LRGC Gaming Investors, an affiliate of Cordish Companies, has secured approval to become a gaming operator in Louisiana, clearing the way for the group to open a new land-based casino in the state.
Approval from the Louisiana Gaming Control Board means Cordish can now offer gambling in the state’s regulated market. This is in line with previously announced plans for a new casino in Bossier City, Louisiana.
Cordish in April revealed plans to redevelop the Diamond Jacks Casino & Hotel into a casino resort and entertainment destination. The facility will carry the Live! brand and feature over 47,000sq ft of gaming space. This will include over 1,000 slots and electronic table games and more than 40 live table games.
Other amenities at the location will include a hotel, multi-purpose events center and a range of dining and entertainment venues. The entire Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana project is expected to cost approximately $270.0m.
The project hinges on Cordish completing its acquisition of the existing Diamond Jacks Casino & Hotel. Cordish says approval from the Louisiana Gaming Control Board will allow it to complete the purchase.
Cordish talks up “transformative” development in Louisiana
“Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana will be a transformative development that will bring a first-class gaming, dining, entertainment, and hospitality experience, create significant new jobs, and generate millions of dollars in economic benefits for the community,” Cordhs managing partner Joe Weinberg said.
“We are extremely excited to continue moving forward with this project and deliver a world-class destination to the region.”
Louisiana Gaming Control Board chair Ronnie Johns also spoke positively about the plans.
“Cordish has an exceptional reputation in providing first rate casino experiences as well as hospitality and entertainment venues across the country,” Johns said. “We are happy with their decision to bring their Live! brand to the State of Louisiana.
“We feel comfortable that their commitment to a first class $270m project will help grow the Bossier City/Shreveport gaming market. We welcome Cordish and look forward to working with them to bring this project to a reality to open sometime in 2025.”