Louisiana casino developer assists in Hurricane Ida relief effort

A casino developer hoping to build a $325m resort in Slidell has stepped in to assist Louisiana in its relief efforts following Hurricane Ida.

US.- Volunteers from Peninsula Pacific Entertainment (P2E) chipped in by handing out meals at two relief sites in St. Tammany Parish following the destruction wrought by Hurricane Ida.

California-based P2E operates casinos in New York and Iowa, plus gaming parlours in Virginia. It’s currently seeking to relocate its Louisiana gaming licence from Bossier City to Slidell.

If a simple majority of St. Tammany Parish voters back the move on the ballot, P2E will be cleared to move forward with the plan. However, there are critics against allowing a gambling establishment to come to the area.

The company said: “Part of this philosophy involves strengthening communities through our casinos and resorts (e.g., jobs created, taxes paid, etc.), yet also inspiring others to give back.

“In short, with more than 3,300 employees at our properties nationwide, we believe it is our responsibility to be good citizens and add value to the many communities in which we operate.”

Hurricane Ida is the sixth-most destructive Atlantic hurricane on record, causing estimated at $50bn. The category 4 hurricane has caused 71 deaths, including 14 in Louisiana.