Belle of Baton Rouge Casino Under Bally’s Ownership as Landside Transition Continues
A key component of the $141 million redevelopment project includes the opening of a new entertainment complex later this year and a hotel set to launch in April.
BATON ROUGE, La. — The Belle of Baton Rouge is officially under new ownership following a merger between its parent company, Queen Casino & Entertainment, and Bally’s Corporation. The acquisition, which includes The Queen Baton Rouge and 17 other casinos across 11 states, marks a significant expansion for Bally’s in Louisiana.
The Belle’s transition from a riverboat to a land-based casino remains on schedule, with renovations expected to be completed by September 2025. A key component of the $141 million redevelopment project includes the opening of a new entertainment complex later this year and a hotel set to launch in April.
Despite initial plans to demolish the historic Maritime II Building, Bally’s withdrew its appeal to the East Baton Rouge Metro Council last year and will now preserve the structure as part of the casino’s revitalization.
Bally’s CEO Terry Downey reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the area, emphasizing that operations at both the Belle and The Queen Baton Rouge will continue without disruption.
“Our commitment to downtown Baton Rouge holds strong,” Downey said. “We look forward to welcoming everyone to our hotel opening this April and to the new entertainment complex opening later this year.”
As part of the merger agreement, Queen’s shareholders received 30.5 million shares of Bally’s stock, while Bally’s repurchased 22.8 million of its own shares at $18.25 per share. The transaction was partially financed by a $500 million loan.
The Belle’s transition to land is part of a broader effort to modernize and enhance gaming experiences in Baton Rouge, aligning with the state’s push to allow riverboat casinos to relocate inland for greater convenience and economic impact.
