Lawmakers advance Slidell casino proposal
A proposal that could lead to a new casino in St. Tammany Parish was advanced Wednesday by Louisiana lawmakers.
House Bill 702 calls for a referendum in the parish for voters to decide whether one of the state’s casino licenses can be moved from Bossier City to just outside Slidell. License holder Pacific Peninsula Entertainment closed DiamondJacks Casino in Bossier City last year.
Louisiana allows 15 licenses for river-adjacent casinos. An additional land-based casino operates in New Orleans.
“We can’t just allow this license to sit there in limbo,” said Sen. Ronnie Johns, R-Lake Charles, who also noted letting the parish vote to permit a casino is consistent with historic practice.
Louisiana Sen. Gary Smith is seen. The state lawmaker’s wife is causing some concern regarding potentially allowing a casino license to move to Slidell. (Image:
The Center Square)
The Senate Judiciary B Committee this week voted 4-3 in favor of House Bill 702. If the statute passes the Louisiana Legislature, parish voters in October would rule whether to end a prohibition on commercial gambling that has stood in St. Tammany since 1991.
Peninsula Pacific Entertainment (P2E) wants to relocate its casino license from Bossier City to Slidell. The Los Angeles-based casino operator permanently closed its DiamondJacks Casino amid the pandemic.
The Louisiana House has passed a bill that would allow voters in St. Tammany Parish to decide whether they wish to authorize commercial gambling.
Louisiana House representatives discuss legislative matters on the chamber’s opening day last month. This week, the lower chamber passed a bill that would allow voters in St. Tammany Parish to consider ending the longtime ban on commercial gambling. (Image:
Associated Press)
After stalling on Wednesday, House lawmakers yesterday voted 63-28 in favor of House Bill 702. Introduced by Rep. Mary DuBuisson (R-Slidell), the legislation would place a ballot referendum question before local residents during the next election. It would ask if they think the prohibition on commercial gaming in the parish should be lifted.
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