The Louisiana Gaming Control Board has unanimously granted LRGC Gaming Investors, LCC, an affiliate of The Cordish Companies, the necessary regulatory approvals required to become a gaming operator in the state, paving the way for its upcoming $250M+ land-based casino in Bossier City.
The approval clears the way for Cordish to finalize the acquisition of Diamond Jacks Casino & Hotel and begin its $270 million transformation of the property into a Live! branded casino resort and entertainment destination.
In April this year, Cordish presented a master project plan to the Gaming Control Board for the redevelopment of the Diamond Jacks Casino & Hotel, which has been closed since March 2020. With this week's clearance, Cordish is set to construct the first land-based casino in the Shreveport-Bossier market.
In addition to fully renovating the hotel rooms and public space, Cordish plans to develop a brand new, land-based casino to replace the existing casino riverboat. Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana is scheduled to open in 2025.
"We're grateful to the Louisiana Gaming Control Board for their approval and thank them for their consideration and enthusiastic support through this process," said Joe Weinberg, Managing Partner, The Cordish Companies.
"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. We are extremely excited to continue moving forward with this project and deliver a world-class destination to the region."
“The Louisiana Gaming Control Board is pleased to announce the approval of The Cordish Companies' acquisition of the license from the former Diamond Jacks property in Bossier City. Cordish has an exceptional reputation in providing first-rate casino experiences as well as hospitality and entertainment venues across the country," said Ronnie Johns, Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board.
"We are pleased with their decision to bring their Live! brand to the State of Louisiana. We feel comfortable that their commitment to a first-class $270 million project will help grow the Bossier City/Shreveport gaming market. We welcome The Cordish Companies and look forward to working with them to bring this project to a reality to open sometime in 2025."
During the public hearing, Cordish officials presented an overview of the plans for the new property, which represents an investment of $270+ million. The gaming, dining, entertainment, and hotel destination will feature: