Business

Bossier City to Unveil Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana, Spearheaded by Gaming Luminary John Chaszar

The Cordish Companies have officially announced the selection of John J. Chaszar to lead the formation and management of the highly anticipated Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana. Positioned as a groundbreaking development in Bossier City, this expansive $270+ million project is forecasted to galvanize the local economy by generating substantial economic impact and creating hundreds of jobs for community residents.

A Pioneering Developement in Betting and Leisure

Scheduled to open doors in the first quarter of 2025, the project boasts the distinction of being the first land-based casino in the Shreveport-Bossier market. John Chaszar, a seasoned leader with a background spanning across major entertainment and hotel companies, has been appointed as the Executive Vice President and General Manager to oversee the casino's development, launch, and ongoing operations.

With a career that has seen more than thirty years of progress through the ranks of gaming and resort operations, Mr. Chaszar has cultivated an exceptional skillset and resume. His professional history includes key roles in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Missouri, Kansas, Indiana, Colorado, Illinois, and South Carolina, reflecting a dynamic and geographically broad history of executive leadership.

As the former senior vice president and general manager of Tropicana Casino in Evansville, Indiana, John Chaszar is no stranger to the transformation of gaming facilities, having successfully transitioned a floating casino to a land-based establishment. His proficiency in this domain is undoubtedly a prized asset for the upcoming Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana.

Beyond his recent roles, Mr. Chaszar brings to the table over a decade with Penn Entertainment. He has held the title of Vice President and General Manager at properties such as Hollywood Casino in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Hollywood Casino & Resort Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. This portfolio is accentuated by over thirteen years spent in leadership at Quorum Hotels & Resorts that spanned eight different establishments.

Rob Norton, President of Cordish Gaming Group, the gaming division of The Cordish Companies, emphasized the company's commitment to assembling a team capable of upholding its high standards of quality and excellence that the Live! brand represents nationwide. Norton voiced confidence in John's leadership, projecting that the casino and hotel will emerge as a top-tier destination, offering excellent hospitality, customer service, and delivering an abundance of economic benefits to the Bossier City community in the years ahead.

The Economic Engine of Shreveport-Bossier

With the ribbon-cutting on the horizon, the Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana is slated to provide a first-rate gaming and entertainment encounter. The facility will spread across more than 47,000-square-feet of gaming space, come equipped with 1,000+ slots and electronic table games, in addition to over 40 live-action table games, not to mention a state-of-the-art sportsbook.

Included in the expansive design is a luxurious 550-room hotel featuring a resort pool and a fitness center. Not to be overlooked, a 25,000-square-foot multi-purpose Event Center is set to host an array of top-name entertainment, meetings, conventions, and social functions. The casino will also feature 30,000-square-feet of premium dining and entertainment spaces including the nationally recognized dining concepts Sports & Social and PBR Cowboy Bar.

Anticipated to be a considerable contributor to the local economy, Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana has been forecasted to generate $35 million in gaming tax revenues for the City of Bossier, with an estimated $168 million in gaming tax revenues generated for the State of Louisiana within the facility's initial five operational years. An impressive yearly generation of $34 million in salaries, wages, and tips is expected, alongside creating roughly 750 new construction jobs and approximately 750 permanent gaming and hospitality roles for locals and regional residents.

This ambitious project is currently underway on the historic grounds of the former Diamond Jacks Casino & Hotel in Bossier City. The site, located along the picturesque Red River and directly opposite Shreveport, promises easy access via U.S. Highway 71 and Interstate 20, bringing it within convenient reach for visitors from Texas and Arkansas borders.

For those seeking additional information about the Live! Casino experience, a visit to LiveCasinoLA.com offers a detailed glimpse into what future guests can anticipate upon the establishment's opening.

A Centennial Staple of Global Developments

The Cordish Companies hail from a century-old tradition of family-owned, privately managed businesses dating back to 1910. Spanning four generations, they have evolved into an international authority on Gaming & Entertainment, Commercial Real Estate, Entertainment Districts, Sports-Anchored Developments, Hotels, Residential Properties, Restaurants, Coworking Spaces, and Private Equity.

Having delivered seven Urban Land Institute Awards for Excellence for its public-private partnerships that significantly impacted the cities they reside in, The Cordish Companies stand tall as one of the world's premier developers. They are recognized for developing and operating revered dining, entertainment, and hospitality destinations across the United States under the Live! brand—a standout name in the entertainment circle that welcomes millions annually.

Notable gaming projects by The Cordish Companies include the highly successful Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos in Hollywood and Tampa, Florida, the Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland, Live! Casino Pittsburgh, and Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia. These ventures not only epitomize their pioneering spirit but also their unwavering allegiance to the core family values of integrity, quality, and long-term personal relationships.

With most businesses within its portfolio still under its stewardship, The Cordish Companies' legacy of insightful family leadership and their enduring vision manifest in the innovation and excellence of its developments. For more information on their expansive reach and entrepreneurial endeavors, individuals can explore www.cordish.com and follow their updates on Twitter (@cordishco).

An Affirmation of Local Impact and Inclusivity

The Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana, once materialized, will signify more than just an entertainment and gaming facility; it's slated to be a catalyst for economic and community growth. The land-based casino element — a first for the market — is indicative of a fresh trajectory for the region, promising to deliver a wide array of amenities while boosting job creation and tax revenues.

Facility plans divulge a comprehensive array of amenities and services, ranging from advanced game floors to diverse culinary adventures. For aficionados of evening escapades, the convergence of restaurants and bars like Luk Fu meld together with the thrilling Sports & Social and the electric PBR Cowboy Bar, ensuring an unreplicable leisure milieu.

As the development forges ahead, the prospects of employment opportunities and citywide enrichment are palpable, marking a new epoch for Bossier City and its contiguous communities. For updates on what's forthcoming and to stay connected, head to the official event and establishment profiles at LiveCasinoLA.com and social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram at @livecasinola.

In summary, the forthcoming Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana not only represents a landmark addition to the region's hospitality and gaming industry but also a tribute to the area's future prosperity and vitality. Under the experienced guidance of John Chaszar and backed by the established reputation of The Cordish Companies, Bossier City braces for a transformation that is all set to redefine entertainment, regional growth, and community-centric development.

Source: Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana