Before there was written history, there
was gambling. In the book Roll The Bones:
The History of Gambling, author David Schwartz writes about how clergy
members rolled objects in attempts at telling the future. The objects the
priest rolled? Sheep and goat anklebones—casting a new meaning on rolling the die. Soon, rolling dice
crossed over into secular games. Cards first appeared in China around the 9th
century. Already in the Tang Dynasty, playing cards were linked with drinking
games. Some things never change.
During the pandemic, even gambling looks
a little different. Alcohol service ends at 11 per a Louisiana State mandate.
Prior to entering casinos, staff and guests will undergo a health screen that
includes temperature checks. Masks are a must, though many places will provide
them if necessary. If you don't cheat on the precautions, you might be able to safely
squeeze in a game for National Card-Playing Day, which is Monday, December 28.
Here are five casinos where you can try your luck.
Harrah's
Casino
Located in the heart of downtown NOLA, Harrah's Casino has been a gleaming
beacon by the river since 1999. Recently, Harrah's made headlines for
announcing plans to transform to Caesars. The change is slated for 2024, and
the $325 million update is sure to make structural changes to the iconic
building (fun fact: It was designed to invoke the architecture of the 1884
World's Fair held in New Orleans). Inside, the place is spectacular in its
detail, including a decorative French Quarter display. Harrah's boasts 2,100
slot machines and more than 90 table games. Even during a pandemic, Harrah's is
open 24/7. 228 Poydras St., (800)
427-7247, caesars.com/harrahs-new-orleans/casino
Treasure
Chest
Kenner's Treasure
Chest is a 24,000-square foot floating casino on Lake
Pontchartrain. There's an undeniable allure to a riverboat casino, but there,
the charm is only a secondary feature. States along the Gulf Coast wanted to
limit the construction of casinos. In compliance, a glitzy loophole was born in
the form of riverboat game-houses. Treasure Chest has 36 tables open daily,
from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Game availability may vary, but the selection includes
roulette, mini-baccarat, Mississippi stud, Texas hold 'em, and pai gow. If
slots are more your style, Treasure Chest has you covered. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. 5050 Williams Blvd.,
Kenner, (504) 443-8000, treasurechest.com
Boomtown
Just hearing the name Boomtown Casino brings to mind the
rich history of the California gold rush of 1849. Located in Harvey, this
casino has an impressive offering of 1,100 slot/video poker games and 31
tables. For the time being, the legendary poker room remains closed. For health
and safety, Boomtown notably boasts of deploying a disinfecting fog machine.
Sadly, the sanitizing fog is only deployed while they are closed. Boomtown's
hours are 8 a.m. to 5 a.m.
Beau
Rivage
Just over an hour's drive outside the New
Orleans area, Beau
Rivage Casino is Mississippi's finest. The casino has
over 1,800 slots, including Game of Thrones, World of Wonka, and Cher—whatever
your pleasure, they've got it. For those new to tables, Beau Rivage promises
that "there's no reason to be intimidated by the action. [Their] dealers are
happy to show you how each game works, and soon, you'll be playing like a pro."
Their safety protocols appear standard-issue, with the futuristic mention of
"digital innovations." Beau Rivage is open 24/7. 875 Beach Blvd. Biloxi, MS, (888) 750-7111, beaurivage.mgmresorts.com/en/casino
L'Auberge
Baton Rouge
In the good old "Red Stick," our capital
city, is the decadent L'Auberge
Casino. With their "approximately 1,400" slot machines
and video poker games offered, what more could you ask for? In fact, L'Auberge
recommends electronic tables for newbies who might find themselves intimidated
sitting at a table. You can even play outside on the terrace, warmed by a
radiant heater—ideal for COVID-19 times. Alas, the Red Stick poker room remains
closed. L'Auberge lists a detailed health and safety notice on their website,
which includes valet attendants who are required to wash their hands every 30
minutes. L'Auberge is open 24/7. 777
L'Auberge Ave., Baton Rouge, (225) 215-7777, lbatonrouge.com
Struggling to game responsibly? Please
call the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network at (800) 522-4700.
