Introduction
If you’re a fan of gambling and live in or near Baton Rouge, you’re probably wondering whether the Belle of Baton Rouge Casino is open. After all, the casino has been a fixture in the area for over two decades, and many locals and visitors have fond memories of playing slot machines, trying their luck at the roulette table, or catching a live show there.
The good news is that after a brief hiatus, the Belle of Baton Rouge Casino has reopened its doors to the public. In this article, we’ll give you a comprehensive guide to what you can expect when you visit the casino, as well as a review of the COVID-19 safety measures in place. Additionally, we’ll explore the impact of the casino’s reopening on the local economy and the challenges involved in reopening a casino during a pandemic.
Belle of Baton Rouge Casino Reopens its Doors: A Guide to What You Can Expect
The Belle of Baton Rouge Casino first opened in 1994 and quickly became a popular destination for gamblers in the area. The casino boasts over 29,000 square feet of gaming space, including over 800 slot machines, 17 table games, and a poker room. Additionally, the hotel offers over 200 rooms and suites, and guests can enjoy dining options ranging from casual to upscale.
In March 2020, the casino closed its doors in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it has since reopened to the public on June 24, 2020. The casino operates 24/7 and all guests are required to wear a mask and practice social distancing. Additionally, the casino has implemented other safety measures such as temperature checks, increased cleaning and sanitizing, and air purification systems.
When you visit the casino, you can expect to find a wide variety of gaming options, from the latest slot machines to classic table games like blackjack, craps, and roulette. The poker room is open daily from 11:00 am to 5:00 am and offers a variety of games and tournaments for players of all skill levels. Additionally, the casino offers promotions and events throughout the year, such as free slot play, giveaways, and live entertainment.
Dining options at the Belle of Baton Rouge Casino include a buffet, a cafe, and a steakhouse. The buffet is currently closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, but the cafe and steakhouse are open with limited seating and modified menus. The steakhouse offers premium cuts of meat, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list, while the cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a Southern flair.
If you’re planning to stay overnight, the hotel at the Belle of Baton Rouge Casino offers a variety of rooms and suites, ranging from standard rooms to deluxe suites with separate living areas. All guest rooms feature flat-screen TVs, comfortable beds, and complimentary Wi-Fi, and guests can enjoy a fitness center, outdoor pool, and other amenities during their stay.
Gambling During a Pandemic: What We Know About Belle of Baton Rouge Casino’s Reopening
Reopening a casino during a pandemic is not without its challenges. Casinos are inherently high-risk environments, with large crowds and frequent person-to-person contact. However, the Belle of Baton Rouge Casino and its parent company, Eldorado Resorts, have taken a number of steps to protect the health and safety of their guests and staff.
In addition to requiring masks and social distancing, the casino has also implemented a number of other safety measures. Thermal imaging cameras are used to check the temperature of all guests before they enter the casino, and all high-touch surfaces are regularly cleaned and sanitized. The casino has also installed air purifiers throughout the building, which use UV-C light technology to kill germs and viruses.
The poker room has also undergone some modifications, such as installing plexiglass dividers between players and removing some chairs to ensure social distancing. Additionally, all chips and card decks are regularly sanitized, and masks are required at all times while playing.
Exploring the Games, Dining, and Accommodations at Now-Open Belle of Baton Rouge Casino
The Belle of Baton Rouge Casino offers something for everyone when it comes to gaming. Whether you prefer the ease and simplicity of slot machines or the excitement of table games, you’re sure to find something you like. Slot machines range from classic three-reel games to the latest video slots with bonus features and progressive jackpots.
If you’re a fan of table games, the Belle of Baton Rouge Casino has you covered. Blackjack, craps, roulette, and baccarat are all available, as well as novelty games like Let It Ride and Three Card Poker. The casino also offers a variety of tournaments and promotions throughout the year, so be sure to check the schedule for your chance to win big.
If you’re feeling hungry, the Belle of Baton Rouge Casino has several dining options to choose from. The Garden Atrium Buffet is currently closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, but the Terrace Cafe and the Bar 102 are open with limited seating and modified menus. The Terrace Cafe offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with classic Southern favorites like biscuits and gravy and red beans and rice. Bar 102 offers a variety of cocktails, beer, and wine, as well as small plates like sliders and tacos.
Finally, the hotel at the Belle of Baton Rouge Casino offers comfortable and stylish accommodations for overnight guests. Standard rooms feature one or two beds, flat-screen TVs, and complimentary Wi-Fi, while suites offer separate living areas and additional amenities like refrigerators and microwaves. Guests can also enjoy a fitness center, outdoor pool, and other amenities during their stay.
Behind the Scenes: Preparations to Reopen Belle of Baton Rouge Casino Amidst COVID-19
Reopening a casino during a pandemic involves much more than just turning on the lights and unlocking the doors. The Belle of Baton Rouge Casino and Eldorado Resorts have worked hard behind the scenes to prepare for the casino’s reopening and ensure the safety of all guests and staff.
This has involved implementing new protocols and procedures for cleaning and sanitizing, training staff on new safety measures, and coordinating with local and state officials to ensure compliance with regulations and guidelines. Additionally, the casino has worked to improve its air filtration systems, install plexiglass dividers, and provide personal protective equipment to all staff.
We spoke with several staff members and managers at the Belle of Baton Rouge Casino to get a behind-the-scenes look at how the casino prepared for its reopening. They cited the importance of communication, teamwork, and a positive attitude in overcoming the challenges posed by the pandemic.
Belle of Baton Rouge Casino’s Reopening Brings Hope to the Local Economy
The reopening of the Belle of Baton Rouge Casino is not just a win for gamblers and fans of live entertainment. It also represents a boost to the local economy, which has suffered due to the closure of many businesses and attractions during the pandemic.
The casino employs hundreds of staff members and provides a significant source of revenue for the local community. Additionally, the casino attracts visitors from all over the region, who spend money on hotels, restaurants, and other local businesses.
While the reopening of the casino may come with some risks, many locals are excited to see things starting to return to some semblance of normalcy. Some have expressed concerns about the potential for large crowds and the possibility of spreading COVID-19, but overall the mood is optimistic and hopeful.
Is It Safe to Visit Belle of Baton Rouge Casino? A Review of COVID-19 Safety Measures
If you’re considering a visit to the Belle of Baton Rouge Casino, you may be wondering how safe it is to do so during a pandemic. While no public place can be completely risk-free, the casino has taken a number of steps to minimize the risk of transmission and create a safe and enjoyable experience for guests.
All guests are required to wear masks and practice social distancing, and temperatures are checked at the entrance. Additionally, hand sanitizer stations are scattered throughout the casino, and all high-touch surfaces are regularly cleaned and sanitized. The air purification systems and plexiglass dividers offer additional protection, and staff members are trained to recognize and respond to any potential health risks.
We spoke with several visitors to the casino to get their impressions of the safety measures and their overall experience. The overwhelming majority felt comfortable and safe, and appreciated the efforts made by the casino to create a clean and organized environment.
Conclusion
The reopening of the Belle of Baton Rouge Casino after a brief hiatus is a welcome development for the local community and gambling enthusiasts alike. While visiting public places during a pandemic comes with some inherent risks, the casino has taken extensive measures to minimize the risk of transmission and create a safe and enjoyable environment for guests. From gaming and dining to accommodations and live entertainment, the Belle of Baton Rouge Casino offers something for everyone.
If you’re planning a visit, be sure to check the latest hours of operation, safety protocols, and promotions before you go.