Bally’s Baton Rouge prepares to transition operations to new $160M casino

Bally’s Baton Rouge is preparing to open its more than $160 million land-based casino on December 6, as the property shuts down temporary operations on November 14 to move slot machines, kiosks, and table-game equipment.

The permanent project includes nearly 800 slot machines, 20 to 25 table games, a sportsbook, a center bar, a smoking area, and a two-lane bowling alley.

The Louisiana Gaming Control Board approved Bally’s request to cease gaming at 2 a.m. on November 14. The closure will allow equipment and fixtures to be relocated from the temporary land-based operation to the new facility. The casino’s relocation follows state approval granted in 2023, allowing the former riverboat venue, The Belle of Baton Rouge, to operate on land.

During the same meeting, the board approved the casino’s sports wagering license. DraftKings will serve as the sports betting provider. The board also signed off on revisions to responsible gaming policies, including a change that allows individuals on the exclusion list to request removal after two years, a shorter period than previously required.

The December 6 opening remains subject to final clearance from the Louisiana State Police and the Gaming Control Board.

“We're thrilled to be this close to the finish line with this beautiful property, and we're excited to get the general public to come in and view this at the beginning of December,” Stacy Stagg, senior vice president and regional manager of Bally’s, said at the meeting.

The company announced last month that The Belle of Baton Rouge will now operate as Bally’s Baton Rouge Casino and Hotel. The rebrand also includes new dining options that will open with the casino. The food hall, designed to reference the Illinois Central Freight Station, will feature Hearth Pizzeria, Shuck’s Oyster Bar, Vintage 1806, and Maritime Coffee.

The hotel portion has been open since March and received Bally’s signage that same month.

“This has been a very long and exciting journey, and we've overcome many obstacles, and as a result, we've been able to create a very beautiful and very exciting product,” said Richard Cannon, Bally’s Baton Rouge general manager.