Published on: October 27, 2025, 12:36h.
Updated on: October 27, 2025, 12:36h.
- The iconic Belle of Baton Rouge transforms into Bally’s Baton Rouge
- Bally’s Baton Rouge set to launch its new land-based casino in December
The Belle of Baton Rouge has officially made its exit, paving the way for the new Bally’s Baton Rouge.
In addition to a new LSU football coach, Baton Rouge is poised for a major transformation. The $140 million upgrade of the former Belle riverboat casino, situated along the Mississippi River, is nearing its finish line.
The Baton Rouge casino is preparing to debut its new land-based operation come December, while the completely revamped 242-room hotel is already operational.
Bally’s Corp., based in Rhode Island, announced today, October 27, that the Belle of Baton Rouge is now officially Bally’s Baton Rouge. This rebranding follows Bally’s acquisition of the Belle and The Queen Baton Rouge through a takeover by private equity firm Standard General, a deal worth $4.6 billion finalized earlier this year.
Upcoming Casino Features
Currently, Bally’s Baton Rouge operates a temporary gaming area in the glass-covered atrium, featuring 220 slot machines and three table games.
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board is set to approve the renaming of the casino to Bally’s Baton Rouge during its meeting on November 13. The new brick-and-mortar establishment will repurpose approximately 25,000 square feet of underutilized atrium space.
The fully realized Bally’s Baton Rouge Casino Hotel will boast over 750 slot machines, 24 table games, and a Bally Bet Sportsbook. This $141 million enhancement will also welcome new dining and bar options.
Dining offerings include a variety of options such as oysters, a wine bar, pizza, and coffee. Future additions will encompass a craft beer and cocktail bar, a two-lane bowling alley, and a luxury gaming lounge.
General Manager Richard Cannon of Bally’s Baton Rouge emphasizes that the casino is set to rejuvenate the riverfront area, bringing new energy to the city. Alongside 242 newly updated guest rooms, the hotel features a state-of-the-art fitness facility.
Local attractions include the Louisiana State Capitol, the Old State Capitol, the USS Kidd destroyer, the Louisiana Art & Science Museum, and the LSU Museum of Art. The LSU campus and Tiger Stadium are just a quick cab ride away.
Employment Opportunities
Thanks to its $141 million investment in Baton Rouge, Bally’s Corp. reports that renovations to the former Belle have led to the addition of 350 jobs, raising total employment at Bally’s Baton Rouge to over 500.
Bally’s Baton Rouge is among 16 casinos operating in Louisiana. In the 2024 fiscal year, the Belle had the lowest visitor numbers, totaling less than 118,000. The riverboat accrued a gross gaming revenue (GGR) of merely $7.1 million, placing it at the bottom of the rankings.
Bally’s is optimistic that the enhanced hotel and new land-based casino will catalyze significant business growth. Similar results were seen at The Queen Baton Rouge after its land-based casino opened in 2023, with a $100 million investment.
The Queen reported more than $23.5 million in GGR from July to September 2025, marking a $3 million increase from the previous year. The Queen’s land-based casino made its debut in August 2023.