Provides for a referendum election in Tangipahoa Parish regarding riverboat gaming. (gov sig)
The passage of SB417 would result in the addition of a section of the Tangipahoa River as a designated waterway for riverboat gaming, while maintaining the current regulatory framework that governs such activities. Importantly, the bill does not increase the total number of riverboat gaming licenses but facilitates relocation under specific voter-approved conditions. This addition could potentially enhance local economic activity through increased tourism and gaming revenues.
SB417 is a bill proposed in the 2018 Regular Session aimed at regulating riverboat gaming operations in Tangipahoa Parish. The bill primarily calls for a referendum election to be held on November 6, 2018, where voters will decide whether the Louisiana Riverboat Gaming Partnership can relocate its operations to a dock on the Tangipahoa River. The bill outlines that the new gaming operations must comply with existing regulations and require prior approval from the Louisiana Gaming Control Board.
Reactions to the bill have been mixed. Supporters argue that allowing relocation of gaming facilities may drive economic growth and job creation within the parish. Conversely, there are concerns regarding the implications of expanding gaming operations and potential impacts on community values and social issues. The tension between enhancing local economic opportunities and concerns about gambling's social impact is a notable theme in discussions surrounding the bill.
The primary contention around SB417 revolves around the balance of economic development versus local community concerns. Critics may worry that expanded riverboat gaming could lead to adverse effects such as increased gambling addiction or a shift in community character. The requirement for a referendum empowers the local electorate to weigh in on these issues directly, ensuring that any changes reflect the community's will, but also introduces the complexity of public sentiment in future discussions on further gaming expansion.