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Mississippi River Dinner Jazz Cruise

Step on board and cruise with us into the night where the sleepless activity of America's busiest port buzzes. The sounds of a lively jazz band fill the air as you enjoy a lavish Creole buffet in elegantly appointed dining rooms. See details

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5 Top Mississippi Riverboat Casinos of Louisiana

• Bojan Lipovic
• March 12, 2021

The mighty Mississippi River is the jugular vein of the Unites States, connecting its northern and southern parts.  The river is also renowned for its legendary riverboat casinos that used to traverse its banks from Minnesota to Louisiana.

The Mississippi River represents one of the most important topographic features in North America.  In its entirety, it zigzags through ten states and covers an impressive distance of 2,320 miles.  The river birthed some significant settlements along its winding flow, including St Paul, St Louis, Baton Rouge, La Crosse and New Orleans, all of which were once directly connected by stately riverboats that traversed the Mississippi.

However, these riverboats were more than just modes of transport, with many of them housing plush apartments and glitzy casinos, since gambling on land was strictly forbidden at the time.  As a result, the legend of riverboat casinos was born, the allure of which lives on to this very day.

Back in the 19 th century, the slow-cruising riverboats attracted a colourful spectre of guests, as they lazily steamed down the river and the bayou waterways.  While the Louisiana riverboats no longer cruise along the Mississippi on gambling adventures, you can still relive the experience of floating casinos by embarking on one of Louisiana’s moored riverboat gambling houses.

Here are the top five riverboat casinos of Louisiana that you should not miss:

1. Isle of Capri Casino

The Isle of Capri Casino has been moored in Louisiana’s Lake Charles, where it still floats amidst its former grandeur.  The boat is decked with 11 poker tables, 34 tables with other games and an impressive 1,175 slots.

For those searching for gastronomical delights, restaurants like Otis Steakhouse, Lone Wolf Express, Farmer’s Pick Buffet and Henry’s Bar & Grill offer a sumptuous mixture of Cajun, creole and French colonial cuisines.  And, after a good dinner, what better way to end your evening than by listening to a performance of good old Louisiana swamp pop.

2. Treasure Chest Casino

To find the Treasure Chest Casino riverboat, head off to the pristine waters of Lake Pontchartrain.  The lake shares its shores with New Orleans itself, so you can enjoy the Big Easy while raiding your treasure chest on the lake.

The Treasure Chest Casino is a classic riverboat oozing old-world charm, with plush interiors, jazz bands and good chow. The gaming floor, which is open until 5 am each morning, houses 36 tables that include blackjack, roulette, craps and the ever-present Mississippi stud poker.

3 Sam’s Town

Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino riverboat is moored on the banks of the Red River in Shreveport.  The boat follows an Old West theme, complementing the Southern charm of its host city.  The riverboat itself forms part of a larger casino complex, so you can pick and choose your gambling flavours.

There’re craps, baccarat, roulette and poker tables, as well as progressive slots that are open 24 hours a day.  And, when it’s time to sink your teeth into some good grub, William B Steakhouse or Smokey Joe Café are there to cater to your craving.

4. Amelia Belle

Amelia Belle is a grand old lady of the river, exuding glitz and glamour across its four floors.  This classy ship is docked in the bayou town of Amelia and offers a good selection of Texas hold’em, Mississippi stud and 3-card pokers.  For food and drinks, pay a visit to the Bayou Café or the renowned all-you-can-eat Cajun Buffet.

5. Hollywood Casino

There’s no shortage of Hollywoods in the US, with the best-known ones located in California and Florida.  Not surprisingly, there’s a Hollywood in Louisiana, too, moored on the banks of the mighty Mississippi in Baton Rouge.  The boat is peppered with over a thousand slot machines, as well as dozens of table games such as roulette, craps, blackjack, 3-card-poker and Cajun stud poker.

The Hollywood Casino riverboat combines Hollywood’s allure with Las Vegas’s ostentatiousness, all mixed with a Southern flair. To tantalise your tastebuds, indulge at the Epic Buffet, grab a Cajun snack at the Take Two Deli, or hobnob at the Celebrity Grill. And there’s the champagne brunch each Sunday, or the monthly Jazz lunch, to celebrate the sights and sounds of the Big Easy and the birthplace of cool.

Bojan Lipovic - Digital Project Manager

Besides polishing his SEO skills, Bojan has a penchant for creative writing. With over half a decade of experience in the online gambling industry under his belt, his written take on the latest news from the Canadian and global gambling industries is an indispensable source of information for the CASINOenquirer team. Bojan’s primary goal is to ensure that players get a superior experience through the top-notch content that he shares.

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Riverboat City of New Orleans

Welcome Aboard

The Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS will be taking some time off for renovations - check back soon for updates as to her return.

RESERVATIONS

Please enable javascript in your browser to book The newest addition to the New Orleans Riverfront & sister vessel of the Steamboat NATCHEZ, the CITY OF NEW ORLEANS operates sightseeing, lunch, Sunday Brunch, and Dinner Jazz cruises down the Mississippi River.

Experience a spirit of adventure aboard the newest vessel to the French Quarter riverfront, the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS as she takes you on a journey down the mighty Mississippi.  See captivating views of the French Quarter fade into the distance as the joyful tunes of traditional jazz carries you down the river.  Stroll the multiple decks, explore the beautiful refinished interiors and savor the leisurely two-hour cruise that will give you panoramic views of the Mississippi River and the many unique sites along the way, with live narration.

JAZZ LUNCH & SUNDAY BRUNCH CRUISES The Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS is home to the "Best" Lunch/Brunch cruises on the Mississippi River.  Fun and scenic, our cruises feature live jazz music, New Orleans style cuisine, and a cash bar for cocktails.  

DINNER JAZZ CRUISES In a city full of great places to dine, dinner aboard the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS is truly a unique dining experience.  Our dinner features a buffet of New Orleans classics in a relaxing atmosphere for enjoying a memorable evening on the Mississippi River.  Sip a refreshing cocktail while live Jazz brings refined sophistication to our onboard entertainment. 

WEDDINGS The Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS is a perfect venue for your special occasion.  - Did you know our Captains can officiate your wedding?  Check out our wedding page for more details!

SPECIAL OCCASIONS Celebrating something special?  Let us know - we specialize in proposals, anniversaries, and birthday parties.

The Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS is uniquely New Orleans - WELCOME ABOARD!

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Casinos in New Orleans, Louisiana

Feeling lucky check out where to place yours bets..

Betting on a good time? In New Orleans, the odds are good you’ll find one. Gambling in New Orleans has been popular for decades, although it was not legalized until in 1990s. Previously, underground betting was extremely popular because the state did not allow it. However, horse-race bets have been allowed since the 1920s and have remained popular since.

In 1991, Louisiana voted that up to 15 riverboat casinos could operate in the local waterways, in hopes to boost the state’s economy. Also, the state lottery began in the same year, including Powerball and scratch-off tickets. Soon thereafter, video poker outlets and casinos were also legalized and began popping up across the state. Gambling and casinos in New Orleans remain a prominent part of the city’s economy and nightlife. Come place your bets and collect your winnings in New Orleans!

Best Casinos in New Orleans

Harrah’s Casino , within easy strolling distance of the  French Quarter  and the  Ernest N. Morial Convention Center , delivers high-octane Vegas-style gaming, entertainment, and restaurants. With over 2,000 slot machines, 100 table games, a poker room,  hotel ,  and nightclub, many would argue that it is the best casino in not only New Orleans, but Louisiana. It is by law the only land-based private casino in the state and referred to as the official gaming establishment.

However, there are other spots to place your bets around the city. Across the Mississippi, on the Westbank, there’s Boomtown New Orleans for a little more low-key fun. Boomtown offers nightly shows, slots, table games and dining. The New Orleans Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots has large slot machine rooms and video poker as well as off-track betting. Other places throughout the city offer video poker rooms and off-track betting for a variety of gambling. You will often find gaming devices at bars around town as well. For a list of casinos for when you are feeling lucky, see below.

SPORTS BETTING IN NEW ORLEANS

Online sports betting became live and legal in New Orleans in January 2022, allowing fans to bet on their favorite local teams via the Caesars Sportsbook app . Caesars has partnered with Harrah’s to make sports betting fast, simple and rewarding through its Caesars Rewards loyalty program. Learn the ins and outs of sports betting on the Caesars website here . Other popular sports-betting apps, including FanDuel and DraftKings, are also legal in Louisiana. 

NEW ORLEANS GAMBLING LAWS AND REGULATIONS

You must be 21 years old to enter and/or gamble as at a casino or video poker machine in Louisiana. However, you can bet at the horse race or buy a lottery ticket if you are 18 and older.

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The Most Fun Casinos in New Orleans

There are no shortage of entertainment options in New Orleans and the casino scene definitely lives up to the city’s unique, extravagant reputation. After strolling through Mid City or bar-hopping down Bourbon Street, locals and tourists love to test their luck in one of the Crescent City’s 47 gambling locations.

Given that we have vacation rentals strewn throughout New Orleans, it’s up to you if you prefer to be strategically near or far from the casino that most entices you.

You can choose between a casino hotel in the heart of the French Quarter, a tucked-away riverboat casino in Kenner, or one of the nation’s oldest racetracks in the Fairgrounds neighborhood. Give lady luck a run for her money before ending your night at one of the city’s best bars .

With over 3,000 slot machines and 130+ table games throughout the city, the bets are high that you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for. But, with so many options, where do you invest your time and money?

We’ve rounded up the best casinos in New Orleans for you so that you can skip the guessing and head straight for the prize.

The History of New Orleans’ Casinos

New Orleans claims a long-standing history with the casino industry dating back to the late 18th century. Throughout the early 1800’s, casinos were a staple in the New Orleans local culture and tourism economy.

Gambling was legal in the city until 1866, when the first Louisiana Lottery was introduced. The casino ban made way for the formation of the city’s only official form of gambling: horse racing. In the 1900’s, Louisiana was a popular destination for those wanting to test their luck on the racetracks. It even boasts of one of the oldest racetracks in America , The Fair Grounds Race Course, which opened its doors in 1872. It wouldn’t be until 1990 that other avenues of gambling became legal.

In 1992, land-based casinos, as we know them today, were officially legal in the city of New Orleans . Throughout the past 30 years, the Nola casino industry has weathered fires, hurricanes, and more. But in a city as resilient as New Orleans, casinos continue to stand their ground as a strong presence, ever evolving to meet their visitors’ hopes and dreams.

New Orleans Gambling Regulations

You must be 21-years-old to enter and play at casinos in Louisiana. You must be 18 to bet at the horse race or buy a lottery ticket.

A New Tradition is Forming in New Orleans

Online sports betting officially became legal in January 2022 in New Orleans following a 2018 Supreme Court ruling , and the casinos throughout the city followed suit. New Orleans is now home to multiple Sportsbooks, which are designated sports betting rooms.

Picture watching your favorite team play on large state-of-the-art televisions while betting on their victory among fellow fans. In addition to the gambling locations, sports betting kiosks are available at bars and restaurants throughout Nola. If you’re looking to try your hand at sports betting, we’ll highlight a few local Sportsbooks below.

Harrah’s New Orleans

• Website: https://www.caesars.com/harrahs-new-orleans
• Address: 228 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70130
• Neighborhood: Downtown/Central Business District

Located in the heart of downtown, Harrah’s New Orleans Casino is walking distance from the French Quarter and just steps away from the Mississippi River. One glance inside of Harrah’s and you will feel like you are back on Canal Street with its wrought-iron balconies and bright hues.

Harrah’s New Orleans Casino has over 1,100 slot machines, with hundreds of one and two-cent games to choose from and ultra-high limit slot machines with big payoffs. There are 116 video poker machines and a multitude of table games such as craps, blackjack, poker, baccarat, and pai gow.

Harrah’s recently opened Caesars Sportsbook in 2022 after sports betting became legal in the city. Caesars Sportsbook is a world-class 5000+ square foot betting room boasting a 147-foot video screen and state-of-the-art audio system to watch and bet on your favorite games. Pull up a chair at the massive bar or one of the 140 seats with views of the video screen and stay a while. Finish your night with a burger and booze at Hoodoo Cocktail Lounge inside of the casino.

Boomtown New Orleans Casino

• Website: https://www.boomtownneworleans.com/
• Address: 4132 Peters Rd, Harvey, LA 70058
• Neighborhood: The West Bank

Boomtown New Orleans Casino is the largest casino in Southeast Louisiana, boasting 30,000 square feet of playing space. Boomtown Casino is nestled in the West Bank, only a 20-minute drive from downtown Nola.

With over 1,000 slot machines and video poker games at your fingertips in the game room, there is no scarcity of gambling options inside Boomtown’s walls.

Head to the poker room next and you’ll discover seven poker tables waiting for you with one of the lowest rakes in the city. And if you’re looking to try out sports betting, Boomtown Casino recently added a Sportsbook room featuring multiple 65-inch HDTV’s for a front-row seat to watch and bet on your favorite teams.

Boomtown is open 24-hours, 7 days a week and you’ll find breakfast, lunch, and dinner options no matter when you decide to visit.

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots

• Website: https://www.fairgroundsracecourse.com/
• Address: 751 Gentilly Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70119
• Neighborhood: The Fairgrounds

We’re switching it up a bit on this one and taking you outside to the Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, one of the oldest race tracks in the United States. Opened in 1872 , the race course has hosted many famous visitors in its history and is now home to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival each Spring.

A longstanding New Orleans tradition, the racetrack starts its season with opening-day races every year on Thanksgiving Day.

But if you’re looking for more traditional betting options, you’ve also come to the right place. With over 600 slots and their very own TwinSpires Sportsbook for sports betting, the gambling options are endless at the race course. Don’t forget to finish your trip with a bite at the Clubhouse dining room and get access to spectacular views of the racetrack.

Note: There are multiple Fair Grounds OTB & casino locations throughout New Orleans. You can find a map of them here .

Treasure Chest Casino

• Website: https://www.treasurechest.com/
• Address: 5050 Williams Blvd, Kenner, LA 70065
• Neighborhood: Kenner, LA

Located about 30 minutes from the heart of the city is Treasure Chest Casino, a docked riverboat casino on Lake Pontchartrain in Kenner. While Treasure City is soon moving to land , it is currently one of the few floating casinos left in the state of Louisiana.

It boasts close to 1000 slot machines and various progressive jackpots. Try your hand at one of Treasure Chest’s many table games including mini baccarat, roulette, blackjack, and pai gow.

Mosey on over to Cafe Pontchartrain in-between games for burgers, po-boys, and other classic Nola dishes. Following lunch, visitors love to take a stroll along the beautiful riverfront before returning for Treasure Chest’s FanDuel Sportsbook, which offers three betting windows, 16 self-service betting kiosks, and over 20 television screens.

Let the Good Times Roll

With gambling locations in all corners of the Crescent City, you have easy access to the most fun casino spots everywhere you turn. Between slot machines, table games, sports betting, and even horse-racing, New Orleans casinos offer a wide variety of betting options that are sure to meet your needs. Don’t forget to take advantage of the Nola restaurants nestled within each casino and amazing views just outside the walls.

Whether exploring the Kenner riverfront, Central Business District, Fairgrounds racecourse, or the West Bank, casinos are a great way to tour all that this diverse city has to offer. Laissez les bon temps rouler!

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Star Casino Launches Louisiana Gaming Boat Business

The burgeoning gaming vessel market marked a symbolic first with the dedication, christening and official opening of Star Casino, Louisiana's first modern riverboat casino.

"With the dedication of this vessel, we herald the beginning of a new era in Louisiana's gaming history," said Louie Roussel, majority owner of Star Casino, Inc. and well-known New Orleans businessman, entrepreneur and philanthropist. "We are proud to be the first riverboat casino to come on-line in Louisiana. We want to assure the public t h a t the Star Casino will continue to be 'first' for many years to come ... first in customer service, first in quality entertainment and fun, and first in fairness and integrity of operation," Mr. Roussel continued. After a few setbacks with the U.S. Coast Guard and New Orleans City Council members, Louisiana's first riverboat casino was on its way to making riverboat gaming history. The 265-foot Caterpillar-powered Star Casino boasts an impressive equipment list with the likes of Raytheon VHF radio and radar, Thrustmaster thrusters, engine controls and steering controls, and a Ritchie Compass. Star Casino is a tri-level, 22,500-sq.-ft. floating Las Vegas-style casino with a beam of 80 feet and a 14-foot draft. The Star Casino has a capacity for approximately 1,250 guests. The onboard entertainment features a number of games of chance, including 760 slot machines; 39 gaming tables for blackjack, craps, and roulette; and video poker.

The $12 million vessel was constructed in about eight months by Bender Shipyard in Braithewaite, La. Claire Amiss, marketing manager of Star Casino, Inc., says Bender was chosen to build the Star Casino based on the company's fine reputation. Mr. Roussel wishes to convey the importance of the fact that Louisiana's first gaming riverboat will be locally-run. "This is a locallyowned, locally-constructed riverboat casino, that is providing jobs for approximately 1,000 people in the New Orleans area. Our annual payroll will be about $17 million," Mr. Roussel commented. "Even before opening, the Star has made a very positive impact on our local economy, and will continue to do so, because the Star Casino is a locally owned and operated boat. That means salaries and winnings as well as the profits and taxes stay right here in Louisiana instead of leaving our state," Mr. Roussel continued. The riverboat docks at the Star Casino Terminal, a 34,000-sq.-ft. modern building which houses an information booth, reservations booth, restaurant, gift shop, cocktail bar and the security operations center of the Star Casino.

Security at Star Casino is of primary importance, according to Mr.

Roussel. The security system is elaborate and features state-of-theart equipment. Walter J. Tirrell,Star Casino: Louisiana's First Riverboat Casino director of security, claims that the entire Star Casino complex is monitored and patrolled 24 hours a day to ensure the safety of employees and guests.

The Star Casino operator is the well-known casino company Showboat, Inc., an operation with successful gaming establishments in Atlantic City and Las Vegas.

Keith Wallace, former general manager of the Showboat Casino in Las Vegas, will serve as executive vice president and chief operating officer.

Mr. Wallace has played a major role in the start-up of Star Casino, and his history of casino management experience qualifies him to direct the Star Casino team.

A black-tie celebration was held at the Star Casino Terminal at South Shore Harbor on Lake Pontchartrain in New Orleans, La. in late October. A formal christening ceremony for the 19th century paddlewheel replica was held at the terminal with state and local dignitaries particip a t i n g . Governor Edwin W.

Edwards, Mayor Sidney Barthelemy, Senate President Sammy Nunez, and Speaker of the House John Alario joined the Hon orable Robert G. Harvey, presi dent, Board of Commissioners of thi Orleans Levee District, and Mr Roussel to dedicate the boat and t< officially open Star Casino, followec by a fireworks display over Lake Pontchartrain, the largest single lake in the U.S., where the Stai Casino will operate 365 days a year, Star Casino officially opened for business on November 8.

The gaming vessel market has been gaining support across the U.S., with Indiana's recent legalization of riverboat gaming prompting 28 applications for t h a t state's 11 licenses.

Other states are not far behind, and sources within the industry estimate that Ohio and Texas are two states likely to join the riverboat gaming ranks soon.

Louisiana, which has been one of the more active states legislatively from the beginning of the boom, will one day have 15 riverboat gaming vessels licensed in the state, as dictated by current law.

The gaming vessel market has obviously resulted in a much-needed boost for many shipyards attempting to make the change from the Navy business of the past to the booming commercial business of the future. Equipment manufacturers have also profited from the extra business, a testimony to that being the Star Casino's impressive equipment list.

The following manufacturers helped make the Star Casino a reality in just eight months:

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• Kenner’s Treasure Chest Casino to host grand opening for land-based site

K ENNER, La. ( WGNO ) — The Treasure Chest Casino and Boyd Gaming Company announced the grand opening date for the new land-based casino in Kenner.

According to a news release, the new land-based Treasure Chest Casino will open on Thursday, June 6.

The release states the new casino will be double the size of the Treasure Chest Casino riverboat and include more than 900 slot machines and 32 table games.

The casino will also house four restaurants including Alder & Birch Steakhouse, The Game, Infusion and Lakeside Cafe.

The casino is set to be open from 8 a.m. to 3 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 24 hours on Friday and Saturday.

In addition to the new facility and expanded parking lot, more than 2,000 trees have been planted on the property.

The release states that the Treasure Chest Casino riverboat will hold “ceremonial last bets” and a second line on June 1 before shutting down.

The Treasure Chest Casino riverboat has been open for 30 years, and the new casino will “welcome in a new era for Treasure Chest in Kenner.”

Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter .

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After 30 years of gaming on riverboat, Kenner staple set to reopen as land-based casino

Jessica Greenlee Maldonado, Market Researcher/Reporter // June 4, 2024 //

Photos courtesy Boyd Gaming/Treasure Chest Casino.

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