Louisiana: Caesars' Horseshoe Casino Lake Charles opens its doors to the public

Louisiana's former Isle of Capri Hotel and Casino has come ashore in a brand-new, land-based build-out as Horseshoe Lake Charles. The Caesars Entertainment property celebrated its grand opening on Monday. Following a ribbon cutting at 11:30 a.m., record-breaking sports gambler Jim 'Mattress Mack' McIngvale placed the land-based property's ceremonial first bet, wagering $1 million into the Houston Cougars to win the NCAA basketball championship.

Thousands of eager players attended the grand opening, according to 12NewsNow, with guests coming from Texas, Louisiana and beyond to try their luck. Everything at the resort is now officially open for business, including the hotel, the restaurants and the casino floor. Caesars said it plans to bring even more entertainment “soon.”

I do love @CaesarsSports! So excited that they let me be the person to make the first bet at their beautiful, new sportsbook in Lake Charles, Louisiana; a cool $1 million on our @UHCougarMBK to win it all. Go Coogs! @HorseshoeLC pic.twitter.com/oLFkmcApey

— @MattressMack (@MattressMack) December 12, 2022

According to a press announcement released ahead of the opening, Westlake Mayor Dan Racca has declared December 12 as 'Horseshoe Day.' The casino doors opened at noon, with the first 2,000 guests on the opening day set to receive a 'special gift.' Additionally, the opening celebration continued with a firework show over the lake at 9 p.m.

The new property features nearly 1,000 slot machines and table games, as well as an official WSOP Poker Room, an all-new Caesars Sportsbook, and 253 hotel rooms. In addition to a wide palette of food and beverage outlets that will be available on day one, Horseshoe Lake Charles will bring multi-Michelin-starred chef Gordon Ramsay to the Pelican State with the opening of Gordon Ramsay Steak in mid-2023.

It’s official ✨ pic.twitter.com/fcOJvK1Vrv

— Horseshoe Lake Charles (@HorseshoeLC) December 12, 2022

Other names in the casino’s culinary line-up include award-winning brewpub Brews Brothers; Seven Noodle Bar, a Pan-Asian-inspired noodles restaurant; and Slice Pizzeria and Pasta. Meanwhile, Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin Robbins are expected to open their own shops there next year.

The casino closed for two years due to the pandemic and damage from Hurricane Laura. “When we closed the Isle of Capri in 2020, we were not expecting the property to be shut down for this length of time,” said Anthony Carano, President, and COO of Caesars Entertainment. “But we couldn't be prouder of our team and all of the hard work they've put into this beautiful property.”

Casino officials had no idea that once the Isle of Capri shut down, it would not reopen again for such a long time. Hundreds of employees were kept on retainer while the renovations were done. "To live and see your place of work literally sail away, and have to go through COVID,” Dan Real, regional president of Caesars Entertainment said. “For us to be able to offer the jobs back as I leave this building tonight, that is what I will reflect on the most."

For his part, Jeff Favre, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Horseshoe Lake Charles, added: “The support from the Lake Charles community has been tremendous, and we can't wait to welcome our guests back to experience our all-new resort. After being closed for more than two years, to reopen as a Horseshoe casino is the cherry on top of a pretty spectacular celebration.”

Welcome Legends✨
Today we celebrate our #GrandOpening with big bets, live music, fireworks, and more! pic.twitter.com/wl1ORSTB9Z

— Horseshoe Lake Charles (@HorseshoeLC) December 12, 2022

Caesars Entertainment also operates another Horseshoe Casino in Bossier City, less than 200 miles from Horseshoe Lake Charles. The company also has two other properties in the Bayou State: Caesars New Orleans and Harrah’s New Orleans. The gambling giant also holds naming rights to the New Orleans Saints football stadium.