Coushatta Casino Resort celebrates birthday

Coushatta Casino Resort celebrated its 20th birthday Friday.
“Twenty years ago, so few could imagine what we see before us,” said Coushatta Casino Resort general manager Jacque Romero as he welcomed hundreds of workers and guests to the event. “It’s been a 20-year journey that led me to where I am today. It’s a remarkable success story. I want to thank everyone, the council and tribe, for the opportunity and all that we have done for the community.”
When the casino opened in 1995, it featured 70,000 square feet of gaming area, three food venues and employed 1,600 workers. In 1999, the property was expanded, and Red Shoes RV Park, a 206-room hotel adjoining the casino, two new restaurants and another 27,000 square feet of gaming area were added to the venue. Another expansion in 2001 saw the addition of a 200-room hotel, a pavilion, fuel station and convenience store and an 18-hole golf course. Since then, a medical center and pharmacy, bingo hall, another hotel and a dream pool have been added, and the complex now employs about 2,800 people.
The casino itself is one of the largest land-based casinos in the state and includes 2,800 slots and more than 70 table games including live poker, live bingo and off track betting.
During the birthday celebration, Coushatta Princess Robin Langley recited the Lords Prayer in Native American sign language, and Coushatta Jr. Princess Aniyah Williams sang “God Bless the USA” in English and Coushatta. Coushatta tribal dancers also performed. The weekend’s celebrations also included the unveiling of the newly renovated Grand Hotel, a sold-out concert by country music star Reba McIntyre and giveaway drawings for cash prizes.
“In 1993, I thought, ‘What can I do to give my people a better life, education housing and economic development?’” posed Tribal Chairman Lovelin Poncho. “Route 165 was nothing but a rice field. I came to the tribal council and asked, ‘What can we do?’ When we opened, we did not realize the impact it would have on the Allen Parish area and what it would contribute to local agencies.”
“I want to thank everyone for taking the time to be here. I want to thank all the charter members here and not here. They worked hard to make this possible. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”
Poncho dedicated the celebration to Seth Miller, the casino’s first general manger, who recently died.