By Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board approved the sale of Diamond Jacks Casino in Bossier City to Foundation Gaming on Jan. 19.
The new owners will demolish the existing facility before beginning a nearly $200 million property renovation and construction project consisting of a new land-based casino and a fully renovated hotel.
Foundation Gaming purchased the Diamond Jacks property from Peninsula Pacific Entertainment in May of 2022 for an undisclosed amount. Late last month, Foundation Gaming announced that their acquisition of the property is complete and that design and development plans are now underway.
Bossier City Mayor Tommy Chandler added that this particular casino will be unique to the area and will serve to boost tourism and draw visitors to Bossier City and to our region.
“We are thrilled that the former Diamond Jacks property will soon be brought back to life through Foundation Gaming’s project to redevelop the property and build a new land-based casino,” said Chandler. “This major investment in Bossier City is a testament to our ability to support businesses and allow them to thrive, in addition to bringing hundreds of jobs.”
In bringing their new casino ashore, Foundation Gaming is taking advantage of a 2018 change in Louisiana’s gaming law permitting gaming riverboats to move inland up to 1,200 feet from their original docking positions. Foundation Gaming plans to fully renovate the 560 room hotel, along with adding new meeting spaces and restaurants. Foundation Gaming currently operates casinos and hotels in Tunica, Mississippi and Vicksburg, Mississippi. Completion of their Bossier City project is planned for December of 2024.
The Diamond Jacks Casino and Hotel property has sat closed and vacant since March of 2020.