Operator News
US – Gaming and Leisure Properties to move Hollywood Casino Baton Rouge to new facility
By Phil - 24 August 2020
Gaming and Leisure Properties’ Hollywood Casino in Baton Rouge has received approval from the Louisiana Gaming and Control Board to move its gaming operations to a to-be-constructed landside facility. The Company expects to complete the $21 to $25m project in early 2022 and believes the change to a landside facility will bring significant economic benefits to Downtown Baton Rouge. In addition, the project is expected to bring 166 construction jobs to the area with total labor spend of approximately $10 million.
The all-new Hollywood Casino Baton Rouge will offer players a variety of exciting new gaming and entertainment experiences, including indoor and outdoor gaming including full service and amenities. Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken Restaurant will combine Shaq’s love of fried chicken, BBQ and adult milkshakes under one roof with indoor and outdoor dining overlooking the Mississippi River. A sports bar/restaurant and entertainment venue will offer 250 seats, including a mezzanine overlooking the Mississippi River as well as an outdoor patio to watch sports and live music or to host a party. There will also be a sports viewing area which will provide guests with a comfortable place to have a drink and watch the games.
Jeannie Magdefrau, General Manager of Hollywood Casino Baton Rouge, said: “Today is an exciting day for Hollywood Casino Baton Rouge and the entire Baton Rouge community. Our move landside is expected to contribute approximately $500 million of positive economic impact to the region in its first six years of operation and will provide our current and new guests with a state-of-the art gaming and entertainment destination in the city. Further, by moving landside we can sell and/or move the boat to free up dock space so that we can increase visitation from what is an ever-expanding Mississippi river cruise business. We thank the Louisiana Gaming and Control Board for their support and look forward to getting to work on our new landside casino facility in the coming months.”
