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Louisiana senate supports casino tax28 May 2008LOUISIANA -- As reported by the Advocate: "The Louisiana Senate on Tuesday agreed that city-parish officials should have more leverage to get the two Baton Rouge riverboat casinos to pay more local taxes. "The Senate voted 27-3 for legislation that would allow the city-parish to assess a tax of up to 6 percent of net monthly gambling revenue, which operators of one casino said would amount to a 140 percent increase over today's rate. "Eight senators did not vote on the legislation sponsored by state Sen. Yvonne Dorsey, D-Baton Rouge and pushed by Mayor-President Kip Holden. "...Holden said the riverboat casinos are not paying their fair share for police, fire and other services. But the casinos would benefit from riverfront development plans. "...Today, the parish collects a $2.50-per-passenger boarding fee from the boats. "Under a law passed last year, riverboat owners and city-parish officials could negotiate a contract based on net gambling proceeds instead of boarding fees. The rate could not exceed 4.5 percent of the proceeds. "...Holden said Pinnacle Entertainment, which won voter approval to locate a riverboat casino down River Road from LSU, already agreed to pay a 4.5 percent of net monthly gambling revenue..." |