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Golden Nugget Lake Charles

Operator
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Founded
2014-01-01 in Lake Charles, Louisiana, USA
Headquarters
Houston, Texas, USA

Golden Nugget Lake Charles is a 242-acre waterfront casino resort located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, owned and operated by Houston-based Landry's, Inc. Opened on December 7, 2014, the property represents a $600 million investment by Landry's owner Tilman Fertitta, who acquired the partially developed project from Pinnacle Entertainment in 2013. The resort features a 22-story tower with 1,038 guest rooms and suites (since expanded to approximately 1,100), an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Todd Eckenrode, a 30,000-square-foot meeting and convention space, a private beach, marina, full-service spa and salon, and a large retail corridor. The casino floor encompasses 1,600 slot machines, 60 table games, a 6-table poker room, and high-limit gaming areas. Dining options include more than a dozen restaurants operated by Landry's, such as Vic & Anthony's Steakhouse, Saltgrass Steak House, Landry's Seafood, and The Buffet. In September 2022, the property opened Louisiana’s largest DraftKings retail sportsbook, further expanding its gaming offerings. Golden Nugget Lake Charles is the fifth Golden Nugget property and serves as the flagship Louisiana location for the brand.

Detailed Review

History and Ownership

Golden Nugget Lake Charles originated from a series of abandoned projects. The site was initially licensed for a $350 million casino resort called Sugarcane Bay by Pinnacle Entertainment in 2006, but the project was canceled in 2010. The state gaming license later went to Creative Casinos LLC, which planned the $400 million Mojito Pointe. Ameristar Casinos acquired Creative Casinos in 2012, but Ameristar was soon merged into Pinnacle. To satisfy antitrust requirements, Pinnacle sold the unfinished development to Landry's, Inc. in 2013. Tilman Fertitta, owner of Landry's, quickly announced a $600 million upgrade and the resort opened on December 7, 2014.

Amenities and Casino

The resort is known for its upscale facilities: an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Todd Eckenrode, a private beach and marina, a full-service spa, and multiple swimming pools. The casino floor operates 24 hours with 1,600 slot machines, 60 table games, and a six-table poker room. In August 2022, a landmark partnership with DraftKings produced a 7,000-square-foot retail sportsbook featuring 22 betting kiosks, multiple teller windows, and lounge seating—the largest such venue in Louisiana.

Dining and Entertainment

Dining is a major draw, with outlets from Landry’s portfolio including Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse, Saltgrass Steak House, Landry’s Seafood, Cadillac Bar & Grill, Grotto Ristorante, Lillie’s Asian Cuisine, Claim Jumper Grill, The Buffet, Chart House, and Louisiana’s first Blue Martini cocktail lounge. Meeting and event space totals 30,000 square feet, encompassing a grand ballroom and breakout rooms. The property is located at 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd, two hours from Houston, making it a prime destination for Texas gamblers. It holds a Class IV gaming license from the Louisiana Gaming Control Board and employs an estimated 2,500–3,000 staff.

Key Products

  • Golden Nugget Brand

    Premier casino resort brand owned by Landry’s, with properties in Las Vegas, Laughlin, Atlantic City, Biloxi, and Lake Charles.

  • Hotel & Suites

    1,038+ luxury rooms and suites in a 22-story tower, including three Pool Villa Suites in the Rush Tower.

  • The Country Club at Golden Nugget

    18-hole championship golf course designed by Todd Eckenrode, with a clubhouse and pro shop.

  • Restaurants & Bars

    More than a dozen dining options including Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse, Saltgrass Steak House, Landry’s Seafood, Cadillac Bar & Grill, Grotto Ristorante, Lillie’s Asian Cuisine, Claim Jumper Grill, The Buffet, Chart House, and Blue Martini cocktail lounge.

  • Spa & Salon

    Full-service spa with treatments, salon, and outdoor pool.

  • Marina & Beach

    Private marina with boat slips and a man-made beach.

  • Meeting & Event Space

    30,000 square feet of meeting and conference facilities including a grand ballroom and breakout rooms.

  • Casino Floor

    1,600 slot machines, 60 table games (blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, etc.), 6-table poker room, and high-limit gaming salon.

  • DraftKings Sportsbook

    Largest retail sportsbook in Louisiana (opened September 2022), with 22 betting kiosks, teller windows, and lounge seating.

Offices & Headcount

2750 employees (approx.)

Key Persons

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