Margaritaville Resort Casino Bossier City is a riverfront casino hotel in northwest Louisiana, next to the Louisiana Boardwalk and across the Red River from downtown Shreveport. Its strongest feature is the combination of gambling, a 395-room hotel, dining, and a pool in one place. I see it as an adults-first overnight getaway, not a family vacation resort. The main catch: the room rate is only part of the bill, and pool age restrictions matter if you are bringing children.
Margaritaville Bossier City at a glance
| Address | 777 Margaritaville Way, Bossier City, LA 71111 |
|---|---|
| Property type | Casino resort hotel |
| Minimum gambling age | 21 |
| Gaming | Slots, video poker, and live table games |
| Poker room | No |
| On-property retail sportsbook | No |
| Hotel | 395 guest rooms and suites |
| Check-in / checkout | 4 p.m. / 11 a.m. |
| Resort fee | $17.06 per night, including tax |
| Pool | Hotel guests only; children under five excluded |
| Valet | Complimentary Friday at noon through Sunday at 1 p.m. |
| Rewards | PENN Play |
| Official website | Margaritaville Resort Casino |
Setting: a casino weekend on the riverfront
The Jimmy Buffett-inspired theme gives Margaritaville a relaxed personality, but this is still a gambling-centered property. Think casino weekend with a pool break, rather than tropical vacation with a little gambling on the side.
The Louisiana Boardwalk gives you somewhere to stretch your legs outside the building, and downtown Shreveport adds options across the river. Check individual businesses before planning around them. Being next door to a shopping and dining area does not mean every outlet keeps casino hours.
The Bossier Press-Tribune reported on August 31, 2026, that The Parish Standard, a 220-seat restaurant, bar, and live music venue, was expected to open in November in the former Joe’s Crab Shack space. Treat it as a possible future outing until an opening is announced.
Comparing destinations? See our guide to Louisiana casinos.
Casino floor and games
Margaritaville combines machine gambling with live tables, making it a more flexible choice for a mixed group than a slots-only property. One person can play machines while another heads for blackjack without turning the evening into a drive between casinos.
Visit Shreveport-Bossier describes the casino as single-level, so exploring the main gaming selection does not require changing floors. I would choose it for the game variety and attached hotel, not a promised machine count or assumed low table minimum.
Slots and video poker
Slots are central to the casino, with video poker offering another option for machine players. Check the total wager, not just the denomination. A penny machine can still ask for a decidedly non-penny bet.
For video poker, read the game and pay table before choosing a seat. Neither a winning guest nor a disappointed one can establish a machine’s long-term return from a short visit.
Table games
The main choices include blackjack, craps, and roulette, along with poker-style games played against the dealer. Dealer-banked poker games are not the same thing as a poker room.
Check current minimums before committing your budget. Blackjack players should also read the posted payout and rules: two tables with the same minimum can offer meaningfully different value.
Poker room and sportsbook
Margaritaville Bossier City has no dedicated player-versus-player poker room or on-property retail sportsbook. Do not plan a cash-game or tournament trip around this property, and do not confuse sports televisions or mobile betting promotions with an in-person wagering counter.
Hotel rooms and overnight value
The hotel has 395 guest rooms and suites, which the property describes as newly renovated. Standard rooms offer king or double-queen configurations, premium rooms emphasize river and skyline views, and selected premium corner rooms and suites have balconies. If a balcony is the point of the upgrade, book a category that explicitly includes one.
My argument for staying here is simple: dinner, gambling, and your room can all be part of the same evening without another drive. An off-site hotel may be the better deal if most of your plans are elsewhere.
The published hotel policies list check-in beginning at 4 p.m. and checkout at 11 a.m. The person renting a room must be at least 21. Late checkout can carry an additional charge.
Resort fee, taxes, and booking costs
The advertised limited-time starting rate is $89.00, not a guaranteed price for your dates. Published terms also list 16% room tax, a $17.06 nightly resort fee including tax, and a $100.00 deposit per stay.
The comparison below separates recurring charges, booking-channel fees, and optional poolside spending. These are illustrative examples using published prices and identified assumptions, not a live reservation quote or a record of anyone’s stay.
Gamboool original analysis
We assembled the comparison below from published information and our calculations. These are selected examples, rather than measured gambling sessions or a representative survey.
| Detail | Published information |
|---|---|
| Bossier City hotel: Advertised starting rate | A limited-time rate starts at $89.00; it is not a date-specific booking quote. |
| Bossier City hotel: Room tax, deposit, and resort fee | Published terms list 16% room tax per night, a $100.00 deposit per stay, and a $17.06 nightly resort fee with tax included. The deposit should be distinguished from the nightly charges. |
| Bossier City reservations: Booking-channel fees and tier exceptions | Phone and front-desk reservations carry a $10.00 service fee; direct online bookings avoid it, and Owners Club and Elite guests are exempt. |
| Bossier City reservations: Cancellation deadline and complimentary-room no-show exposure | The published cancellation deadline is at least 48 hours before arrival. Missing it can trigger a one-night charge on a paid reservation or $50.00 plus tax on a PENN Play complimentary reservation. |
| Bossier City hotel: Card hold versus final spending | The hotel can hold the anticipated bill plus estimated incidentals; release can extend beyond checkout depending on the card issuer. |
| Bossier City hotel: Check-in and checkout times | Check-in begins at 4 p.m., checkout is at 11 a.m., and late checkout can incur an additional charge. |
| Bossier City hotel: Minimum room-rental age | The person renting a room must be at least 21 and present valid state- or federally issued identification. |
| Bossier City hotel: Smoking-related cleaning charge | Hotel policies publish a $250.00 cleaning fee if smoking occurs. |
| Bossier City parking: Complimentary valet schedule | Complimentary valet is advertised from Friday at noon through Sunday at 1 p.m., rather than as an all-week service. |
| Bossier City pool: Guest access and age-dependent hours | Pool access is limited to hotel guests. Published hours are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; children under 5 cannot use the pool, and guests under 21 cannot use it after 8 p.m. |
| Bossier City pool: Daily hours and family restrictions | The pool’s posted closing time does not apply equally to all ages: guests under 21 must leave earlier, and children under 5 are excluded throughout the day. |
| Bossier City pool: Off-peak staffing and water temperature | From November through May, pool attendants are not on duty, and water temperature can vary with weather and seasonal conditions. |
| Bossier City pool: Outside food and beverage policy | Guests cannot bring outside food, beverages, glass containers, or ice chests into the pool area. |
| Bossier City pool menu: Individual beer versus bucket pricing | The menu lists individual aluminum-bottle beers at $7.00 and beer or seltzer buckets at six for $35.00. |
| Bossier City pool menu: Cocktail price categories | The cocktail section is priced at $12.00, while the frozen and on-the-rocks sections are priced at $16.00; the frozen margarita lists a $4.00 topper option. |
| Bossier City hotel discounts: Senior discount day restriction | The published senior discount is 10% off the Monday room rate and requires valid identification at check-in. |
| Bossier City hotel discounts: PENN Heroes eligibility and maximum advertised discount | PENN Heroes members can receive up to 30% off with code HERO, subject to availability, blackout dates, and identification requirements. |
| Bossier City PENN Play offer: New-member dining-credit requirements | The advertised $25.00 dining credit requires both a new PENN Play signup and registration for the app; participating outlets vary, and Zia Park is excluded. |
| Calculation | Result | Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Room tax on the advertised starting rate, if available for the selected night | $14.24 per night | The advertised starting rate excludes room tax; check availability and the final reservation total before comparing hotels. |
| Advertised starting room rate plus mandatory resort fee, before room tax | $106.06 per night, excluding room tax | Even an available starting-rate room costs more than the headline rate after the resort fee; this subtotal still excludes room tax. |
| Resort-fee budget for an illustrative two-night stay | $34.12 per stay | Budget the resort fee for each night, rather than treating it as a one-time charge. |
| Booking-channel fee difference for a guest without a tier exemption | $10.00 per reservation | For an otherwise identical reservation, direct online booking avoids this service fee; Owners Club and Elite guests have a published exemption. |
| Cost of six individually priced poolside beers | $42.00 before any applicable tax and gratuity | Compare this same-quantity individual-order cost with the published bucket offer, and confirm which beers qualify. |
| Effective per-beer price in the published poolside bucket | $5.83 per beer before any applicable tax and gratuity | The bucket has a lower per-beer menu price than an individual beer, but only makes sense if the group already intends to order that quantity. |
| Illustrative poolside meal for two: a burger and a listed cocktail each | $56.00 for two guests before any applicable tax and gratuity | This example keeps the poolside food-and-drink budget separate from the room and gambling bankroll; premium margaritas and frozen drinks have different listed prices. |
Research references: margaritavillebossiercity.com 1, margaritavillebossiercity.com 2, margaritavillebossiercity.com 3.
Method: Published inputs collected 2026-10-16. Illustrative assumptions are labeled, and the full calculation inputs remain in the saved research record. These examples support planning; they do not predict a particular session.
If the $89.00 rate were available, the room tax would be $14.24. The room rate plus resort fee alone is $106.06 before room tax. An illustrative two-night stay carries $34.12 in resort fees.
The easiest avoidable charge is the $10.00 reservation service fee for phone and front-desk bookings. Direct online bookings avoid it, and Owners Club and Elite guests have a published exemption. For an otherwise identical reservation, I would rather keep that $10.00.
The deposit and card hold are different from nightly fees. They affect available funds, but they are not automatically additional final spending. The hotel can hold the anticipated bill plus estimated incidentals, with release potentially extending beyond checkout depending on your card issuer.
Cancellation terms
The published policy requires cancellation at least 48 hours before arrival to avoid the stated penalty. Missing the deadline can mean a one-night charge on a paid reservation or $50.00 plus tax on a PENN Play complimentary reservation. A comped room is not necessarily a consequence-free reservation.
Pool, spa, and fitness
The official pool information lists daily hours of 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., exclusively for hotel guests. Its restrictions make the adult focus clear:
- Children under five cannot use the pool.
- Guests under 21 must be accompanied by an adult and cannot use the pool after 8 p.m.
- The hot tub is restricted to guests 21 and older.
- Outside food, beverages, glass containers, and ice chests are prohibited.
- Proper swim attire is required.
Special events can affect access, and severe weather can close the area. From November through May, pool attendants are not on duty, and water temperature varies with the weather. An open pool is not a promise of comfortable winter swimming.
The spa and salon offer another break from gambling, and the fitness center is open 24 hours. Book treatments ahead if they are central to your trip, but keep the appointment time on your calendar: the spa cancellation policy charges 100% of the scheduled service for cancellations within 24 hours.
Restaurants, bars, and poolside costs
Jimmy’s Seafood & Steak is the natural starting point for a planned steak-and-seafood dinner, while Bamboo Asian Cafe offers a different direction. Check menus and schedules before organizing your evening around a particular restaurant, and reserve where available for weekend dinners or meals before a show.
For late arrivals, the property’s dining schedule lists Banyan Tree Cafe as open 24 hours daily. That is a useful distinction once the full-service dinner restaurants have closed.
Poolside food is casual rather than bargain-basement. The published menu lists a Hometown Burger at $16.00 and drinks in the main cocktail section at $12.00. An illustrative burger-and-cocktail order for each of two adults totals $56.00 before applicable tax and gratuity. Frozen drinks and on-the-rocks specialties are listed separately at $16.00.
A listed six-beer bucket costs $35.00, or approximately $5.83 per beer, compared with $42.00 for six individually priced $7.00 beers. Confirm which selections qualify. A quantity discount only helps if your group already wanted the quantity.
Entertainment, parking, and transportation
Scheduled entertainment can give the weekend a centerpiece, especially when only one person in the group wants to gamble. Check the calendar for your dates rather than assuming a venue means a show every night.
Use 777 Margaritaville Way, Bossier City, Louisiana 71111 for navigation. Complimentary valet runs Friday at noon through Sunday at 1 p.m.; do not build a weekday arrival around that service.
If flying into Shreveport Regional Airport, arrange ground transportation rather than assuming a hotel shuttle is included. Establish EV charging, oversized-vehicle parking, or specific accessibility arrangements before arrival if they are essential.
If smoke sensitivity is a deciding factor, ask about the casino floor and the routes between your room, restaurants, and parking. The hotel’s published $250.00 cleaning charge for smoking in a guest room does not establish smoking conditions throughout the resort.
PENN Play rewards
Margaritaville participates in PENN Play. The property’s advertised $25.00 dining-credit offer requires both a new PENN Play signup and app registration. Participating outlets vary, and terms can change.
If you already have an account, use it rather than opening another one. Ask how membership applies to eligible play and purchases, and whether offers require advance booking.
My rule with casino rewards is uncomplicated: use benefits attached to spending you already planned. Do not enlarge the gambling budget to chase a future discount.
Who should stay here?
The strongest feature is an evening that stays in one place. Rooms, meals, gambling, and scheduled entertainment can fit together without repeated drives. River views, balcony options, and the spa give an overnight stay more purpose than simply sleeping near a slot machine.
The main trade-offs are extra charges and restricted amenity access. The nightly resort fee, reservation service fee on most phone bookings, limited valet schedule, and pool restrictions deserve a place in your hotel comparison.
Our take
Margaritaville suits adults who want a riverfront casino stay with dinner, a comfortable room, and time away from the gaming floor. I would consider a view or balcony upgrade if the room itself is part of the getaway, but compare the complete reservation price before deciding it is good value. Families with children under five should choose another property if swimming matters, while travelers mainly exploring elsewhere may get less benefit from paying for an integrated casino stay.
Frequently asked questions
How many hotel rooms does Margaritaville Bossier City have?
The hotel lists 395 guest rooms and suites. Selected premium corner rooms and suites offer balconies.
Does Margaritaville Bossier City charge a resort fee?
Yes. The published fee is $17.06 per night, including tax. Review the complete reservation total for your dates.
Can children use the pool?
Children under five cannot use it. Guests ages five through 20 must be accompanied by an adult and leave by 8 p.m. Pool access is limited to hotel guests.
Does the casino have a poker room or sportsbook?
No. It has no dedicated player-versus-player poker room or on-property retail sportsbook.
What is the minimum gambling age?
You must be 21 or older to gamble. The person renting a hotel room must also be at least 21.
Are pets allowed?
The hotel’s published policy does not allow pets, except service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Is staying overnight worth it?
It makes the most sense when dinner, gambling, and hotel amenities are all part of your plans. For a brief casino stop, compare the full room total with other lodging rather than paying for convenience you will barely use.
Information date
Property information and published prices are dated October 16, 2026. Rates, promotions, menus, and service schedules can change. Use current property information and your reservation terms when booking.
Poker room and sportsbook
There is no dedicated poker room or on-site sportsbook.