After one of the America’s leading development firms, The Cordish Companies, secured an unanimous approval in October 2023 from the Louisiana Gaming Control Board to officially become a licensed casino operator in Bossier City, Louisiana, Jon Cordish announces that the $270 million transformation of the former property will result in the Live! Casino gambling, event, and entertainment resort to reportedly rival the top destinations in the country.
$270 Million Transformation Project:
According to Shreveport Times (ST), Jon Cordish, a principal with The Cordish Companies said: “It’s going to have a quality and energy that when you walk into this property you’ll feel like you’re in a premier casino and resort in the top gaming markets, including Las Vegas.” Cordish reportedly adds:“I guarantee you this is going to be game-changing and set a new standard in the market.”
A wide range of the property amenities to reportedly include Sports & Social sports bar and restaurant featuring James Beard Award nominee Chef John Suley, PBR Cowboy Bar, and more brands are set to boost the company’s Live! Casino brand. Still, the $270 million redevelopment project will also funnel funds to the local community and provide 750 construction jobs and 750 permanent jobs, as ST reports. Rob Norton, president of Cordish’s gaming division, reportedly said: “It will bring economic opportunities for all involved.”
Live! Brand Expansion:
As reported by the source, Cordish is a century-old family-owned company with headquarter in Baltimore and a network of national and international operations in gaming, entertainment, and real estate. The company’s signature “Live!” entertainment brand is present in major US markets. The latest project in Bossier adds to the Cordish’s other developments with the current Texas! Live project in Arlington being worth $1 billion alone, according to ST.
The same source reports that the Bossier officials welcome the transformation project. Bossier City Mayor Thomas Chandler reportedly said that the project represents “the largest venture that has happened in our area in a long time,” while State Rep. Sam Jenkins added that the job opportunities being brought by the project“will be transformational.”
First Land-Based Casino in Shreveport-Bossier Market:
The company broke ground for the project after it had secured a casino license approval. According to ST, there are only 15 casino licenses available in the state and the officials agree that the casino should stay it the city after the previous license holders had tried to move the former casino away. Outgoing state Sen. Barrow Peacock said:“They tried to take this casino from us. [Cordish] made a great bet on a great city.” Louisiana Gaming Commission Chairman Ronnie Johns commented: “There’s no doubt the gaming market in Shreveport-Bossier has a bright future. To see this happening today is incredible.”
Cordish has reportedly already dismantled the old riverboat casino to start construction works for the first land-based casino in the Shreveport-Bossier market. The expectations are great, but the company is confident to promise a first-class Live! Casino development set to open in early 2025.