The Senate passed a bill 22-14 that would allow riverboat casinos to expand their operations on land. Louisiana is the only state that requires floating gambling halls to keep all gaming operations on water. Franklin Senator Bret Allain says he can’t support the legislation, because it is an expansion of gaming.
But Metairie Senator Danny Martiny says the bill allows the riverboats to invest more into their properties, which will bring more tax dollars to the state.
Martiny says, "We've got an industry that's providing us with income. Everybody that's against it doesn't shy away from coming to appropriations and asking for some of that money."
Opponets argue that an expansion of gaming would lead to more gambling addiction, but the Metairie Republican says gamblers will find a way to get their fix whether we legislate against it or not.
Martiny says, "All you have to do right now is go in your office, get online, and gamble all you want." Martiny says that Louisiana doesn't benefit from this at all.
The bill moves to the House.