Published on: December 12, 2024, 10:05 AM.
Last updated on: December 12, 2024, 10:17 AM.
The Cordish Companies stood against iGaming support during a recent hearing in the Louisiana State Senate in Baton Rouge.
The National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) held its 2024 Winter Meeting in Louisiana at Caesars New Orleans. State lawmakers discussed the possibility of legalizing online casino gambling, with most industry stakeholders and lawmakers supporting the idea.
Representatives from various casinos expressed their support for iGaming at the December 11 hearing, highlighting the benefits of online play alongside physical casinos.
While Boyd Gaming, Caesars Entertainment, and Light & Wonder favored iGaming, Cordish, not yet operational in Louisiana, opposed it.
Cordish Challenge
Cordish is finalizing its $270M Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana development, set to open in Bossier City in early 2025. Despite running online casinos in Pennsylvania, Cordish argued against iGaming in Louisiana, citing potential negative impacts on traditional casinos and employment.
iGaming could lead to reduced foot traffic, revenue, and reinvestment in casinos, ultimately affecting job security, as per Cordish.
iGaming Counterargument
Pro-iGaming advocates from various trade groups like the Sports Betting Alliance and iDevelopment Economic Association presented their case, emphasizing the positive impact of iGaming on commercial and tribal casinos in other states.
The success of iGaming in Detroit and tribal resorts has been lauded, contradicting Cordish’s stance against online gambling.
John Pappas of iDEA criticized Cordish for its opposition, pointing out the company’s online casino operations in other states despite its reservations in Louisiana.