The Cordish Companies has unveiled plans for a groundbreaking ceremony on December 13 for its highly anticipated Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana. This landmark $270 million construction project, situated in Bossier City on the former site of the Diamond Jacks Casino & Hotel, marks the company’s foray into the Louisiana gaming market.
Groundbreaking Ceremony Details:
Chairman David Cordish and Rob Norton, President of Cordish Gaming Group and Live! Casinos, are set to participate in the groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for 11 am on December 13. The event marks a significant step forward for Cordish Companies as it embarks on the development of its first land-based casino in Louisiana.
Regulatory Approval and Acquisition:
In October, the Louisiana Gaming Control Board unanimously granted regulatory approval to LRGC Gaming Investors, an affiliate of The Cordish Companies, enabling the company to become a gaming operator in the state. This regulatory clearance paved the way for Cordish to finalize its acquisition of Diamond Jacks Casino & Hotel, setting the stage for the transformative Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana project.
Project Overview and Impact:
Replacing the former riverboat, the Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana project is poised to become the first land-based casino in the Shreveport-Bossier market. With an anticipated opening in 2025, Cordish Companies estimates that the new facility will generate over $35 million in tax revenue for Bossier City and more than $168 million for the state of Louisiana over the first five years of operation. The economic impact extends beyond revenue figures, with the project expected to create more than 750 construction jobs and 750 permanent jobs.
Historical Context:
The site of the Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana holds historical significance, as it was formerly occupied by DiamondJacks Casino & Hotel. The closure of DiamondJacks in May 2020 marked the end of an era for the property, which had been the first casino to open in northwest Louisiana in 1994. The Cordish Companies’ acquisition and redevelopment project breathe new life into this space, offering a fresh and modern gaming and hospitality experience.
As The Cordish Companies prepares to break ground on Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana, the project signifies a major investment in Louisiana’s gaming landscape. The economic benefits, job creation, and the transformation of a historic site underscore the company’s commitment to contributing positively to the local community and the state. The groundbreaking ceremony on December 13 marks the commencement of a project that is set to redefine gaming and entertainment in the vibrant Bossier City region.