on a $112 million project, which would include a hotel and overlook Gulfport's small craft harbor. Rotate Black had been rejected twice previously by commissioners, who told developers that their plans were not big or interesting enough to draw new gamblers to Mississippi.
The project will feature over 100,000 sq. ft. of gaming and entertainment space as well as a 205 room hotel under the Hemingway brand licensed by the family of the late author Ernest Hemingway. The gaming and entertainment space will boast 1,188 slots, 26 table games, steakhouse, water view bar, extensive exterior decking, center bar, buffet and café. The hotel features four-star amenities including a library, spa services and a waterfront pool with swim-up bar.
The casino will be located on a 9 1/2 acre property directly on the recently renovated Bert Jones Yacht Basin and adjacent to the new waterfront Harbor Square Park with its pavilions, green space and art and entertainment facilities. This is one of the last gaming-eligible sites in Gulfport, MS and will offer unparalleled vehicle and pedestrian access. The site is at the intersection of Highway 49 and US 90 and will offer direct access to I-10 via the Central Harrison County Connector Highway.
