CASINO MOVING? In 2015, the Los Angeles-based company - Peninsula Pacific, acquired the gaming license of Diamond Jacks Casino and Hotel in Bossier City, La. The company has said the Bossier property needs an upgrade but it is also considering opening a casino property in South Louisiana near the Mississippi line, leaving the Bossier Casino’s future in doubt. Over the weekend the company held a presentation in Hammond La. to unveil its proposal to area business leaders and elected officials. The company says it would be a $100 million investment that would be located between Highway 445 and the Tangipahoa River. Speaking to WBRZ TV, Chief Executive Officer Brent Stevens explained why the company is considering the move. "The Shreveport-
Bossier market was a one-billion-dollar gaming market ten years ago. Today, it's a 600-million-dollar market" he said.
Riverboat casinos came to Shreveport-Bossier in 1994 and drew a large customer base from East Texas, especially Dallas-Ft. Worth. But since then, more tribal casinos have opened in Oklahoma making for an easier drive from East Texas. As for Peninsula Pacific’s plan for a South Louisiana Casino; it has to be approved by legislators to allow for a voter’s referendum. If that fails, the company has said it would expand the Diamond Jacks facility in Bossier City but that the Tangipahoa location is the preferred site.