Rezoning of Treasure Bay Expedites Reopening

Treasure Bay could be next in line to continue their gambling operations in Biloxi, Mississippi.  This would make them the fourth casino to reopen after Hurricane Katrina.

A unanimous vote, by the Biloxi City Council, to rezone the Treasure Bay property has expiated the process for the casino.  The lag time required to use a new land will be completely dropped. 

Treasure Bay is now permitted to move up their July appointment with the Mississippi Gaming Commission to next month.  The casino will discuss their plan of action and, if all goes smoothly, could reopen as early as next month. 

Possessing only 100 slot machines and no table games, Treasure Bay’s reopening would make them the most modest casino on the coast.  The casino will expand to 550 slot machines and at least 22 table games in the Fall. 

The Den and “blu” will be the casino’s two restaurants.  The Den will operate around the clock.  However, “blu” will possess a menu similar to Nemo’s and the Captain’s Quarters -- restaurants destroyed during Hurricane Katrina.  It will be open 18 hours each day.  Plans have yet to be announced for a buffet.  The casino will have some 250 hotel rooms.  Treasure Bay will initially need about 200 employees. 

Chief operating officer of Treasure Bay Gaming & Resorts Inc. Susan Varnes claims the casino will be undergoing a make-over.  The casino will have a new logo and will be parting with its original pirate motif.  The navigational compass is the new center piece of the casinos design scheme. 

Varnes further discussed the casinos plans.  The land formerly leased to the Ladinich Family Partnership is now in the casino’s possession.  The casino is also considering long term expansions as they negotiate the purchase of additional lands.  Condominium development may be in such long term goals. 

Another possible casino development on Black Bay received rezoning approval during Tuesday’s council meeting.  The former site of Shemper Seafood, about 2.65 acres at the corner of Bayview Avenue and Crawford Street, has been rezoned for casino development. 

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