In Louisiana, the Queen Baton Rouge will open to the public at 9 p.m., Thursday, August 24, said officials at Queen Casino & Entertainment. The $85 million expansion of the former Hollywood Casino, the city’s first land-based casino began in August 2021 but was delayed due to increasing construction costs and high-water levels on the Mississippi River.
Terry Downey, president and chief executive officer at the Queen Casino & Entertainment, 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, and we are thrilled to open our doors for our neighbors in the Baton Rouge community and the surrounding area.” He said the casino expansion will create 100 new jobs.
The casino complex will grow from 62,000 square feet to more than 100,000 square feet, including a 33,000-square-foot addition to the casino atrium. The riverboat’s 750 slots and 18 table games will relocate onto land and another 100 slots will be offered at Lit, a dedicated smoking patio and bar. Other amenities will include a DraftKings sportsbook and five restaurants and entertainment venues, including Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken, 3 Woks Noodle Bar, Capitol Coffee Baton Rouge, 1717 and the Loft at 1717.
Officials expect to sell the current Hollywood Casino riverboat and had arranged for Viking River Cruises to use the dock for its Mississippi River voyages, which regularly bring about 600 passengers to downtown Baton Rouge, casino officials said.
The Queen Casino & Entertainment also announced the Belle of Baton Rouge will undergo a $100 million renovation to be completed by October 2024.
