You’re driving down Beach Boulevard, the Gulf breeze hitting your face, and you see the neon glow of the Biloxi skyline. Most people head straight for the massive, towering giants like the Beau Rivage or the Hard Rock. Honestly? They’re missing out on the one spot that actually lets you breathe.
Palace Casino Resort Biloxi is the only place on the Mississippi Gulf Coast that is 100% smoke-free.
That’s the hook. For some, it’s a dealbreaker. For others, it’s the only reason they visit. But there is a lot more to this Back Bay staple than just clean air. If you think this is just a "smaller" casino, you’ve got the wrong idea. It’s a Four Diamond resort that recently poured millions into a renovation that makes some of the "big" names look a little dusty.
The Smoke-Free Gamble That Paid Off
Back in 2011, the Palace did something people thought was corporate suicide in the gambling world. They banned smoking.
The conventional wisdom in the gaming industry used to be that gamblers and cigarettes went together like bourbon and ice. If you took away the ashtray, the players would leave. Palace Casino Resort Biloxi proved everyone wrong. They didn't just survive; they thrived.
Walking onto the gaming floor today, the first thing you notice isn't the sound of the 600-plus slot machines or the chatter at the 26 table games. It’s what you don't smell. No stale tobacco. No heavy "casino scent" trying to mask the smoke. Just clean air.
If you are a smoker, don't panic. They didn't totally banish you. There’s a specialized smoking lounge right outside Mignon’s. It’s got its own ventilation system, TVs, and plush seating. It feels like a high-end cigar bar rather than a "go stand in the corner" area.
The Hotel: No Hidden Fees (Seriously)
One of the biggest gripes travelers have in 2026 is the "Resort Fee." You book a room for $150, and by the time you check out, it’s $210 because of some "facility fee" that covers the Wi-Fi you barely used.
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Palace Casino Resort Biloxi doesn't do that.
They don't charge resort fees. Your Wi-Fi, the fitness center, the pool access—it’s all baked into the price. The 234 rooms were recently gutted and redone. We’re talking 42-inch LED TVs, refrigerators in every room (a rarity these days), and views of the Back Bay that actually make you want to keep the curtains open.
The Standard King and Double Queen rooms are solid, but if you can swing it, the Deluxe King is the move. It’s noticeably larger and has a seating area that doesn't feel cramped. If you're a boat owner, this place is a hidden gem. They have a private marina and a boat launch. You can literally spend the morning fishing the Gulf and the evening playing blackjack without ever moving your truck.
Where the Locals Actually Eat
If you want to know if a casino's food is good, look at where the locals go on a Tuesday night. In Biloxi, they go to the Palace.
Mignon’s Steaks & Seafood
This is the heavy hitter. It has won the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for over a decade. It’s fancy. You’ll need a collared shirt if you’re a guy. But the food? It’s legit. They do a Prix Fixe menu on certain nights (usually Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday) that is probably the best value for fine dining on the Coast. You get three courses—usually a choice of Wagyu Ribeye or Gulf Grouper—for a price that won't make your eyes water.
The Palace Buffet
Most casino buffets are, frankly, a tragedy. The Palace Buffet is the exception. Reader's Digest even named it the best buffet in Mississippi. They have live cooking stations where you can watch them prep your food. It’s interactive, which means the food isn't just sitting under a heat lamp for four hours.
STACKED Grill
Sometimes you just want a burger. STACKED is the 24/7 (or late-night) spot. Their nachos are huge. Like, "feed a family of four" huge. It’s located right off the casino floor, so it’s the perfect place to recharge after a run of bad luck—or to celebrate a jackpot with a milkshake.
The Golf Factor: The Preserve
You can't talk about the Palace without mentioning The Preserve Golf Club. It’s not physically on the casino grounds—it’s about a 20-minute drive north into the pine forests of Vancleave—but it’s owned by the resort.
Designed by Jerry Pate, it’s 245 acres surrounded by nature preserve. No houses. No traffic. Just 18 holes of championship golf. If you stay at the hotel, you can usually snag a "Stay and Play" package that makes the greens fees much more digestible.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is that the Palace is "out of the way."
People see it on the map at the tip of Point Cadet and think it’s isolated. It’s actually right next to Harrah’s and just a short hop from the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum. Because it’s on the Back Bay side, you get much calmer views than the chaotic beachfront of Highway 90.
Another thing? The ownership. While many Biloxi casinos are owned by massive conglomerates like MGM or Caesars, the Palace is owned by Robert and Lawana Low. It feels more personal. The staff doesn't just cycle through; many have been there for years. That "Southern hospitality" thing isn't just a marketing slogan here—it’s the vibe.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Join the Player's Club: Even if you don't gamble much, do it. New members almost always get free slot play or dining discounts. It takes two minutes.
- Skip the Weekend Rush: If you can visit Tuesday through Thursday, the room rates drop significantly and the Buffet doesn't have a 45-minute wait.
- Check the Sportsbook: The CONTACT Sports & Race Book has over 50 HDTVs. It’s arguably the best place in Biloxi to watch a game because, again, you aren't sitting in a cloud of smoke while trying to eat your wings.
- Airport Shuttle: They offer a free roundtrip shuttle to the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport. Call ahead to schedule it so you don't have to pay $40 for an Uber.
If you’re looking for a massive, 2,000-room city-within-a-city, the Palace might feel small. But if you want a clean, upscale experience where the food is actually good and you don't have to wash your clothes three times to get the smell out after a night of gaming, this is the spot.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
Check the current Prix Fixe menu at Mignon's online before you arrive, as the seasonal offerings change monthly. If you're planning to play The Preserve, call the pro shop at least two weeks in advance to secure a morning tee time, as they fill up quickly with local tournaments. Finally, verify the current sportsbook hours if you're visiting for a specific mid-week game, as they can vary during the off-season.