Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
A new era of gaming and entertainment has arrived in Northwest Louisiana as The Cordish Companies officially opened the $270 million Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana with a VIP ribbon-cutting ceremony and fireworks display on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. The event marked the launch of the first land-based casino in the Shreveport-Bossier market, solidifying Bossier City as a premier destination for gaming, dining, and live entertainment.
Cordish and Live! executives joined state and local officials, along with special guests, to celebrate the highly anticipated luxury resort. Among the dignitaries in attendance were Pro Football Hall of Famer Ed Reed, Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Christopher Hebert, Bossier City Mayor Tommy Chandler, and representatives from the Louisiana Legislature and Bossier Chamber of Commerce.
The state-of-the-art resort features more than 47,000 square feet of gaming space, including over 1,000 slots and electronic table games, more than 40 live-action table games, and a DraftKings Sportsbook. Guests can also enjoy a 549-room luxury hotel, a resort-style pool, a fitness center, and a 31-site RV park with full hookups. The property also includes the 25,000-square-foot Live! Event Center, designed to host major concerts, conventions, and social gatherings.
Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana offers an impressive lineup of restaurants and bars, providing diverse culinary experiences:
- Sports & Social – A high-energy sports bar with an 80-foot LED media wall, craft cocktails, and interactive entertainment.
- PBR Cowboy Bar – A country-western nightlife hotspot featuring live country music, mechanical bull riding, and a vibrant party scene.
- Luk Fu – An Asian fusion restaurant serving dim sum, pho, sushi, and wok-fried specialties.
- The Prime Rib – A fine-dining steakhouse known for its award-winning prime rib, premium steaks, and fresh seafood.
- Ridotto Grand Café – Inspired by Venice’s first casino, this Italian eatery offers all-day dining near the hotel lobby.
- R Bar – A lounge and oyster bar featuring handcrafted cocktails, tapas, and live entertainment on weekends.
The official ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at 7 p.m., followed by a fireworks display at 7:45 p.m. The celebration continued with GEAUX LIVE!, an open-to-the-public event at 8 p.m., welcoming guests to experience the resort’s offerings firsthand.
Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana is expected to generate a significant economic impact for the region, creating hundreds of jobs and attracting visitors from across the South. With world-class gaming, premier dining, and top-tier entertainment, the resort is poised to become a must-visit destination in Louisiana.