MARKSVILLE, La., (May 28, 2011) – What’s cool about the number 17? Well, stegosaurus had 17 bony plates on its back, King Tut was wrapped in 17 cloths and it would take 17 Earths to make up the mass of one Neptune. But the coolest thing about 17 is that’s how many years Paragon Casino Resort has been open! It opened in the spring of 1994 under the original name of Grand Casino Avoyelles.



“We’re thrilled to be able to celebrate our 17th birthday on June 3 with all of our friends,” said Chris J Barbry, Sr. Acting General Manager. “Paragon is gearing up to make this year’s birthday the best yet. We have cash perks, dinner giveaways, free t-shirts, cake, champagne and more! There’s something for everyone to enjoy during our anniversary week.”



Paragon is excited to announce its anniversary celebration lineup. During May 31-June 3, new members who enroll in the Preferred Players Club will receive $17 in cash perks. May 31-June 2, guests who earn 70 points on their Preferred Players Club card within a 24-hour period will receive $17 in cash perks. On Tuesday, May 31 the Marketplace Buffet will offer a special dinner price of the buffet for two people for only $17. Wednesday, June 1 is t-shirt day! Guests can pick up their Paragon anniversary t-shirt at the Players Club from 6PM to 9PM. Plus, guests who wear their Paragon Anniversary t-shirt on June 3 will receive 17 extra entries! On Thursday, June 2, Paragon will feature live entertainment on the casino floor with gifts for everyone from 6 pm to 9pm.



On Friday, June 3, Paragon will give away a total of $30,622 consisting of 68 winners (17 winners every two hours starting at 4PM). Paragon will draw names to giveaway $117 to 16 winners and one lucky winner (the 17th name drawn) will receive $1,017. One lucky guest will win the grand prize of $17,000 at 10PM. Patrons are encouraged to join Paragon’s Preferred Players Club for free to receive an entry on drawing day. For a full lineup of celebrations and rules for entry, please visit: http://www..paragoncasinoresort.com/Home/Promotions.aspx.



Located on the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe’s reservation in Avoyelles Parish on Highway 1 in Marksville, Paragon is the only luxury gaming resort in Central Louisiana. Since the casino resort opened its doors 17 years ago, the Avoyelles Parish economy has seen a positive impact in the number of jobs created and tourism growth, benefitting both local and out-of-parish individuals and businesses. As the single largest employer in Avoyelles Parish, Paragon has more than 1,400 full- and part-time employees. Paragon has invested a total of $41.4 million in wages, salaries and benefits in 2010. In fact, Paragon jobs helped create $90 million in earnings or income for Central Louisiana residents during 2010.



Paragon also does its part to give back to the community through charitable donations. Throughout 2010, Paragon donated over $270,000 to non-profit organizations, including a $20,000 to The Nature Conservancy to aid in the organization’s Gulf Coast Restoration initiative. Paragon has contributed more than $2.6 million in the form of donations to charities throughout the state of Louisiana since 1994.



About Paragon Casino Resort

Paragon Casino Resort, the Pearl of Louisiana, is the only casino resort destination in Central Louisiana. Paragon has been attracting gamers from across the country for 17 years. Paragon features an impressive lineup of luxury amenities and attractions including a new luxury hotel tower; Spa La Vie, a full-service spa and salon; an eighteen hole golf course; an indoor tropical pool with swim-up bar; a soaring retail atrium with “living” bayou; and three movie theatres. The Earl J. Barbry, Sr. Convention Center consists of 75,000 square feet of meeting space including the Mari Showroom and the Paragon Ballroom, which breaks out into the Arsene Ballroom, Belazaire Ballroom, and the Chiqui Ballroom. The Chiqui Ballroom can be subdivided into Chiqui 1, Chiqui 2, and Chiqui 3. Paragon’s Marketplace Buffet is Louisiana’s largest buffet, with 550 seats and live-action stations.



Additionally, Paragon features approximately 84,000 -square-foot gaming floor offering approximately 2,200 slot machines with Las Vegas odds, 46 table games, including Craps, Blackjack, Roulette, various poker games, as well as a nine-table poker room. Other attractions include a 531-room hotel, five restaurants, a full-service RV resort, and the newly renovated Kids Quest child care activity center. The luxurious OTB adjacent to Roxy’s is open to the delight of racetrack enthusiasts. Voilà features a stylish selection of women’s and men’s apparel and accessories and LA 1 Market carries a wide range of Louisiana products from art to cookbooks and sundries. The Pelican Stage in Big Daddy E’s restaurant features live music for dining pleasure.



Paragon Casino Resort is located on Highway 1 in Marksville, La. The casino and all of its amenities are owned and operated by the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana.