Ever since the first casino went up in the area in 1994, they have been very popular with locals and visitors alike. Horseshoe Casino in Bossier City was the first of many Bossier casinos that would later be established.
It’s hard to imagine a time before the Red River was dotted with casino resorts, but gaming is just this side of 20 years old. Legislation was passed in 1992 that allowed riverboat gaming in Louisiana. It provided much needed revenue and allowed the area to dedicate sales tax funds for infrastructure and other quality of life improvements.
With the onset of casinos, the area saw a boom in its tourism. Those new visitors allowed a number of new attractions to be built on both sides of the river like the Louisiana Boardwalk, SciPort and Artspace, just to name a few.
Bossier Casinos
Bossier itself is home to 4 casino resorts: Horseshoe, Margaritaville, Boomtown and DiamondJacks. So, let’s get to know what makes Bossier casinos so special.
Margaritaville
Margaritaville is the second highest performing casino in Shreveport-Bossier. Its biggest asset may be it’s tropical theme, which differentiates it from other area casinos and resorts. Based upon Jimmy Buffet’s chain of Margaritaville resort casinos, the Bossier City property features 395 guest rooms and suites along with amenities including a spa, tropical pool and more.
“I like Margaritaville’s atmosphere. I love the laid back island vibe,” said Heather, a resident of Haughton.
It also has a 30,000 square foot gaming floor and is the only single-level gaming floor in the area. For entertainment, the Riverview Theater regularly features touring bands, local musicians and events.
There are a myriad of eating options with the World Tour Buffet, Riverview Restaurant and Brewhouse offering Southern-style dishes and a wide selection of beer and liquor. Jimmy’s Seafood and Steak is perfect for the fine dining crowd. Bamboo Asian Cafe gives diners traditional Vietnamese and Asian dishes. The Busted Coconut offers a pool deck bar with some traditional bar food options.
Horseshoe Casino
Horseshoe Casino is known for its Riverdome, which provides visitors and locals with concerts in a nightclub atmosphere by hosting major touring acts. The Dare Pool provides an exclusive club atmosphere at a rooftop pool making this one of the coolest Bossier casinos to visit.
“I like the Horseshoe because they have a ton of events with a lot of good acts,” said Jimmy, a resident of Shreveport.
With 606 Luxury Tower Suites, a 14-table poker room, 68 table games and 1,500 slot machines, Horseshoe Casino is the top-performing casino in the area.
The dining options are varied with The Spread giving players and over-nighters the traditional buffet. Jack Binion’s Steak House offers steaks as legendary as its namesake. Jasmine’s Noodle Bar specializes in Vietnamese fare, and the 8 oz. Burger Bar provides a casual laid back dining experience. Lastly, the Four Winds offers a variety of Asian cuisine.
Boomtown
One of the first things you see upon entering Boomtown is The Cantina, which serves up spirits with live music featuring local artists almost every night of the week. Not only is it a great place to hear what Shreveport-Bossier’s music scene has to offer, it’s also a great place to relax with renowned mixed drinks.
“I love the blue raspberry margaritas at Boomtown’s Cantina!” said Emerie, a resident of Shreveport.
Boomtown includes 187 guest rooms, 88 garden suites, 4 VIP suites, a swimming pool and jacuzzi and a fitness center. They also have approximately 2,400 square feet of meeting/conference space. Boomtown Casino features three levels of gaming with more than 900 of the new and hottest slots and video poker machines plus more than 15 table games.
As for food, the Cattleman’s Buffet offers food from across the globe. 1800 Prime specializes in Angus steaks broiled to perfection. Boomer’s Café is perfect for a quick bite from sandwiches to “build-your-own” burgers and breakfast options.
DiamondJacks
With amenities such as deluxe whirlpools and free Wi-Fi in all of their 400 rooms, DiamondJacks is known for quality service and comfort. Their casino is home to more than 30,000 sq. ft. of gaming that includes slots, video poker and table games.
“DiamondJacks staff is always friendly and I feel very comfortable when I stay or hang out with relatives who are staying there,” said Shelby, a resident of Shreveport.
For entertainment, Agave is the in-house sports bar with a full selection of beer, wine and cocktails. They host live local bands providing the perfect backdrop to meet with friends or coworkers after a long day.
If you get hungry during your visit, try DJ’s Seafood and Steaks. They serve up the best surf and turf. Also, Legends Buffet has a little bit of everything. The Grill aims to please with hamburgers, sandwiches, desserts and more.
You can visit the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau’s website for more info on Bossier casinos.