Louisiana allows many different types of gaming. Therefore state government agencies must keep a watchful eye over the numerous operations. Due to these choices, the government initially created several gambling regulatory agencies. The types of gaming allowed in Louisiana include:
- Horse racing
- State lottery
- Video poker machines
- Riverboat gambling
- Land-based casinos
In the early 1990’s, the Louisiana government created the Indian Gaming Commission. Shortly after, a law was ratified allowing one land-based casino to open in New Orleans. Since these laws were passed, only one land-based casino has opened for business. Casinos can legally offer most games that can be played for money with the exception of bingo, video bingo, television bingo, raffles, charity games, lottery, pull tabs, dog race wagering and sports books.
Louisiana began with a multitude of gambling regulation agencies. The Gaming Enforcement Division of the Office of State Police (a section of the Riverboat Gaming Commission) controlled video poker and riverboat gaming. The Louisiana Economic Development and Gaming Commission regulated the land-based casinos.
In 1996, the state government revamped the agencies. The Gaming Control Board managed riverboat, video poker, casino and Indian gaming operations. The Governor appoints the nine member board with recommendations from different universities within the state due to the diversity in criteria such as professional, educational and geographic.
One of Louisiana’s gaming attractions is riverboats. Legally, there are only 15 riverboat gaming licenses in the state of Louisiana that exist. The licenses are issued with a five year expiration date and then must be renewed each year thereafter. Also, on each vessel, a maximum of 30,000 square feet can be allocated to gaming. Furthermore, riverboat gambling may only occur on designated waterways throughout the state.
click here to see most Popular PagesThe only land-based casino in Louisiana is located in downtown New Orleans at the Rivergate Convention Center. The single license was awarded to Harrah’s. All card, mechanical, electronic and dice games are permitted with the addition of wagering on horse races.
The single land-based casino must pay 18.5% of gaming revenues or $100 million to the state each year, whichever is greater. There’s a 3.5% license fee of gaming revenue for vessels and a 15% annual franchise fee. Also a $50,000 flat fee, per vessel for the first year and $100,000 per vessel thereafter has been enacted. Many local governments also enforce a $2.50 per person charge on the riverboats.
Due to the number of gaming operations, Louisiana must have a high tax structure with strict gaming rules. Perhaps in the future, the Gaming Commission will vote to allow more than one land-based casino operate within the state boundaries.
