Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast: A New Haven for Casino Games and Cigar Smokers

• Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast is opening a cigar lounge
• The Gurkha Cigar Lounge will offer premium cigars and spirits
• The facility will mark Penn Entertainment’s third casino cigar lounge in Louisiana

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Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast in Mississippi’s Bay St. Louis is making headlines not only for its thrilling casino games but also with the upcoming launch of a cigar lounge tailored for enthusiasts and aficionados alike. This exciting new addition promises to provide a chic and comfortable space for cigar lovers, further enhancing the entertainment options available at the venue.

The casino already allows indoor tobacco smoking in designated areas, and with the Gurkha Cigar Lounge opening soon, there will be an additional space for cigar smokers to enjoy their favoured products alongside the casino’s 800 slot machines and 28 live-dealer table games.

This partnership between Southern Smoke Cigar Company and Gurkha Cigars is in collaboration with Penn Entertainment, which operates Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast. The lounge will also feature a walk-in humidor stocked with an extensive range of cigars, premium spirits, and wine.

Renderings of the lounge reveal a sophisticated ambiance with plush leather seating and soft lighting, appealing to guests looking for comfort and luxury. Specifically, it is positioned to open its doors on June 19, operating from 2 PM to 9 PM on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, and from noon until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Cigar Czar Aligns With Casino Firm

Gurkha Cigars, a brand synonymous with luxury, was revitalised in the late 1980s by Kaizad Hansotia, often referred to as the “Czar of Premium Cigars.” The brand’s name is derived from the highly respected Gurkha soldiers of the British military, and its catalog features over 100 cigar varieties, including ultra-premium brands such as HMR, Royal Reserve, Dragonfly, and Maharaja.

Southern Smoke Cigar Co. operates several cigar lounges in Louisiana, with its flagship located in Shreveport. They also run Club Macanudo at Margaritaville Resort Casino in Bossier City, showcasing their commitment to providing premier smoking experiences in the state.

Understanding Louisiana’s Smoking Laws

While Louisiana’s indoor smoking regulations typically prohibit tobacco usage in public settings, gaming floors are exempt from this ban, allowing designated smoking areas in casinos and retail tobacco businesses. This legal framework has facilitated the growth of cigar lounges in gaming establishments.

The American Lung Association (ALA) reports that approximately 16% of adults in Louisiana smoke, surpassing the national average of 14%. Their advocacy work has graded Louisiana poorly on tobacco prevention programs and smoke-free air policies, suggesting areas for improvement, including tax adjustments on tobacco products.

The ALA continues to push for changes, advocating for increased taxes on tobacco, strengthened smoke-free laws to protect casino workers, and enhanced funding for tobacco cessation programs.

Summary

The Gurkha Cigar Lounge at Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast is set to become a premier destination for cigar enthusiasts in Louisiana, offering a refined environment to enjoy premium tobacco products. With the continued evolution of Louisiana’s smoking laws and the rise of cigar lounges in casinos, this integration seems to be an exciting development for both cigar lovers and casino patrons alike.