The Belle of Baton Rouge, a riverboat on line casino and lodge owned and managed by CQ Holdings, might be shifting ashore after the Louisiana Gaming Management Board accepted its US$35 million plan to change into a land-based on line casino. The development for the relocation will begin by April 2023 and is projected to finish in Might 2024.
The Belle riverboat might be docking at its onshore property in downtown Baton Rouge the place it should open a 16,500-square-foot gaming ground within the on line casino’s atrium that may function 316 slot machines, 14 desk video games and a sportsbook spanning 2,500 sq. ft. The on line casino will even function eating choices resembling an oyster bar, a pizza station and a café, with bowling lanes and a wine bar for the leisure of visitors.
CQ Holdings plans not simply to dock the riverboat on line casino within the lodge however to renovate the land on line casino lodge that had fallen into disrepair for the reason that COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. Earlier than the land on line casino was shut from pandemic restrictions, it labored hand in hand with the riverboat on line casino.
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Nevertheless, it will likely be getting a brand new look quickly, with the primary section of renovations involving 90 out of its 288 rooms. The Belle will even be including cruise line dock entry to its many services. This may let American cruise strains dock riverboats there for just a few hours.
President and CEO of CQ Holdings, Terry Downey has confirmed demolitions are underway already. He famous that the large property has “limitless potential”.
“All people talks about eager to see one thing nice on the Belle,” he stated.
The renovations will make the on line casino “a really boutiquey, very enjoyable” place, Downey stated whereas commenting on the inside decor selection of the lodge consisting of a contemporary, industrial theme.
The transfer, unanimously voted for by the gaming fee, is anticipated to generate 200 jobs for Baton Rouge. Moreover, for Belle of Baton Rouge, it should assist it recapture the enterprise it had misplaced as a consequence of pandemic restrictions and different market restraints whereas attracting extra vacationers to the world.
This would be the second riverboat CQ Holdings might be relocating onshore.