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The eagerly awaited Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana is set to open in Bossier City during the first quarter of 2025. This $270-million development will mark the Shreveport-Bossier area’s first land-based casino, promising a substantial impact on the region’s entertainment, tourism, and gaming sectors. With both high expectations and significant economic prospects, the debut of this state-of-the-art venue is one of the most exciting developments for local residents and visitors alike.

Construction Progress and Project Milestones

The Cordish Companies, responsible for Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana, reached a significant milestone in construction on July 17, 2024, with a 'Topping Off' ceremony, a tradition marking the installation of the final piece of structural steel. Cordish Gaming Group President Rob Norton highlighted the event’s importance, expressing excitement about the construction’s steady progress and affirming that the project is on track for its planned opening.

While an exact opening date hasn’t been disclosed, John Robinson, a project representative, narrowed it down, noting it would be in "early 2025, not as early as January but not as late as June." Based on this timeline, the grand opening is likely to occur between February and May of 2025. This first-quarter target aligns with typical peak seasons for casino launches, setting the stage for a strong debut.

However, while locals await its debut, those interested in gaming have limited legal options in the state. Though online casinos are illegal in Louisiana, offshore casinos operate in a legal gray area, providing an alternative for residents. One secure online option that bypasses conventional login requirements is the Inclave platform.

According to Joe Hernandez from Inclave online casinos, these gambling platforms offer a seamless, secure, and convenient experience, allowing users to access accounts via biometric methods like fingerprint or facial recognition. This innovative security approach lets players enjoy online gambling with the confidence that their personal information is well-protected.

Job Creation and Economic Contributions

The new Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana promises to be a key economic driver in Bossier City. The project will generate around 1,500 jobs, with 750 positions during the construction phase and another 750 permanent jobs once the casino is operational. This employment growth will likely stimulate local spending, benefiting businesses in the region.

In addition to job creation, the casino is expected to bring substantial tax revenue to both the city and state. Projections indicate that within its first five years, the establishment could contribute over $35 million in gaming tax revenue to Bossier City alone, with an additional $168 million anticipated for the state of Louisiana. This substantial revenue will likely fund various community and infrastructure improvements, reinforcing the positive impact of this development on the local economy.

Entertainment, Gaming, and Unique Amenities

Upon opening, Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana will stand out as a full-fledged entertainment destination. The venue will feature a 47,000-square-foot gaming floor packed with over 1,000 slot machines, electronic table games, more than 40 live-action table games, and a sportsbook, providing visitors with a wide array of gaming options. These offerings are designed to create a compelling experience for both gaming enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

The connected luxury hotel will have 550 upscale rooms, enhanced by a resort-style pool and a high-end fitness center. Additionally, for those looking for alternative accommodations, there will be a 31-site RV park adjacent to the property. These varied amenities ensure that visitors with diverse preferences will find suitable lodging and leisure options.

Expansive Meeting and Event Facilities

Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana will also cater to corporate events and conferences with its extensive meeting and conference spaces. The property includes a dedicated 25,000-square-foot conference center, separate from the casino floor, which features 16,500 square feet of meeting space and 8,500 square feet of pre-function space.

The conference center boasts a 12,125-square-foot ballroom that can be divided into three sections, along with two breakout rooms and a boardroom. This configuration positions the venue as an appealing choice for business gatherings, potentially attracting corporate travelers and boosting local hospitality services.

Diverse Dining and Entertainment Options

Dining at Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana promises to be an experience in itself. With 30,000 square feet allocated to various culinary offerings, the property will feature an assortment of restaurants to satisfy diverse tastes:

  • Luk Fu: A specialized Asian restaurant with authentic flavors.
  • Sports & Social: A sports-themed dining venue with social gaming spaces.
  • PBR Cowboy Bar: A lively bar with music and a mechanical bull for added fun.
  • Ridotto Grand Café: A unique Italian dining experience featuring Venetian-inspired cuisine.
  • The Prime Rib: A high-end steakhouse recognized by USA TODAY Readers' Choice Awards as a top casino dining option.

These dining and entertainment choices, along with live music venues and themed bars, will position Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana as a well-rounded lifestyle destination, not just a gaming place.

As construction moves toward completion, excitement continues to grow among residents and prospective visitors. With its blend of gaming, hospitality, and entertainment within a luxurious setting, Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana is set to be a landmark attraction, contributing to the region’s vibrancy and economic strength.

If you or anyone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

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