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Delta Downs Casino License Ruled Invalid22 November 2001LOUISIANA – Nov. 22, 2001 – As reported by the Thoroughbred Times: "The slot machine gaming license for Delta Downs that was issued to Boyd Gaming, Inc. was declared invalid on November 20 by a state district court in Baton Rouge after the court granted a petition filed by Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. concerning the procedures involved in the licensing. "…The ruling stated that the track's former owner, Shawn Scott, must undergo a suitability check before the license could be granted, since he will be paid based on the performance of a casino at the track. Both Boyd Gaming and the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, which issued the license, will seek to have the decision overturned, and Boyd Gaming will also request an expedited trial on the merits. "…Opposition for Delta Downs' plans came from several casino companies with business in Louisiana, including the Isle of Capri Casino Inc., St. Charles Gaming Co., and the City of West Lake, Louisiana. The opposition contended that during a local election in 1999, the public was told the operation would be smaller—about 500 machines. "The proposition to allow slots at the track—which was passed by a narrow margin—did not limit the number of slot machines that could be operated by Delta Downs. "Delta was purchased in May by Boyd Gaming for a reported $125-million. Purses for the current meeting were originally announced to be $150,000 per day, but were dropped to $35,000 per day because of uncertainty surrounding the future of slot machines at the track. The purses were again boosted to $85,000 per day after the license was granted, but Stillwell said the track does not intend to reduce purses based on the court's ruling…" |