John J. Chaszar Appointed EVP And GM Of New $270M Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana
The Cordish Companies appoints John J. Chaszar as Executive VP and GM of the new Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana, a $270M destination opening in Bossier City in early 2025.
The Cordish Companies has announced the appointment of John J. Chaszar, a seasoned professional in the gaming industry, as the Executive Vice President and General Manager of the upcoming Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana. This $270+ million premier destination for gaming, dining, hotel accommodations, and entertainment is slated to open in Bossier City in the first quarter of 2025. In his new position, Mr. Chaszar will oversee the property’s development, grand opening, and ongoing operations, marking the debut of the first land-based casino in the Shreveport-Bossier region.
With over 30 years of experience in gaming and resort management, Mr. Chaszar has held leadership roles with several prominent entertainment and hotel companies across various states including Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Missouri, Kansas, Indiana, Colorado, Illinois, and South Carolina.
Most recently, Mr. Chaszar was the Senior Vice President and General Manager of Tropicana Casino in Evansville, Indiana, where he successfully managed the transition from a floating to a land-based casino. His expertise in this area will be crucial as Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana progresses.
Throughout his career, Mr. Chaszar has spent over a decade with Penn Entertainment as Vice President and General Manager at multiple locations, including Hollywood Casino in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Hollywood Casino Resort in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. He also dedicated more than 13 years to Quorum Hotels & Resorts, holding leadership positions at eight different locations.
“As The Cordish Companies continues to expand, we are focused on building a team that can deliver the high standards of quality and excellence that have become synonymous with the Live! brand nationwide,” said Rob Norton, President of Cordish Gaming Group, the gaming division of The Cordish Companies. “We are confident that under John’s leadership, the new Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana will become a premier destination offering first-class hospitality and entertainment, exceptional customer service, and generating millions of dollars in economic benefits for the Bossier City community for years to come.”
When it opens, Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana will deliver a top-tier gaming and entertainment experience, boasting over 47,000 square feet of gaming space. This includes more than 1,000 slot machines and electronic table games, along with 40+ live action table games and a sportsbook. The upscale venue will also feature a 550-room hotel, a resort-style pool, and a fitness center. Additionally, there will be a 25,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Event Center designed for top-tier entertainment, meetings, conventions, and social events. The casino will offer 30,000 square feet of premier dining and entertainment options, including new food and beverage outlets with nationally recognized brands like Sports & Social and PBR Cowboy Bar.
The project is projected to generate $35 million in gaming tax revenues for the City of Bossier and more than $168 million in gaming tax revenues for the State of Louisiana over the first five years. Annually, it will provide $34 million in salaries, wages, and tips, create around 750 new construction jobs, and offer approximately 750 permanent gaming and hospitality positions for local and regional residents.
Currently under construction on the site of the former Diamond Jacks Casino & Hotel in Bossier City, the development is situated along the scenic Red River, directly across from Shreveport. It offers convenient access to U.S. Highway 71 and Interstate 20, being approximately 20 miles from the Texas border and 40 miles from the Arkansas border.
