Gaming News

Feds Probing Decisions on Caesars Casino

NEW ORLEANS -- As reported by the Associated Press: ``Contested state Tax Commission decisions that have saved a New Orleans floating casino about $1 million over three years are slated for reviews in the coming weeks.

``The commission, which has since replaced several members, will review the case to determine whether its rulings on Bally's Belle of Orleans were "arbitrary" or "manifestly erroneous," commission Chairwoman Elizabeth Guglielmo said. A specific date for the meeting has not been set.

``Since the commission issued the decisions, which trimmed the Caesars Entertainment Inc. casino's property tax liability by about 70 percent, two of its three members have been replaced by Gov. Kathleen Blanco.

``...Meanwhile, federal prosecutors also have begun a probe into the Bally's case. About two months ago, news reports revealed that state Sen. Francis Heitmeier, D-Algiers, and his cousin Kenny Naquin, who sits on the Tax Commission, had helped shepherd through the tax breaks won by the casino boat..."

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