Liberty's Blog

Fertitta Looking to Expand Gambling in Biloxi

Those of us in Galveston understand that Tillman Fertitta is chomping at the bit to get gambling into Texas, his largest stakes in Texas Galveston and the Kemah Board walk. Its been just a couple of months since Landry's bought up the Golden Nugget here in Vegas (I am still here) and it looks like he is attempting to take part in rebuilding the Biloxi Gambling industry.

A Houston, Texas, restaurant chain that's expressed interest in building a Biloxi casino development complete with a Ferris wheel, thrill rides, dancing fountains and an aquarium restaurant has an agreement with the property owners that expires later this month.

"Landry's Restaurants has until Dec. 23 when its agreement with Gulf Star Inc. expires, but it could get an extension," said George Sekul of Biloxi, who put together Gulf Star Inc.'s 25 pieces of private property that connect with the Biloxi-owned Point Cadet where Landry's wants to build a casino.

Landry's, which owns Golden Nugget casinos in Nevada, still is negotiating with the city of Biloxi for a lease on the waterfront part of the property, said Vincent Creel, spokesman for the city of Biloxi.

Isle of Capri has first right of refusal on the property, which is on the north side of U.S. 90 and was used as a farmers' market, parking lot and seafood museum before Hurricane Katrina hit Aug. 29. Isle of Capri is on the south side of the highway.

Tilman will be in prime position to move very quickly in Texas when and if the lege allows gambling in Texas.

posted by Liberty @ 11:11 AM