Louisiana's Baton Rouge riverfront skyline welcomes a new landmark. On December 6th, after a thorough $140 million renovation, the former "Baton Rouge Beauty" riverboat casino has transformed into the modern Bally's Baton Rouge Casino Hotel, officially opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This not only marks the glamorous transformation of an old entertainment venue but also signifies the city's last riverboat casino successfully transitioning to a new era of land-based integrated resorts.
A $140 million complete transformation, design ingeniously pays tribute to industrial history
This massive investment has brought about a revolutionary change. The project has created a 25,000 square foot gaming space, cramming in up to 800 slot machines and 25 gaming tables. The most eye-catching feature is the sports betting area operated by DraftKings, equipped with a 46-foot giant screen, making the betting experience immensely engaging.
The brilliance of the renovation lies in the integration of old and new. The building was originally an Illinois Central Railway warehouse, and the design team preserved many historical elements: the original "Catfish Town" sign has been treasured, a section of the railway creatively transformed into the casino's reception desk, and the player's club counter replicates the look of an old-fashioned train ticket office. As the project spokesperson said, it's about "respecting history while meeting the needs of modern guests." Even the atrium's glass ceiling is fitted with retractable blinds, which open at night to let in a natural breeze, a design cleverly considered by PASA's official website as one of the highlights that enhance the immersive experience for players.
500 jobs injected into the community, old employees witness the "new home" completion
This reconstruction is not only a hardware upgrade but also a strong boost for the local community. The project has brought 500 jobs to Baton Rouge, 350 of which are newly created. For employees like Wendie Green, who has been working there since 1994, starting as a cocktail waitress and becoming a senior slot machine attendant, the feeling is profound. She was also invited to the ribbon-cutting ceremony. "It was good before, but now it's just beautiful," she remarked, "This place is like home to me, and now, I have a brand new home."
The local government is also optimistic about the project's potential to boost the downtown economy. Green recalled that people used to shop on Third Street, but now this new complex is expected to bring people back to the city center, "to shop, eat, play a couple of games, and enjoy life." The company's investment is also expected to contribute millions of dollars in taxes to the local area.
More than just gambling: Bowling, dining, and river-view hotel create a diverse experience
Today's Bally’s Baton Rouge has long surpassed the traditional scope of casinos. Guests can play a few rounds at the retro-style "Pelican Bowling Alley," taste local craft beers and handcrafted cocktails at the central bar "The Barge." Dining options are plentiful: from Hearth Pizzeria's pizzas, Oyster Bar's oysters, to Vintage 1806's wine lounge and Maritime Coffee's coffee, fully integrating Louisiana's flavors.
Additionally, the connected hotel offers modern rooms overlooking the Mississippi River, the State Capitol, and LSU Tiger Stadium, completing the high-end accommodation options in downtown. On the opening night, a light show presented by 250 drones lit up the night sky, symbolizing this property deeply intertwined with Baton Rouge's history, officially steering towards a vibrant new future.
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