Officially leaving its dock Tuesday morning was the Belle of Baton Rouge, a riverboat casino that has been on the Mississippi River since 1994. The ship made its last voyage to a scrapyard in Terrebonne Parish for destruction, escorted by two tugboats. More than 97% of the riverboat will be recycled, according to officials.
Richard Cannon, the Belle’s general manager, highlighted the significance of this milestone: “This sendoff shows that things are changing, and it’s a clear sign that the transformation of this area into a vibrant, thriving entertainment destination is well underway.”
The Queen Casino & Entertainment, which manages the Belle, is shifting its gambling operations to a land-based venue within the casino atrium. This redevelopment also includes reopening the adjacent 242-room hotel, which has been closed since the pandemic due to roof damage.
Land-Based Casino and Hotel Revamp
The new land-based casino is expected to open in the fall, while the hotel will welcome guests as early as late March or April. The revamped casino will feature 775 slot machines, 24 table games, a sportsbook, an oyster bar, and a wine bar. This transformation is set to boost employment, with the workforce expanding from 140 to over 460 staff members.
The Belle, once a centerpiece of Louisiana’s riverboat gambling era, faced challenges over the years. Initially required to sail every three hours, the casino struggled with river traffic and weather, often remaining docked. By 2001, legislation allowed dockside gambling, but the Belle’s older design began to lose appeal, especially compared to modern facilities like L’Auberge.
The Hollywood Casino’s successful transformation into The Queen is reflected in the Belle’s land-based makeover. That project, which was finished in 2023, has advanced plans for the Belle and increased revenue.
The Queen Casino & Entertainment intends to combine the Belle and The Queen locations to improve the visitor experience. The two venues will be connected by a shared player’s club and shuttle service, providing guests with easy rewards and convenience.
The post Belle of Baton Rouge Bids Farewell to Riverboat Era Amid $141M Redevelopment appeared first on iGaming.org.