Coushatta Casino Resort: A Growing Hub of Entertainment in Louisiana
By the early 1990s, various forms of gambling were legalized in Louisiana, allowing the Coushatta tribe in the rural south-central region to take advantage of the opportunity. The Coushatta Casino Resort, located approximately 30 miles northeast of Lake Charles, has gradually expanded its offerings, now featuring 500 slot machines, 70 table games, and a highly praised bingo hall described as “probably one of the nicest bingo halls in the entire country” by hospitality director Aaron Lepinski.
The resort is still evolving. Recently, Coushatta announced the upcoming launch of an eight-story luxury hotel with 204 rooms and 100 suites, slated to open in mid-May. This new addition will push the resort’s total guest room count over 1,000.
Lepinski noted that the expansion is largely driven by an influx of visitors from the west, particularly Southeast Texas. “It’s not a corporate organization,” he explained. “Our focus is on the genuine needs and preferences of our guests in this area. We aim to provide an authentic Louisiana experience.” Approximately 70% of their visitors hail from Houston or nearby regions, and they crave more than just a standard Las Vegas gaming experience.
Opened in 1995, the resort has transformed from a simple “pop-up shed” into one of Louisiana’s largest gaming destinations. In addition to its forthcoming hotels, RV park, and golf course, Coushatta boasts eight dining options, including the Terrace Cafe and Big Sky Steakhouse.
Along with the new hotel tower, a new arrival area with tribal decor and high ceilings will standardize the check-in process across all hotel facilities. Lepinski mentioned that the luxury suites in the new hotel, equipped with marble tiling and gourmet meals prepared by staff, embody the “lagniappe” – a Louisiana term for a little extra something – that distinguishes Coushatta from its competitors.
According to a 2024 study by casinos.com, Coushatta ranked as Louisiana’s second luckiest casino based on Tripadvisor reviews, where over 24% mentioned terms like “winning.” While only slightly less lucky than Delta Downs, Lepinski emphasized that guests are drawn more by the warm interactions with the staff than just the chance to win.
With around 1,600 employees, Coushatta is the largest employer in the region. The new hotel tower is expected to create over 100 additional jobs across various departments. Lepinski pointed out that the resort not only stimulates tourism but also boosts local businesses, creating ongoing economic opportunities for families and communities in the area.
