Louisiana to boost casino industry
Louisiana’s 15 riverboat casinos could turn into land-based gambling venues after a legislative task force recommended it to boost the market.
US.- Louisiana currently has 15 licensed riverboat casinos but could soon have none as, last Tuesday, a legislative task force recommended to turn them into land-based venues. The move would allegedly boost the industry, according to the Riverboat Economic Development and Gaming Task Force.
Senator Ronnie Jones advanced he’ll get many bills drafted following recommendations and will sponsor them once the legislative session begins on March 12. “There will be some opposition but the Legislature as a whole realises the impact this industry has on our state’s budget,” he said.
Jones highlighted the US$906 million the state received from gambling but highlighted the need for updates in Louisiana laws. That’s why the Riverboat Economic Development and Gaming Task Force recommended legislation that would allow riverboat casinos to operate on land within 1,200 feet of their berth over water.
Furthermore, casinos would have to introduce an investment plan in the property to regulators. Moreover, casino floors are set to change their capacity from a square foot maximum to a “gaming position” measurement, which considers machines, craps tables or other games’ seats.
Despite making recommendations on the casino industry, the task force decided not to join the nationwide trend and dodged the sports betting topic.
