Louisiana could grant tax break to Harrah’s casino

Following the approval of HB 137, the state of Louisiana could grant Harrah’s casino a tax break following a major dispute with the gaming operator.

US.- The Louisiana Senate has approved House Bill 137, which could pave the way for a tax deal with the Harrah’s casino in New Orleans.

The operator has been fighting the state over taxes and currently owes about $43m following a Louisiana Supreme Court ruling. However, HB137 sets the casino’s annual tax bill at $1.3m, $300,000 less than before.

Until now, Harrah’s casino was supposed to pay $1.6m a year in state sales, use and occupancy taxes to fund the Louisiana Stadium and Exhibition District and the Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center.

According to Senator Gary Smith, the approval of HB137 “ends the lawsuit.”

Kimberly Robinson, the state secretary of revenue, has said that Gov. John Bel Edwards was pushing the legislation to strike a deal with Harrah’s and end the long-term dispute.

The bill now goes to the House for approval of the Senate’s changes.