The Belle of Baton Rouge final week acquired state approval to maneuver the riverboat ashore. The relocation challenge, anticipated to value about $35 million, will largely be on the owner’s tab
An aerial view of the Belle of Baton Rouge exhibits the resort’s Atrium linked to the floating riverboat on line casino by two enclosed walkways. The owner and operator of the Louisiana on line casino are transferring the on line casino’s gaming operations ashore in a part of a $35 million revamping of the downtown property. (Picture: The Advocate)
Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc. (GLPI) acquired the Belle of Baton Rouge in 2018 from Eldorado Resorts, which later turned Caesars Leisure. CQ Holding Firm bought the working rights of the Louisiana capital metropolis’s oldest on line casino in Might from Caesars for an undisclosed sum.
CQ is an Illinois-based gaming operator that additionally runs Hollywood On line casino Baton Rouge, the town’s different downtown riverboat. The corporate is transferring each riverboats ashore after Louisiana lawmakers in 2018 allowed riverboats to maneuver inland, as long as they continue to be inside 1,200 ft (or a few quarter of a mile) from their designated barges.
The Louisiana Gaming Management Board (LGCB) agreed to permit the historic Belle positioned at 103 France Avenue to relocate from the Mississippi River to land. The 16,500-square-foot gaming house will relocate to the on line casino property’s Atrium adjoining to the resort’s parking storage and lodge.
Of the estimated $35 million renovation value, GLPI has dedicated to bankrolling $28 million. CQ can be on the hook for the remaining $7 million. CQ leases the on line casino’s operations from GLPI at a charge anticipated to extend as soon as the renovation is accomplished.
Bells and Whistles
In making use of for state authorization to maneuver the Belle of Baton Rouge inland, CQ Holding Firm supplied the LGCB with a challenge overview. CQ moreover operates DraftKings at On line casino Queen in East St. Louis, Il., and On line casino Queen Marquette in Iowa.
The Belle of Baton Rouge Atrium spans roughly 50K sq. ft. The glass-enclosed construction is at present used as a buffet, restaurant, and leisure house. The on line casino’s overhaul will significantly replace the Atrium and modernize the house with new facilities and sights.
CQ says the on line casino, as soon as moved, will supply about 350 slot machines, 14 desk video games, and a sportsbook. The Atrium rework may also welcome new eating choices, together with an oyster bar and café.
We’re thrilled with the Louisiana Gaming Management Board’s determination to approve Belle of Baton Rouge’s landside transfer,” stated Terry Downey, president and CEO of CQ Holding Firm. “In buying this on line casino, we’ve seemed ahead to the super potential in transferring the Belle to land.
“We stay up for serving the Baton Rouge group with new leisure choices and eateries that can be made potential by this transfer,” Downey added.
Bringing the on line casino inland will place the slot machines and desk video games a lot nearer to the place patrons park. Presently, the stroll is about 1,000 ft from the Atrium through enclosed walkways to the riverboat on the Mississippi River.
Resort Reopening
One other main element of the $35 million funding is renovating and reopening roughly 90 rooms of the lodge’s 288-room facility. The Belle of Baton Rouge lodge has been closed for the reason that onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The lodge reopening and new Atrium facilities will carry again round 200 jobs, CQ advised the state. The Belle’s present employment stands at round 150 positions.
Downey stated the renovations will make the Belle “a really boutiquey, very enjoyable” vacation spot. Building is anticipated to start subsequent April, with a deliberate Might 2024 opening.
