RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 362 (HB 702) 2021 Regular Session DuBuisson
Existing law prohibits riverboat gaming activities from being conducted upon a riverboat
berthed or docked at a facility on that portion of Lake Pontchartrain or any waterway
connected thereto located within St. Tammany Parish.
New law adds an exception to existing law to provide that if both the La. Gaming Control
Board approves and a majority of the electors in St. Tammany Parish vote to approve a ballot
proposition authorizing such, riverboat gaming may be conducted in accordance with the La.
Riverboat Economic Development and Gaming Control Act on that portion of Lake
Pontchartrain or any waterway connected thereto located in St. Tammany Parish at the
location specified in the ballot proposition.
New law calls a referendum election in St. Tammany Parish to be held at the election
scheduled for Oct. 9, 2021, or on a succeeding appropriate date selected by the parish
governing authority.
New law specifies the ballot wording for the proposition.
New law provides that if the board approves the new berth or docking facility and a majority
of the voters vote in favor of the proposition, the licensee may relocate operations to the
approved berth or docking facility in St. Tammany Parish on that portion of Lake
Pontchartrain, specifically the waterways that are a part of the Lakeshore Marina located
south and east of Interstate 10, Exit 261.
New law provides that the licensee shall remain subject to the regulatory authority of the
board and existing law.
New law requires the election to be conducted pursuant to the La. Election Code, including
the provisions providing for the responsibility of the parish governing authority to provide
notice to the public.
Existing law authorizes the conducting of gaming activities on a riverboat while on
designated rivers or waterways.
New law adds the portion of Lake Pontchartrain, specifically the waterways that are a part
of the Lakeshore Marina located south and east of Interstate 10, Exit 261 in St. Tammany
Parish to the designated rivers and waterways upon which gaming activities may be
conducted and otherwise retains existing law.
Existing law provides that the addition of a designated river or waterway is contingent upon
approval of the voters in a referendum election held in any parish which borders the new
river's or waterway's banks.
New law provides that economic support for drainage and recreation projects and a revenue
share of up to five percent of monthly gaming proceeds may serve as an admission fee.
New law provides that new law shall not be construed to increase the number of riverboat
gaming licenses or to limit the authority of the La. Gaming Control Board.
Effective upon signature of governor (June 15, 2021).
(Amends R.S. 18:1300.21(I) and R.S. 27:43(B)(1) and 93(A)(1); Adds R.S. 18:1300.25)