Louisiana: Rebranded The Queen Baton Rouge casino to reopen as land-based property next month

After undergoing an $85 million transformation, The Queen Baton Rouge, formerly known as Hollywood Casino Baton Rouge, is ready to make its grand debut on August 24. The rebranded and updated casino, now situated on dry land near downtown along the Mississippi River, is poised to become a premier dining and entertainment destination, boasting an expanded footprint of over 100,000 square feet.

Terry Downey, President and CEO of The Queen Casino & Entertainment, expressed excitement about the unveiling, stating: "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."

The Queen Baton Rouge will offer a range of varied amenities for guests. The casino, spanning over 30,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor gaming space, will feature 731 gaming machines, 18 table games, and various electronic table options.

LIT Casino & Bar, a dedicated smoking patio within the casino, will provide a lively atmosphere with craft cocktails, beer, and wine, along with 150 gaming positions.

In partnership with sports betting giant DraftKings, The Queen Baton Rouge will introduce a "state-of-the-art" retail DraftKings Sportsbook. The amenity will boast contemporary design, a full bar, and "cutting-edge" sports wagering technology, including 20 kiosks and four betting windows. Lounge-style seating, a 28-foot video wall, and oversized HD TVs will ensure "optimal viewing for sports fans."

According to a statement issued by the company, the dining options at The Queen Baton Rouge will be diverse and enticing. Guests can savor rustic American cuisine with "a twist" at 1717, a full-service restaurant with a bar equipped with nearly 40 high-definition TVs for watching the latest sporting events.

The Loft at 1717 will provide indoor and outdoor space, allowing guests to enjoy sunset social hour, additional dining options, and private parties with a breathtaking view of the Mississippi River.

Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken will serve its signature crispy chicken sandwiches and tenders, along with favorites such as boozy milkshakes, popcorn chicken, and Lucille's Mac N' Cheese, also to be savored while overlooking the river. 

The casino also noted that Woks Noodle Bar will offer a  selection of authentic pan-Asian dishes; while Capitol Coffee Baton Rouge, located steps away from the casino floor, will cater to guests with traditional brews, modern teas, and breakfast and lunch items.

Entertainment will be part of the casino's offering, with live music and other performances on the stage in 1717. The venue will also provide over 6,000 square feet of flexible event space, spread across three multi-purpose rooms capable of accommodating more than 500 guests. 

Parking at The Queen Baton Rouge will be revamped, with a redesigned parking lot featuring wider spaces and additional lighting, ensuring closer access to the main entrance. The main entrance, complete with valet parking, will be framed by a "stunning" porte cochere, adding to the overall experience.

The Queen Baton Rouge is part of The Queen Casino & Entertainment's expanding gaming portfolio, which also includes DraftKings at Casino Queen in East St. Louis, Illinois; Casino Queen Marquette in Marquette, Iowa; and the nearby Belle of Baton Rouge.