Baton Rouge Casino Moving onto Land in 2022

BATON ROUGE (AP) — A riverboat casino operation in Baton Rouge will move onto land in 2022, taking advantage of a 2018 state law.

The Advocate reports that Hollywood Casino Baton Rouge will spend an estimated $21 million to $25 million to make the move.

Hollywood’s vice president of marketing, Aaron Molluram said more than 800 slot machines and 12 table games will be moved into what is now the Hollywood Casino’s atrium in Baton Rouge.

Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc., which owns the casino, is able to make the move thanks to 2018 legislation allowing casinos, which were long limited to riverboats or barges in most of Louisiana, to move inland near their original locations.

The law’s supporters said it would spur investment by getting operators to add hotels, restaurants, spas, pools and other attractions.

Matt Roob, senior vice president of analysis for Spectrum Gaming Group, said the move is a sign of confidence in the Baton Rouge market. He said relocating Hollywood is an excellent move for Gaming and Leisure Properties. “It simplifies operations tremendously,” he said. “They’re not on a multi-tiered boat…You don’t have boat maintenance, elevator maintenance.”

Expanding the atrium will create 166 construction jobs with a $10 million payroll. Construction is set to begin in spring 2021. No gambling machines or tables will be added and it’s uncertain if the move will create new jobs at Hollywood, Mollura said.