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Louisiana Casinos Delay Reopening Due To Phase 1 Requirements

Courtesy: Chuck Smith / Red River Radio News
Credit Courtesy: Chuck Smith / Red River Radio News
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Courtesy: Chuck Smith / Red River Radio News

GAMING INDUSTRY DELAY-   A big part of Louisiana’s economy includes the gaming industry, as there are 20 casinos and 199 truck stop video facilities that generate $700 million in annual state taxes.  The gaming business also employs a lot of people both directly and indirectly so there’s a lot at stake at having these businesses reopen  even  if partially as outlined in Governor John Bel Edwards  Phase One Coronavirus guidelines.

Casinos and other gaming operations are allowed to reopen Friday but according to the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, operators   have opted to reopen  Monday  because  of confusion  about the new coronavirus guidelines as they have to adhere to such things as allowing no more than 25% customer capacity and that means just 25% gaming positions open too.  According to the Monroe News Star--  the delay in reopening will allow the State Police and Gaming Control Board to review and approve the new rules and regulations.  But even if all goes as planned,  some smaller operators may choose to remain closed as they may actually lose more money trying to meet the new guidelines with fewer customers.

Although Governor John Bel Edwards Phase 1 Covid-19 Guidelines allow Louisiana casinos and video poker parlors to reopen this Friday, May 15th -- the Louisiana gaming industry is delaying reopening until Monday, May 18th.

Copyright 2020 Red River Radio

Chuck Smith brings more than 30 years' experience to Red River Radio having started out as a radio news reporter and moving into television journalism as a newsmagazine producer / host, talk-show moderator, programming director and managing producer and news director / anchor for commercial, public broadcasting and educational television. He has more recently worked in advertising, marketing and public relations as a writer, video producer and media consultant. In pursuit of higher learning, Chuck studied Mass Communications at Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia and motion picture / television production at the University of California at Los Angeles. He has also taught writing for television at York Technical College in Rock Hill, South Carolina and video / film production at Centenary College of Louisiana, Shreveport.