Louisiana riverboat casinos to relocate

The Governor passed the bill that allows the 15 state riverboat casinos to relocate onshore.

US.- Governor John Bel Edwards signed Senate Bill 316 to allow the 15 riverboat casinos from Louisiana to relocate and operate onshore in larger space for gambling. The bill had been approved by the House 54-41 earlier this month.

While riverboat casinos brought the state approximately US$400 million in 2017, it is believed that the new legislation will help modernise and make the state more appealing for casino operators as there is competition from other facilities in neighbouring states. There is currently only one land-based casino in Louisiana, located in New Orleans, and three on tribal lands, which are not regulated by the state.

Kenner Mayor Ben Zahn said that he has discussed the potential of an on-shore casino with Boyd Gaming. “It would change the landscape out here,” Zahn said. “When you have a land-based operation, obviously the footprint increases. When the footprint enlarges, our revenue increases.”