Treasure Chest owners announced a $95m gambling expansion plan. This is due to Louisiana legislation that will now allow floating riverboat casinos to move onto land.
Treasure Chest is the third riverboat to make this transition since the state approved these legislative measures three years ago.
Treasure Chest’s parent company, Las Vegas-based Boyd Gaming, operates five properties in Louisiana.
The construction of Kenner’s first land-based casino is expected to take two years.
“We’re not just moving it to land; we are upgrading and expanding what we have to offer,” said Boyd Gaming’s Keith Smith.
The company is about to double the gaming space available at the end of Williams Boulevard.
“It will be a 47,000 square-foot casino but more importantly it will be on a single level,” said Boyd’s David Strow.
The new land-based casino will include space for sports betting, a new steakhouse and a 10,000 square-foot meeting room.
“We have 28 properties around the country, but none are as important as the Treasure Chest,” said Strow.
Treasure Chest has contributed millions of dollars directly to Kenner since its opening in 1994. Donated funds are designated to be used for capital improvement projects like police cars and street repairs.
Kenner Mayor Ben Zahn said he expects contribution amounts to increase by at least $1m from the $4.5m Kenner currently receives.
The existing riverboat casino is expected to remain open during construction.
Aside from the Treasure Chest, the Isle of Capri in Lake Charles and the Hollywood project in Baton Rouge will also move gambling boat operations landside under legislation approved in 2018.
