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Louisiana Casinos Happy with Texas Casino Decision

LOUISIANA – As reported by the Shreveport Times: "There are several reasons why Mesquite, Texas, resident Todd Cangelose would prefer casinos closer to his hometown.

"…Unfortunately for people like Cangelose -- but to the delight of local casino operators -- it'll be 2007 before Texas legislators again consider casinos. Even attempts to expand Texas gambling in smaller ways, such as through electronic bingo or video lottery terminals, have a slim chance of passing before the end of the session Monday.

"…The northwest Louisiana market has been relying more heavily on Texas players, according to an economic impact study released in April. The Shreveport-Bossier City market saw the percentage of out-of-state visitors increase from 44 percent in 1998 to 74 percent in 2004, according to the report. By comparison, Lake Charles riverboats remained steady, with 65 percent of players coming from out of state in 1998 and 63 percent in 2004.

"The threat of expanded gambling in Texas has been present since its lottery was approved in 1991, but a few factors made this year seem different. As more states begin allowing casinos, Texas finally had key state leaders, such as the governor, lieutenant governor and speaker of the house, who didn't reject the idea…"

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