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Officials confirmed Thursday that the Queen Casino, the first land-based casino in Baton Rouge, will open to the public on Aug. 24 (at 9 pm).
Formerly known as Hollywood Casino Baton Rouge, the facility announced changing its name after moving inland. Louisiana casino officials said they hope the renovated property will open sometime this fall.
According to an article by The Advocate, Terry Downey, president and CEO of The Queen Casino & Entertainment, said in a statement:
“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, and we are thrilled to open our doors for our neighbors in the Baton Rouge community and the surrounding area.”
The Queen Casino & Entertainment is Queen Baton Rouge’s parent company.
Louisiana casino ready to make its debut
The work on the facility’s $85 million land-based expansion began in August 2021. But the project had to be postponed due to rising construction costs and the high levels of the Mississippi River. Another factor was the closeness to the levee, so the work couldn’t be done when the river went above a certain height.
The Queen Baton Rouge is now planning to offer an array of amenities for guests. As part of the renovation, the casino will also:
- Expand from 62,000 square feet to more than 100,000 square feet
- Turn the valet parking area into indoor space by adding more than 30,000 square feet to its atrium
- Move 750 slot machines and 18 table games from the riverboat to its inland location
The Queen will feature a DraftKings sportsbook and Lit Casino & Bar, a dedicated smoking patio, and about 100 slot machines.
The Louisiana casino will have five restaurants and entertainment venues:
- Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken
- 3 Woks Noodle Bar
- Capitol Coffee Baton Rouge
- 1717
- The Loft at 1717
Hollywood Casino Baton Rouge will create up to 100 new jobs
The expansion at The Queen will create about 100 new jobs. Casino officials said about 20 people had been employed after the company held hiring events.
The officials plan to sell the current Hollywood Casino riverboat for Viking River Cruises and use the dock for its Mississippi River voyages. Those cruises could regularly bring about 600 passengers downtown.
The Queen Casino & Entertainment also plans to invest $100 million in renovating the nearby Belle of Baton Rouge. Company officials said those makeovers should be completed by October 2024.
The company also owns DraftKings at Casino Queen in East St. Louis, Illinois and Casino Queen Marquette in Marquette, Iowa.
