SPARKS, Nev. (AP) — A New Orleans-themed casino has opened at the site of the former Silver Club casino in Sparks.

Bourbon Square Casino opened Thursday night across the street from John Ascuaga's Nugget hotel-casino.

Northern Nevada Asset Holdings, which owns the casino, has spent $5 million in renovations to the building.

The Silver Club closed in January 2009 amid a recession and concerns that small casinos around Reno could no longer survive because of competition from Indian casinos in California.

But Bourbon Square owners are optimistic about the future.

The casino features 150 employees, 300 slot machines, a restaurant and bars with live entertainment.