What is often referred to here in Southwest Louisiana as the “old Isle of Capri” will soon offer a completely new gaming, entertainment, dining and hotel experience.

The transformation is already underway, according to Jeff Favre Sr., VP, General Manager Caesars Entertainment.

State Sen. Jeremy Stine and Louisiana State Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns toured the construction site last week. The new Horseshoe brand is a Caesars Entertainment company, and the property is located in Westlake on the old Isle of Capri site.

“I was very impressed,” said Johns. “It’s a first-class casino operation, much nicer, bigger and safer compared to the riverboat.”

Favre said the new building will be about 110,000 square feet with about 63,000 of that being gaming space.

“The 253-room Tower Hotel will be completely remodeled and will be connected to the new land casino,” Favre said.

Johns said that was the purpose of the 2018 landbased casino legislation, not to just build a casino on land, but to also offer entertainment, restaurants and most importantly, a safer venue.

“The concern with the legacy riverboats was that it might be hit by an out-of-control ship or barge.”

“I was honored to tour the new Horseshoe Casino with Lemoine Construction and Horseshoe Casino management,” Stine said. “This is one of the most exciting property developments here in Southwest Louisiana, with stunning views of our lakefront. It’s another example of our commitment to bringing back jobs and securing economic vitality for our community.”

Stine said the economic impact of this project is already being realized.

“Over $150 million dollars is being spent in our region on construction costs,” Stine said. “Once completed, those costs will exceed over $200 million. Currently, there are over 250 jobs already filled for the construction of the casino. That number of jobs will grow to over 600 permanent jobs once it’s complete.

Construction is a joint effort with two Louisiana contractors, Ryan Gootee and The Lemoine Company.

Favre said he expects the casino to open by the end of the year.