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Louisiana Lawmakers Oppose Casino Fee Increases

LOUISIANA – As reported by the (Louisiana) Advocate: "The biggest threat to Sen. Cleo Fields' bid to raise boarding fees for the two Baton Rouge riverboat casinos isn't coming from the boats but from a fellow Baton Rouge lawmaker.

"Senate Bill 739 by Fields, D-Baton Rouge, would allow the Metro Council to raise boarding fees at the Baton Rouge boats from the $2.50 to $3 for each gambler who goes on the boats.

"The revenues from the proposed 50-cent boarding fee increase would go to help build a new charity hospital for the Baton Rouge area or to rebuild the existing one.

"The boarding fees collected from the Baton Rouge boats generated about $7 million last year, so Fields' proposed 50-cent increase would raise an additional $1.4 million a year for the hospital.

"…The boarding fees are paid by casino operators, who claim they can't afford an increase.

"But Fields said he's more concerned about the opposition from other Baton Rouge lawmakers.

"…Sen. Jay Dardenne, R-Baton Rouge, said he opposes Fields' bill for several reasons and doesn't plan to change his mind.

"A staunch gambling opponent, Dardenne said he doesn't like using gambling revenues for projects such as a new charity hospital. Those revenues for long-term commitments could get the state hooked on gambling, he said…"

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