Sports betting begins this week at LC casinos

Published 2:59 pm Monday, November 8, 2021

Both Golden Nugget Casino and L’Auberge Casino Resort in Lake Charles announced Monday the opening of sports betting on their properties this Wednesday.

L’Auberge and Golden Nugget represent the fifth and sixth temporary sports betting licenses to be issued in Louisiana. Similar licenses went into effect last week at Harrah’s Casino in New Orleans, Boomtown Casino in Harvey, L’Auberge Casino in Baton Rouge and Horseshoe Casino in Bossier City.

Ronnie Johns, Louisiana Gaming Control Board chairman, said Monday that the sports betting licenses will last for six months, and permanent licenses should be issued by mid-2022. L’Auberge and Golden Nugget are currently constructing permanent sports betting locations.

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“I know both properties are very excited to open sports betting,” Johns said. “It’s a very important component for the gaming market for both casinos to be able to attract the Texas market.”

The DraftKings sportsbook at Golden Nugget will open at 2 p.m. Wednesday inside part of the Blue Martini bar and will be “the largest sportsbook in Lake Charles,” officials said in a press release. The space will include six ticket cages and 30 self-service kiosks throughout the casino. It will be open 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m.-midnight Saturday and Sunday. Bets can be placed on the kiosks 24 hours a day “once regulatory and licensure approvals are received,” officials said.

Meanwhile, the permanent 10,000-square-foot sportsbook at Golden Nugget is being built at what was once the buffet area and should open by the summer of 2022, officials said.

Gerry Del Prete, Fertitta Entertainment senior vice president of gaming, said in a statement that the casino worked closely with state lawmakers to bring sports betting to Lake Charles.

“Coupling the Golden Nugget’s dynamic gaming network with DraftKings innovative tech and trading makes for an unmatched partnership,” he said.

The Sportsbook at L’Auberge is set to open at 9 a.m. Wednesday on a section of the existing casino floor near the Drago’s entrance, replacing the old poker room and stadium games area, officials said. It will soon feature 40 sports betting kiosks. Bets can be placed at the Sportsbook from 10 a.m.-midnight Monday through Friday and 8 a.m.-midnight Saturday and Sunday.

A permanent sports betting spot at L’Auberge is being built at the former Jack Daniel’s Bar and Grill.

Harold Rowland, L’Auberge vice president and general manager, said offering sports betting locally is a big moment for the state.

Johns said approving mobile sports betting licenses is still “at least two months away.”