Louisiana's riverboat casinos are heading ashore under new gambling law
Several Louisiana riverboat casinos are preparing to leave the water and relocate onshore. The move follows a new law allowing gambling venues to operate within 1,200 feet of their original berths. At least three casinos, including the Belle of Baton Rouge and Treasure Chest in Kenner, have already announced plans to transition. Louisiana lawmakers approved the bill earlier this year, aiming to help riverboats compete with Mississippi’s casinos. The new rules remove a 30,000-square-foot cap on gaming space, letting each venue expand to 2,365 gaming positions. Governor John Bel Edwards later signed the legislation into law.
The change comes as Louisiana’s riverboats face higher taxes on complimentary offerings like free meals and hotel rooms. These costs put them at a disadvantage compared to Mississippi’s casinos, where such perks are taxed differently. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board will now assess each relocation request, requiring capital investments from operators before approval. Despite the shift for riverboats, sports betting remains unregulated in Louisiana. The state legislature adjourned in late June without passing a law to oversee it. As a result, gamblers seeking to place sports bets will still need to cross into Mississippi, where the activity is already legal and regulated.
The new law allows riverboats to move onshore while expanding their gaming floors. Operators like the Belle of Baton Rouge and Treasure Chest must now meet investment requirements before relocating. Meanwhile, sports betting in Louisiana remains on hold, leaving gamblers with limited options.
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