To compensate for a drop in business since Louisiana’s smoking ban took effect in June, officials at L’Auberge Casino and Hotel announced construction has begun on a $3.6 million, 4,200 square foot outdoor smoking area with 100 slots. Named Riverbend Terrace and located off the casino’s existing exterior wall, the addition will be covered but open on the Mississippi River side. L’Auberge General Manager Kim Ginn said, “It will have a separate entrance designed as a vestibule, which will basically trap the smoke in it and prevent it from entering the main casino floor. It’s very nice. We’re excited about it.”
Ginn said in October, revenue at L’Auberge has dropped 11.7 percent to $11.7 million compared to October 2017. Typically it takes in more than the combined revenue of its two competitors, Hollywood Casino and Belle of Baton Rouge, which also lost business since the smoking ban began. Hollywood Casino created a 12-slot covered smoking area on one of its upper decks. Officials at Gaming and Leisure Properties, the new owners of the Belle of Baton Rouge, said they have no plans to upgrade or invest in the property.
Ginn said officials at Penn National Gaming, which acquired L’Auberge through its purchase of Pinnacle Entertainment, made the decision to develop the smoking terrace.
