The Cordish Companies seem to believe that Louisiana casinos are a diamond in the rough. The property they’re taking over is really rough, though.
Diamond Jacks Casino in Bossier City is due to undergo a major reconstruction. The takeover by Cordish will lengthen that process but could make the final product more impressive for guests.
Cordish taking over Diamond Jacks Louisiana casino
On Tuesday, the Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) authorized another sale of the Diamond Jacks property. It’s the second time that the defunct casino will change hands in 2023. Foundation Gaming, the current but soon-to-be former owner, got approval from Louisiana gambling regulators to take over the property in January.
The Cordish Companies operate and/or own numerous entertainment properties across the country, including casinos. Their current gaming portfolio includes Hard Rock facilities and Live!-branded casinos in states like Maryland and Pennsylvania.
The previous owner that sold the casino to Foundation, Peninsula Pacific Entertainment (P2E), never reopened the property after the state closed it and all other casinos in March 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic precautions. The casino needed upgrades then and P2E had other ambitions in the state.
P2E wanted to pivot to operating a historical horse racing facility (HHR) in nearby Slidell. However, voters in St. Tammany parish defeated a referendum on that matter. A lawsuit is pending that could revive the HHR parlor, though.
The LGCB approved Foundation’s plans for a $200 million renovation of Diamond Jacks. The plan called for the casino to re-open sometime in 2024. Cordish’s plans don’t seem to be that ambitious in terms of a timeline.
Transaction could create a delay in re-opening
According to Greg Hilburn of the Shreveport Times, Cordish’s acquisition could delay the casino’s re-opening until sometime in 2025. However, LGCB Chairman Ronnie Johns stated that it could be worth the wait.
A Thursday press release shares that Cordish intends to rebrand the property under its Live! banner. The Cordish Companies say they want to convert Diamond Jacks into a world class property including a land-based casino.
At the meeting during which the LGCB approved the latest transaction, Johns said he is “excited about the new developments that will enhance the final product.” Details of that development are unclear right now, though.
The Cordish Companies will present its plan to reconstruct the casino on its current site, on Riverside Dr. just off Hamilton Rd., at the next regular LGCB meeting. That will be April 17, per the Board’s schedule.
At that time, locals will get a glimpse at how The Cordish Companies plan to create a diamond out of the current rough.