Peninsula Pacific Entertainment is in discussions about potentially moving their riverboat casino license for DiamondJacks, which has been closed since last May, from Bossier City to Slidell.
The company reportedly is interested in constructing a 250 million dollar casino resort on the water. St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper said this should be left to the people.
“I believe St Tammany Parish residents should have the opportunity to vote yes or no to allow the investment by Peninsula pacific of a proposed premium resort with entertainment and gaming,” said Cooper.
The project would require quite a few steps to complete. First St. Tammany voters would have to undo a 1996 referendum blocking casinos and video poker, the Legislature would have to approve putting it on the ballot, and the State Gaming Control Board would also need to give permission.
Cooper said if approved the project could create 1,700 jobs during construction of the 50-acre site, as well as after operations begin.
“We can say it has the potential to benefit all of St. Tammany through increased tax revenue for things like flood protection, infrastructure improvements, and other amenities,” said Cooper.
Next week the Parish Council will propose a resolution in favor of having the Legislature put the issue on the Parish ballot.
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