CASINO GUIDE
A two-hour drive east on Interstate 10 will land you in the area of Lake Charles, La., home to four casino resorts.
Golden Nugget
Owned by Landry’s Inc. owner and “Billion Dollar Buyer” Tilman Fertitta. The casino floor houses 79 table games, 1,600 slot machines and six live-action poker tables. The resort features a wide range of cuisines at its 13 restaurants, which include Grotto Italian Restaurant, Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse, and Cadillac Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar. Outside, the resortstyle pool includes a pool-side bar, lazy river, water slide and fire pits. Not too far away is Golden Nugget’s 18-hole golf course. Plus: a spa and salon, barbershop and retail shops. Golden Nugget routinely hosts touring performers, from music concerts to comedy: Friday: Grand Funk Railroad Saturday: The Beach Boys Oct. 27: Steve Aoki Oct. 28: Morris Day and the Time and Shelia E Oct. 29: Lake Charles Symphony Nov. 3: America Nov. 4: Cheech & Chong Nov. 10: Commodores
Details: 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd., Lake Charles, La.; 337-508-7777,
goldennugget.com
L’Auberge Casino Resort
L’Auberge holds 80 table games and 1,600 slot machines on its casino floor, as well as a private 2,100-foot poker room. Restaurants include Jack Daniel’s Bar & Grill, Asia and Ember Grill. Golfers can tee off from Contraband Bayou Gold Club’s golf course. Plus: eight upscale shops, the Spa Du Lac, poolside cabanas and a lazy river. Kay Miller & Aaron Sterling perform ThursdaySaturday; Bryan Trahan on Sunday. Details: 777 Avenue L’Auberge, Lake Charles, La.; 337-395-7777, llakecharles.com
Delta Downs
The resort includes a casino, hotel and horse racetrack. Starting Wednesday, thoroughbred race dates will be scheduled throughout the fall and winter seasons. At the casino, Delta Downs has 1,600 slots and video machines. Dining includes the Triple Crown Buffet, Rosewater Grill & Tavern and The Lookout Restaurant. Plus: a new aquatic and fitness center. TJ Gautreaux & Louisiana Soul will perform in the Gator Lounge Friday and Saturday. Details: 2717 Delta Downs, Vinton, La.; 800-589-7441, deltadowns.com
Coushatta Casino Resort
Coushatta has 2,800 slot machines, 70 table games, a 20-table poker room and live bingo. Plus: a lazy river, dog park, arcade and Koasati Pines golf course. Pookie Marceaux Band plays Thursday; La Roxx on Friday.
Details: 777 Coushatta, Kinder, La.; 800-584-7263, coushattacasinoresort.com