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.
Senate Judiciary B heard some chippy testimony from the public, including one person who attacked the integrity of the committee’s Chairman during a hearing on House-approved legislation giving St. Tammany residents the right to vote on whether they want a casino to be built on the water outside of Slidell.
Slidell resident Camille Thompson spoke against the bill. She said it’s not fair that people in the Parish outside of Slidell get to vote on this.
“What if somebody wanted to put a toilet in your back yard and they were going to vote on it in the next town over? How would you feel about that?” Thompson asked the committee.
A House committee votes 8-2 in favor of legislation allowing St. Tammany voters the opportunity to decide whether or not they’d like a waterfront casino in Slidell.
St. Tammany Corporation CEO Chris Masingill said they’ve worked out a five percent revenue share agreement with casino owners Pacific Peninsula, who are moving the license from Bossier City.
“This project represents almost eight million in new resources to support additional investment in things like infrastructure, technology, beautification, and coastal restoration projects,” said Masingill who also noted the 250 million dollar project would create 1,900 direct jobs at the facility.
The bill is backed by the St. Tammany Chamber and Northshore Business Council. Business Council CEO Bonnie Eades said local residents deserve a chance to vote on this.
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