Basens was selected to direct Hollywood’s anticipated entry into the Shreveport market following a highly successful two-year term as Vice President and General Manager of Casino Magic Hotel Casino in Bossier City, Louisiana. Prior to that, Basens was responsible for three casino operations as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Casino Magic Corporation.

“Juris has excelled in the Shreveport-Bossier market and he is the ideal candidate to direct the operation of this luxurious resort,” said Edward T. Pratt III, President and Chief Operating Officer of Hollywood Casino Corporation. “His hiring reflects our desire to put a first class staff in place that will deliver the highest quality customer service, ‘Hollywood Casino’ style,” added Pratt.

Basens is a casino industry success story, whose career in gaming began in 1978 as a dealer at Resorts International in Atlantic City, NJ. There, he spent eleven years rising through positions such as Games Supervisor, Pit Boss, Host and Assistant Shift Manager. Basens’ senior management career is marked by a 1990-96 term with Casino America, Inc., serving as General Manager of three casino properties and as Corporate Vice President and Chief Operating Officer before moving to Casino Magic in 1997.

“I am thrilled to accept this great opportunity to step up to the lead role in the operation of Hollywood Casino Shreveport,” said Basens. “This will be an entertaining and dynamic resort, and we are confident it will be a leader in the growing Shreveport market,” Basens added.
Groundbreaking ceremonies were conducted on August 12 for Hollywood Casino Shreveport, a $230 million Hollywood-themed destination resort, featuring a 405-room, all suite, art deco-style hotel, the largest riverboat in the Shreveport market and a 170,000 square foot pavilion, with a dramatic 60 foot high atrium.

Hollywood Casino Corporation, one of the most innovative gaming companies in the nation, owns and operates Hollywood Casino® in Tunica, Mississippi and Hollywood Casino® in Aurora, Illinois. Each property showcases authentic memorabilia from Hollywood blockbuster movies and offers award-winning restaurants and headline entertainment.