Queen Baton Rouge to Open Doors to First Customers in August

By Jane Shaw Senior Editor Updated: 07/29/2023

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We count on Jane to inform our readers about the latest slot games in the US market. With her passion for video games and a degree in engineering, she’s our gambling tech expert. Jane’s also active in our blog section, where she tackles the curiosities and changes in the industry.

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Queen Baton Rouge to Open Doors

There was exciting news for gamblers in the Louisiana area recently after officials announced that a new land-based casino in Baton Rouge will be welcoming its first customers in August.

With just weeks to go before the opening, many will be planning to visit the venue and enjoy the wide range of entertainment and amenities that it has to offer. The casino is called the Queen Baton Rouge, and it plans to open its doors on August 24th, 2023.

Previously known as the Hollywood Casino, the property has had more than $85 million worth of work and renovations carried out. Work has been ongoing at the property since August 2021, but soaring construction costs meant that some of the building work had to be postponed, which then resulted in unforeseen delays.

There were also concerns over flooding from the Mississippi River causing disruption during construction work due to the proximity of the venue to the water.

What Customers Can Expect

Customers will have plenty to look forward to when the venue finally opens its doors in late August. Prior to renovation work, the property spanned around 62,000 square feet, but this has now increased to over 100,000 square feet.

Around 33,000 square feet of space has been added to the casino atrium, with valet parking facilities being turned into an indoor area. A riverboat that has hundreds of slot machines and 18 table games is set to be moved from the water and will be incorporated into the land-based venue.

The casino will also boast a DraftKings sportsbook, which will delight sports betting fans. In addition, a smoking patio with around one hundred slots will provide a place to relax, play, and enjoy a drink at the bar.

There will be five different restaurants and entertainment options for guests to choose from at the casino, which means that most tastes and budgets can be catered to. Among these are Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken, 3 Woks Noodle Bar, and Capitol Coffee Baton Rouge.

A senior official, Terry Downey, said:

We are thrilled to debut what will be an unmatched gaming and entertainment destination in Louisiana for sports wagering, gaming, entertainment, and dining. The Queen Baton Rouge ushers in a new era not just for this historic property but for gaming and entertainment throughout the region.

He added that he was thrilled about the casino opening its doors to members of the community and those living in surrounding areas.

Benefits for the Area

The opening of the casino will result in a wide range of benefits for the area. One of these is an increase in tourism, as people are likely to travel to the city in the early days of opening to check out what the new venue has to offer.

Another major benefit is in terms of employment opportunities, with the casino likely to be recruiting for a range of positions. Of course, there are also financial benefits for the city as a result of increased tourism and gambling taxes.