At a recent meeting of Louisiana’s Riverboat Economic Development and Gaming Task Force, state Rep. Ronnie Johns, the group’s chairman, told Caesars Entertainment Public Affairs and Communications Executive Vice President Rich Broome that the state law requiring riverboat casinos to have a working paddlewheel–even though the boats don’t leave their mooring– is “ridiculous.” Johns added, “It’s time to modernize our statutes and our attitude towards your industry.” Broome agreed, noting the task force’s recommendations could offer economic benefits the state and gaming operators.
State Senator Gary Smith noted, “We haven’t looked at these laws in a very long time.” In fact, Johns said, gaming statutes first were passed in the early 1990s, and currently gaming revenue exceeds oil and gas revenue in Louisiana.
Caesar’s Entertainment operates three casinos in Louisiana: Horseshoe Bossier City, Harrah’s Louisiana Downs in Bossier City and Harrah’s New Orleans Casino & Hotel.
Other witnesses urged the task force to support Congress’s actions to legalize and regulate sports betting. Professional sports gambling is illegal but the task force discussed whether fantasy sports is considered sports gambling and therefore violates federal law.
Another Caesar’s representative suggested shortening Louisiana’s horseracing season to help Louisiana Downs in Bossier City and the state better compete with Kentucky and New York.
Johns said the task force won’t finish its work until fall next spring. He stated his goal is to offer a “package of bills” with gaming revisions in the 2018 regular session.
