casino riverboats in shreveport louisiana

A Guide To The Most Iconic Riverboat Casinos In The US 

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Talk about casino destinations and you’ll most likely think of Las Vegas, Atlantic City or, if you are travelling outside the US, maybe Monaco or Macau.

Yet what are called “land based” or “bricks and mortar” casinos to differentiate them from the online versions are not necessarily on land or made of bricks and mortar.

We refer, of course, to riverboat casinos, a little slice of Americana that’s as American as Super Bowl Sunday or Thanksgiving turkey. Riverboat casinos conjure up images of the Mississippi and Mark Twain complete with white suit, top hat and cigar. There are more than 60 riverboat casinos operating in the USA and every single one of them has a story to tell. Here, we highlight a handful of the very best.

The Grand Victoria, Elgin

Our first stop is not on the Mississippi at all, but on the Fox River in Elgin, 50 miles north west of Chicago . Owned and operated by Caesars Entertainment, the Grand Victoria really is a slice of Las Vegas on the Illinois waterfront.  With more than 1,000 slots and video poker terminals and 36 tables, there’s a great choice of games.

If all that gambling whets your appetite, there are four dining options on board, including the highly rated Buckingham’s Steakhouse and Lounge.

Casino Queen, Marquette  

The Casino Queen would look like a lifeboat if it was moored alongside the Grand Victoria, but that is all part of its charm. It offers a more intimate and personalized experience, and although there are only eight tables, they host an intriguing variety of games that are not commonly found in land (or water) based casinos. If you know how to gamble online in the US , you’ve probably seen fusion blackjack and 21+3 at US online casinos. The Casino Queen gives you an opportunity to play them in real casino surroundings.

When you step ashore, there is an adjacent 31-acre entertainment complex with a variety of attractions and a huge choice of dining options.

The Amelia Belle, Amelia  

At last, we arrive in Louisiana, where the Amelia Belle lies nestled in the Avoca Island Cutoff waterway. This classic four-story riverboat looks like it has stepped straight out of a photograph from the turn of the 20 th century. When it is lit up at night, it takes your breath away.

At the tables, poker is the order of the day. The casino offers Mississippi stud, 3-card poker and Texas Holdem. There are also 800 slot games, while the Fanduel sportsbook has self-service betting kiosks, a wall full of television screens, and a huge video wall to show the biggest events.

Sam’s Town, Shreveport

On the opposite side of Louisiana, Sam’s Town could not be more different to the Amelia Belle. This floating leisure complex houses a hotel, health spa, sauna and live entertainment venue.

The casino offers more than 1,000 slots and 30 table games that include blackjack, roulette, baccarat, Let it Ride and Craps No More.

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Casinos in Shreveport & Bossier, Louisiana 

Check out our shreveport & bossier city casinos for thrilling riverboat experiences and more.

Lady Luck is wearing her dancing shoes and is ready to take you for a spin! Whether you get your fill of fun with penny slots or prefer the high-octane thrill of the high-stakes games, get ready for an unforgettable gaming experience on the banks of the Red River. Shreveport-Bossier’s riverfront casinos offer a winning combination of table games, slots, poker and more.

Check out the entertainment schedule and make plans to enjoy performances by musical superstars, comedy favorites and local legends.

In addition to great games and entertainment, you can also enjoy luxury spa treatments, indoor shopping and a wide variety of dining options from coffee shops to grand buffets to top-ranked steakhouses. Each casino also offers hotels with well-appointed guest rooms when you’re finally ready for a rest.

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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.

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Top 7 Riverboat Casinos in Louisiana

Last Updated on June 12, 2023 by Adam Shaw

November 20, 2020

A couple of years ago, Louisiana lawmakers decided to make a historical decision and legalize gambling on the state’s soil.

Before that, the casinos found a workaround — offering gambling services on the so-called riverboat casinos .

These casinos aren’t ordinary gambling riverboats. They’ve become a part of Louisiana’s cultural heritage, and many tourists and locals enjoy visiting them due to the unique atmosphere they offer. After all, the only thing that’s better than playing slots is doing it on a riverboat.

Therefore, let’s check some of the riverboat gambling options you should visit if you happen to be in the Pelican State. 

Amelia Belle Riverboat Casino

Operated by Boyd Gaming, this casino offers a wide variety of classic table games, such as craps, roulette, Three Card Poker, Texas Hold’em , Mississippi Stud, and more. It also comes with a fair range of one-armed bandits.

Apart from the fantastic casino floor, this riverboat also offers several interesting dining options, including the Cajun Buffet that has an all-you-can-eat policy. If you’re not into stuffing yourself with delicious food, you can always check out the Bayou Café .

Hollywood Casino Baton Rouge

If you enjoy the glamorous feeling of walking through Hollywood’s streets, you should check out Hollywood Casino Baton Rouge . This docked riverboat in Louisiana offers 1,000+ slot machines and plenty of popular table & card games, such as blackjack, craps, Three Card Poker, roulette, and more.

The casino offers you a complete Hollywood experience, with exciting restaurants, such as Celebrity Grill and Epic Buffet. If you enjoy deli products, you can always visit the Take Two Deli.

Needless to say, Hollywood Casino Baton Rouge features live music acts throughout the week.

Isle of Capri Casino, Lake Charles

Apart from the generous offer of casino games in the riverboat casino, this property also comes with a wide range of hospitality options. There are plenty of outstanding room offers, including Tower King, Tower Queen, Inn Standard King , and more. Many rooms are pet-friendly and have a great Wi-Fi connection. On top of that, the casino’s hospitality section offers a sauna, gift shop, hot tub, pool, and more.

The property doesn’t lack in gaming options either. Casino lovers can enjoy 1,100 slots, 30 table games, and even 13 poker tables .

If you like visiting available dining options in casinos, make sure to check out The Lone Wolf Express and Otis and Henry’s Bar and Grill.

Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino, Shreveport

What makes this casino stand out from the crowd is its round-the-clock service . In other words, you can visit the casino any time you like and be welcomed by a cozy and relaxed atmosphere and great service .

Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino was opened in 1994 and is currently operated by Boyd Gaming . Some of the notable restaurants that are a part of the property are the International Buffet, Java’s Deli, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, and William B’s Steakhouse.

The casino is focused on table games, and some of the most popular options are craps, craps no more, mini baccarat, roulette, Three Card Poker, Mississippi Stud, blackjack, and single deck blackjack. Moreover, players who enjoy progressive jackpot slots could find several great options.  

Treasure Chest Casino

Although not as popular as some other riverboat casinos listed in this article, this option is definitely worth checking out if you want to visit an authentic classic offshore gambling house. 

The exterior & interior will make you feel like you’ve entered a riverboat casino from the beginning of the 20th century. However, the interior has a modern twist to it, as it features plenty of modern video slots.

The casino offers many slot machines that are scattered all over the place . If you’re a fan of table games, you’ll like the fact that there are 36 tables where you can play blackjack , craps , roulette , mini baccarat , Mississippi Stud, Three Card Poker , Fortune Pai Gow, and more.

The riverboat is also home to two great dining options — the Vista Buffet and Cafe Pontchartrain. Live music and trivia quizzes are also pretty regular in Treasure Chest Casino.

Magnolia Bluffs Casino

Although formally located in Mississippi, Magnolia Bluffs Casino is located on the Mississippi River and can be accessed from Louisiana via the Natchez-Vidalia Bridge . 

What makes it cool is that it’s actually located in an old sawmill that was closed in 1962. That’s why the weathered wood exterior will make you feel like you’re visiting an 1800s building with a unique southern charm. However, the gambling house has a more modern interior.

The casino lies on 45,000 sq ft of gaming space and offers 580+ slot machines and 10+ table games .

Boomtown Hotel & Casino New Orleans

Formerly known as Boomtown Westbank , this riverboat casino is located on the West Bank of Jefferson Parish in the town called Harvey. Owned by Penn National Gaming , the property is the largest riverboat casino in Southeast Louisiana as it also acquired the popular River City Casino riverboat back in the 90s.

The gaming space occupies 30,000 sq ft and features more than 1,500 slots and 30 table games . The casino works 24/7, meaning you can drop by anytime you like if you want to play games.

Boomtown also offers a couple of great dining options, including Bayou Market Buffet, Bayou Market Express, Oyster Bar, and Pier 4.

Final Thoughts

Louisiana has been working hard on promoting its gambling industry, and riverboat casinos play an essential role in its strategy. They offer a unique gaming experience , as players can enjoy the beauty of lakes and rivers in the state. 

If you’re visiting the Pelican State and enjoy playing slots and table games, feel free to drop by at any of the casinos mentioned in this article, and you’ll definitely have the time of your life. Even if you’re not into gambling, make sure to explore the available restaurants that are a part of these riverboat casinos.

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Riverboat Gambling - Sam's Town Hotel & Casino, Shreveport

• United States    
• Louisiana (LA)    
• Shreveport    
• Shreveport Hotels    
• Sam's Town Hotel & Casino, Shreveport

Riverboat Gambling

Nice hotel and really nice rooms!!! Plenty of space and big bathrooms!! Free parking and several places to eat. Coming from Oklahoma the casino is small but there all small in comparison. And being on the 22 floor made it a little more fun!!!!

• Free parking

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The casino has low ceilings. Many other casinos in town have high ceilings. It is very smoky. Some blackjack tables include 3 card poker. They offer crapless craps. All of the table games are not on the same floor.

I would like to thank you for the feedback that you provided regarding your most recent visit. We value this information because it helps us to better serve you and assists us in making your overall visit to our property an enjoyable and memorable experience. Please know that we are constantly updating all facets of our services and products to meet our customers’ high expectations. Your candid feedback has already been passed on to our Hotel Management so these issues can be addressed. - Boyd Gaming Customer Service

The casino floor was very nice. One cashier was in training and slowed down the cash in process 😡. The snack bar was nice however the staff was extremely slow 😡. I've enjoyed my experience but would probably choose one of Shreveport's many casinos before coming back. Just for comparison sake.

Clean, nice amenities, comfortable bed, and very courteous staff. Stayed on a Thursday night but Friday/Saturday rooms were quoted at around $250 per night. I would have expected more, if paying the full rate. Only room fault was one moulding coming loose and no "Do Not Disturb" door hanger found. Decent casino with a fairly wide variety of games and slots. Decent 9/6 quarter video poker machines at the bar. But beware the dollar video poker machines just to the left. If you select Max Bet you'll feed $25 a pop into play. Of course, if you hit a winner, you win back more as well. You can revert them to typical $5 Max Bet by just selecting the $1 bet five times and then repeating the bet. An example is that a gentleman next to me won $4,000 with four Aces but that was with the full $25 bet. Several slots scattered around the 3-level casino payed several hundred back with relatively small amounts played. Relatively loose. The other nice thing about this casino is that it is relatively close and within driving convenience of at least 5 other casinos. Will visit again at some point.

Use your time and money elsewhere. This place is nasty and I will not be returning. It's so crowded and smells awful. Poor selection of games. Definitely on the lower scale of the casinos in that area.

The hotel was very nice. staff was courteous. The room was in excellent shape but cant say much for the casino, was very small and multilevel. Machines were tight. we played a lot and many slots. Overall it was ..ok. We ended up going to Horsehoe and same thing. tight.

• Sleep Quality
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Sam's Town Hotel & Casino Review

Mike is our Senior Editor and experienced gambling strategist . A former hockey player, he transitioned to the casino industry after finishing his B.A. in English. Blackjack systems, online casino guides, gambling terms, and more - Mike is familiar with all fine points of gambling.

Sam's Town Hotel & Casino in Shreveport, LA, is a riverboat casino in the Northwest part of the state. ... There is a hotel in the establishment and a three-floor casino . The Sam's Town Hotel & Casino offers various gambling options, including over 950 slots and 8 table games.

• Sam's Town Hotel & Casino Gambling and Games
• Sam's Town Hotel & Casino Venues and Services
• Sam's Town Hotel & Casino Contacts and About
• Sam's Town Hotel & Casino FAQ

Gambling in Sam's Town Hotel & Casino

The casino offers various betting options to be adjusted according to your preferences. Both new and experienced players can have a great time as small and large bets are accepted at the slots and table games. Our Sam's Town Hotel & Casino review features the most important details about the gambling options below.

Casino Games

• 5 Dragons Gold
• 88 Fortunes
• Hells Bells
• Wild Lepre Coins
• 3 Card Poker
• Mississippi Stud
• American Roulette
• European Roulette
• Single Deck Blackjack
• Craps No More
• Mini Baccarat

Sam's Town Hotel & Casino Venues and Services

Located on the historic Red River in Shreveport, the Sam's Town Hotel & Casino offers an excellent gambling experience . The convenient location is near the local museums and attractions, so you'll always have entertainment during your stay. There's an I-Max Theater nearby as well!

The Sam's Town Hotel & Casino offers three meeting rooms over 1,000 square feet . The biggest one is Magnolia Ballroom, which is 18,000 square feet. You can plan various events, ranging from meetings to weddings, in luxurious meeting spaces! The meeting zones are versatile, and the staff will provide beautiful buffets for your occasions.

Hotel, Spa, and Sports

Dining, bars, and entertainment.

Whenever you're hungry, you can choose between fine & casual dining options. A romantic dinner at William B's Steakhouse can be an experience to remember. If you're in a rush to get back to gambling or relaxing by the pool, take a quick bite from Java's Deli!

• William B's Steakhouse
• International Buffet
• Smokey Joe's Café
• Java's Deli

Bars & Night Life

Attractions and entertainment, contacts and about sam's town hotel & casino, how to get to sam's town hotel & casino.

If you travel by car, you can take advantage of the free self-parking . Keep in mind that it is only free for Sam's Town Hotel & Casino patrons. But in case you're using public transport when traveling, you can check all available bus lines below.

• Public Transport 5, 16, 20, 103, 105, 107
• Shuttle Service N/A
• Nearest Highway Louisiana Highway 3132 – Take exit 19A and follow Crockett St and Clyde Fant Memorial Pkwy.
• Parking Slots 1555

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is sam's town hotel & casino, how many slot machines are there in sam's town hotel & casino, how many poker tables are there at sam's town hotel & casino, how old do you have to be to gamble at sam's town hotel & casino, does sam's town hotel & casino offer both casino and a hotel, are drinks free at sam's town hotel & casino, what games can i play at sam's town hotel & casino, can i play poker at sam's town hotel & casino.

Gambling in Shreveport is entirely safe and legal as the law permits it. The state of Louisiana requires all casinos to be located on top of a body of water to operate legally. Sam's Town Hotel & Casino follows all the guidelines, and the casino is floating in Red River.

The casino offers over 950 slots and 8 table games in total. If you visit and stay for a few days, you can explore the local attractions or relax in the SPA or by the pool. In the meantime, fitness enthusiasts can go for a workout in the hotel's fitness.

• 11 Poker Tables
• 514 Room Hotel

Disclaimer: With regard to any changes related to the information about a casino, we won't be held responsible if such differences occur. We advise our readers to double-check the official website of the casino for the most accurate information.

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Here's latest on Diamond Jacks Casino sale to Cordish, fate of the old riverboat in Bossier

Demolition is nearly complete at the long-shuttered Diamond Jacks Casino hotel in Bossier City, where the riverboat that housed the casino has also been sold for scrap and will be cut up and hauled off of the property by trucks, Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns said.

That sets the stage for the expected approval of the sale of the property and accompanying gaming license to Cordish, a family-owned company headquartered in Baltimore with extensive international operations in gaming.

The Gaming Control Board gave its approval last spring for Cordish to advance with an agreement to buy Diamond Jacks from Foundation Gaming, which had just won approval for its purchase of the abandoned property in December 2022.

But Cordish must still clear a suitability investigation by Louisiana State Police before the Gaming Control Board can grant final approval for the company's acquisition of the gaming license.

In the meantime, Foundation has continued with the demolition process.

Johns said his goal is for the suitability investigation and final approval for the sale to be complete this fall and believes construction on the property, including the first true land-based casino in the Shreveport-Bossier market, could begin in the first quarter of 2025.

He said 2025 is his target for a grand reopening of the property.

"There's no doubt Cordish will be approved," Johns said in an interview with USA Today Network. "The company's record is impeccable."

Johns toured the Diamond Jacks site this month.

"They've completely demoed the hotel rooms and meeting rooms; the structure itself is sound," he said. "The boat has been sold and will literally be cut up and trucked out of there; it couldn't be floated out."

In April the company's top executive of its gaming division promised Cordish will deliver a "game-changing" project that will vault the property into a destination gaming resort after years of musical chairs ownership.

Cordish will reflag the property with it's Live! Casino brand and invest $250 million or more in transforming the dilapidated campus.

"We intend for it to be a game-changing project for the Bossier City market," said Cordish Gaming CEO Rob Norton in April.

Cordish's gaming division generates more than $1 billion in annual revenue with casinos in Maryland, Philadelphia, Pittsburg, Tampa and Hollywood, Fla.

Among the highlights Cordish plans for the property, which will include a hotel and land-based casino: a PBR Cowboy Bar, which Norton called a "powerhouse" nightclub; its branded Sports & Social bar and sports book; at least 400 hotel rooms; 25,000-square-feet of renovated event space; and about six food and beverage stations with at least two fine dining restaurants.

"We plan to rebuild the event space and focus on bringing entertainment back to the market," Norton said.

Norton said he believes the company can leverage the connectivity of the Bossier City property with Cordish's Texas Live! entertainment district nestled between the Texas Rangers’ Globe Life Park and the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium and anchored by a Loews hotel in Arlington.

Diamond Jacks has been closed since the spring of 2020, a casualty of what previous owner Peninsula Pacific called the "unexpected impact" of the COVID pandemic. The dilapidated campus has been vacant ever since.

The property was the first casino to open in the Shreveport-Bossier market, starting business at the Isle of Capri in 1994.

More: What we know about Cordish, the company buying Diamond Jacks Casino

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1.