$200M DiamondJacks makeover will give area its first land-based casino

BOSSIER CITY, La. (KSLA) — After sitting empty for greater than two years, the DiamondJacks On line casino and Lodge property in Bossier Metropolis has a brand new future forward of it.

The on line casino was once very fashionable within the Shreveport-Bossier Metropolis space. However like many services, it closed in 2020 as a result of it was closely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Right here’s a more in-depth take a look at what to anticipate this time round.

“It’s an enormous day for the Shreveport-Bossier market. That property has been in dangerous form for a few years, in fact, and it’s really been closed for 2 years,” stated Ronnie Johns, chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Management Board.

The previous DiamondJacks On line casino sees a vibrant new future after the board authorized the sale of the Bossier Metropolis property to its new homeowners, Basis Gaming.

The sale units the stage for a $200 million makeover, together with 405 renovated lodge rooms and a brand-new sportsbook.

“You’ll have over 25,000 sq. toes of assembly house. You’ll have a 12,000-square-foot ballroom that’s gonna be renovated,” Johns defined. “There will probably be a brand-new spa and health heart and quite a few new eating places all through the property.”

KSLA Information 12 has been informed that work on the brand new Basis Gaming property, which has not but named, will probably be accomplished by December 2024.

Johns stated the way forward for gaming in Shreveport-Bossier will prosper, providing a recent gaming expertise to guests and bringing drastic financial improvement to Bossier Metropolis, Bossier Parish and the state of Louisiana.

“Whereas they pay the state of Louisiana a hefty gaming tax, it’s 21.5%, additionally they will enter into an settlement with Bossier Metropolis and the Parish of Bossier for a neighborhood gaming tax.”

Johns stated the transfer could also be much more of a win for Bossier Metropolis itself.

“There are, to begin with, loads of native companies that may prosper from this. They’re capable of promote their providers and their merchandise to them. Casinos purchase loads of meals, they purchase loads of provides they usually present loads of providers.”

Whereas native companies will profit, these needing a job may have ample alternative to get one with about 700 jobs arriving with the completed product.

On one other notice, the finished undertaking would be the first land-based on line casino within the Shreveport-Bossier Metropolis market, phasing out one of many space’s trademark riverboats.

“The previous riverboats have low ceilings in them, the air flow methods in them are usually not superb. They’ve outlived their usefulness,” Johns stated.

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