Baton Rouge’s riverfront has entered a new era with the grand opening of Bally’s Baton Rouge Casino and Hotel in Louisiana, following a $140 million redevelopment that has turned the former Belle of Baton Rouge into a modern entertainment landmark. The official ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on December 6, marking the casino’s transition from riverboat operations to a fully land-based resort.
A New Look for a Baton Rouge Icon
The extensive remodel features 25,000 square feet of gaming space that blends contemporary design with nods to the building’s past as the Illinois Central Railroad Depot. The revamped venue includes 800 slot machines, up to 25 table games, a sportsbook powered by DraftKings with a massive 46-foot screen, a two-lane bowling alley, and a central bar called The Barge.
Brett Buscher, senior project manager for W.E. O’Neil Construction, said retractable shutters allow the atrium’s glass roof to open during the evening, creating a warm, natural atmosphere while avoiding daytime glare that could interfere with gameplay.
Bally’s spokesperson Lauren Westerfield emphasized the company’s efforts to honor the site’s heritage while meeting modern entertainment standards. “We wanted to be sensitive to that, but also build something that’s modern and can service our guests for what they need today,” she said.
The design pays homage to Baton Rouge’s industrial roots, featuring preserved elements like the original Catfish Town plaque and a chunk of railroad track repurposed as the casino’s host stand. The player’s club counter evokes the look of an old train ticket booth, blending nostalgia with innovation.
Community Roots and Local Flair
For longtime employee Wendie Green, who has worked at the property since 1994, the transformation represents both personal and community renewal. “Back then it was nice, but it is gorgeous now,” Green said, as reported by WAFB. “This is a totally different atmosphere, this is beautiful, I was just waiting for a company to come in and do just what Bally’s has done, basically.”
Green, who began as a cocktail server and now serves as a senior slot attendant, helped cut the ribbon at the grand opening. Reflecting on the occasion, she said, “This is home for me. But now I’ve got a whole new home.”
Bally’s investment brought 500 jobs to Baton Rouge, including 350 new positions added during the expansion. Westerfield noted that the project will also contribute millions in local tax revenue. The company incorporated regional touches such as purple and gold bar lighting and materials from the old Catfish Town site, celebrating Louisiana culture in both subtle and visible ways.
Dining, Entertainment, and Lodging
Beyond gaming, the resort introduces an array of new attractions. Guests can enjoy Pelican Pins, a retro-style bowling alley, and The Barge bar, serving craft cocktails and local beers. The dining lineup features Hearth Pizzeria, the Oyster Bar, Vintage 1806 wine lounge, Maritime Coffee, and The Terrace restaurant.
Each venue blends local ingredients with global influences, emphasizing Louisiana’s culinary heritage. The connected hotel offers modern rooms and suites overlooking the Mississippi River, the state capitol, and LSU’s Tiger Stadium, enhancing downtown Baton Rouge’s hospitality offerings.
City officials view the reopening as a key catalyst for the area’s economic revival. Green believes the project will bring more life back to downtown after years of stagnation. “You know you used to go shopping back on Third Street, now you can actually come, they still shop, eat, gamble a little bit, have a little fun and just enjoy life,” she said.
The grand opening celebration included a drone show with 250 lights illuminating the night sky—a symbolic gesture of renewal for a property deeply tied to Baton Rouge’s past.
