Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana opens as Shreveport-Bossier’s first land-based casino

Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana officially opened its doors to the public last Thursday, marking the first land-side casino in the Shreveport-Bossier market. The $270 million development, owned by The Cordish Companies, welcomed guests for the first time with a blend of gaming, luxury accommodations, and live entertainment.

The opening event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a fireworks display, and a Mardi Gras-style parade led by Louisiana Mardi Gras Krewes, accompanied by the Northwestern State University band. Hundreds of eager visitors gathered outside the venue, waiting for the official opening.

Before the doors opened, invited guests had the chance to witness the first sports bet at the DraftKings Sportsbook, placed by Pro Football Hall of Famer and Super Bowl Champion Ed Reed, who wagered on the New Orleans Pelicans against the Sacramento Kings. 

Located along the Red River, Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana is positioned to become a key attraction for visitors from Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, and beyond. The resort offers a 47,000-square-foot gaming floor, featuring over 1,000 slots and electronic table games, more than 40 live-action table games, and a state-of-the-art DraftKings Sportsbook.

Bossier City Mayor Tommy Chandler told the Shreveport-Bossier Advocate: "You walk in and think, ‘Am I in Vegas?’ It does look like we're in Vegas. It's going to bring so many people here to Bossier City. We’re ready for it."

The resort features a 549-room luxury hotel, a resort-style pool, and a fitness center, catering to both local guests and visitors from neighboring states. Additionally, it features a 31-site RV park with concrete pads and full hookups, and structured and surface parking.

Entertainment is a key focus of the development, with the Live! Event Center offering 25,000 square feet of multipurpose space for concerts, conventions, and private events. Upcoming live performances include Walker Hayes (Feb. 28), The Commodores (March 7), Matt Mathews (March 8-9), and Clint Black (March 29).

Dining options include a variety of restaurants and bars, such as Sports & Social, the PBR Cowboy Bar, The Prime Rib, and Luk Fu, offering an array of cuisines ranging from steaks and seafood to Asian-inspired dishes.

The opening of Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana is expected to have a substantial economic impact, with projections of $35 million in gaming tax revenue for Bossier City and $168 million for the state of Louisiana within the first five years.

Additionally, the development has generated over 1,550 jobs, including 750 construction jobs and 800 permanent positions. The casino is prioritizing local hiring and vendor partnerships, ensuring that the economic benefits extend to the broader community.

Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Chris Hebert spoke about the project's significance, noting that it is the first new casino development in the state in years and labeling it "a truly exciting time for the Shreveport-Bossier market and the entire Louisiana gaming industry."

“It’s been some time since a new casino planted roots in our state, and already we are seeing the economic benefits with hundreds of job seekers finding employment,” Hebert said. “We look forward to many prosperous years with Live! Louisiana and The Cordish Companies.”