Louisiana: Treasure Chest announces June 6 opening date for new $100M land-based casino

Boyd Gaming has announced the grand opening date of the new land-based Treasure Chest Casino in Kenner’s Laketown neighborhood, Louisiana. Located just over the levee from the Treasure Chest Casino riverboat, the land-based property will officially open to the public on Thursday, June 6. 

The new casino doubles the size of the riverboat’s current casino floor at 48,000 square feet of gaming and entertainment space. The land-based gaming floor boasts more than 900 slot machines including over 300 new slot games and "guest favorites brought over from the riverboat," along with a fresh mix of 32 table games.

Additionally, the land-based casino offers over 8,000 square feet of meeting and event space along with four new restaurants: Alder & Birch Steakhouse, The Game, Lakeside Café, and Infusion.

“We have been eagerly awaiting our grand opening for some time and are ecstatic to finally be able to open the doors to Treasure Chest’s loyal patrons and guests,” said Kim Etland, Vice President and General Manager for Treasure Chest Casino. “The new property allows for more space, games, and restaurants to serve and fill a premier entertainment need in our community.”

Boyd Gaming noted that before the new Treasure Chest Casino can formally open its doors, the Treasure Chest riverboat must close its doors for the last time. The Treasure Chest Casino riverboat has been in operation since 1994, welcoming guests on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain for 30 years.

The Treasure Chest is the latest casino to shift onto land after the Louisiana Legislature approved in 2018 a law allowing riverboat casinos to operate onshore. The riverboat will have ceremonial last bets at 11:59 PM on Saturday, June 1st before shutting down. At that time, Treasure Chest management will continue the final phases of the move into the land-based facility.

“In true Louisiana fashion following last bets on the riverboat, Treasure Chest leadership, associates and patrons will then participate in a second line and banner drop to welcome in a new era for Treasure Chest in Kenner,” Boyd Gaming stated. 

The new land-based Treasure Chest Casino will be open seven days a week from 8:00 AM to 3:00 AM on Sunday through Thursday and open 24 hours on Friday and Saturday.

Reservations are not needed for the four restaurants but are highly encouraged for Alder & Birch Steakhouse through Open Table.Complimentary drink service will return to the gaming floor with two self-service beverage stations offering guests complimentary water, soda, and coffee.

Additionally, the new property will debut an expansive parking lot right outside the entrance to the casino.Valet service will be available as well as a special parking area for select card levels. Moreover, as part of the overall improvement to the new location, over 2,000 trees have been planted around the new property.

New casino expected to drive revenue for Kenner

The Treasure Chest has so far been a significant source of revenue for Kenner and officials expect the new land-based casino to be a boon for the city's economy.

Nola.com retrieved Mayor Michael Glaser’s letter accompanying his latest budget proposal,which read: "We anticipate this to be a catalyst for a surge in economic development, increasing sales tax, and increased riverboat fees, upon which Kenner heavily depends.”

Treasure Chest casino’s grand opening comes as officials explore new ways to redevelop Kenner's Laketown. In April, Jefferson Parish 4th District Council member Arita Bohannan unveiled plans to build an outdoor amphitheater with seating for 7,500 people, boardwalk, and observation point in an undeveloped field on Laketown's western edge. 

Louisiana’s other land-based casinos include Harrah’s New Orleans, Horseshoe Lake Charles, and The Queen Baton Rouge. Another brick-and-mortar casino is in the works in Bossier City.