Gambling in Louisiana to Receive Makeover

Last week could prove to be pivotal and decisive in the history of the state of Louisiana, because as much as five different pieces of gambling legislation ed the committee’s vote. As a result, numerous changes could soon be taking place in the southern state, both in of how casinos operate and how operators wishing to open new casinos can go about doing so.

One of the bills will remove the limit of the area casinos can take up, effectively quitting the 30,000 square foot limit. Another bill that was introduced by Senator, Ronnie Johns, proposes that 15 riverboat casinos in the state are to be moved ashore as long as they don’t move further than 1200 feet of where they currently stand. Johns commented: “The gaming positions cap over a square footage maximum is to encourage investment in larger properties. These bills were well thought out by a variety of people who served the task force.”

Two additional bills are going to change how slot credits are taxed, will reduce the tariff on free gambling and also ensure that casino operators don’t get double taxed – as most of them argued was the case until now. The fifth and final measure will seek to renew the New Orleans license for Harrah (the sole land-based commercial casino in the state) and will give this venue exclusive rights to Big Easy, lasting 30 years. Harrah’s, owned by giant, Caesars Entertainment, will invest $350 million to build a luxury hotel with over 300 rooms that will have a nightclub, spa and a restaurant from celebrity chef, Gordon Ramsey. This will all result in Harrah’s paying the state $7 million a year more than before.

Senator Johns dismissed the criticisms, coming mostly from the conservative and religious circles, that these measures will lead to uncontrolled gambling in Louisiana. He says these bills will allow the casinos in the state to step into modern times: “it doesn’t create any new licenses, it doesn’t allow for internet gaming or any other forms of gaming such as sports betting, Anyone who says this is going to expand gaming needs to go back and read it. My word is my word.”

Source:

“Casino legislation affecting LC advances”, Beam Jim, americanpress.com, March 21, 2018.