Tom Lianza / CC
The House Appropriations Committee rejects a proposal to legalize sports betting, after the bill got swamped with special interest amendments. Video poker, horse breeders, software producers, and others wanted a piece of the gaming pie. The bill’s author, Metairie Senator Danny Martiny questioned whether the additions are in good faith.
“This bill started off very simply, and I want to believe the amendments that were put on here were well intentioned, but if the purpose of what you want to do is to kill the bill, leave it in the same posture.”
The bill originally only called for sports betting at racetracks, riverboat casinos, and Harrah’s Casino in New Orleans, but an amendment was added to allow for the activity at the state’s 2,800 video poker facilities.
Louisiana Casino Association Executive Director Wade Duty initially supported the legislation, but says the proposal got so laden down with pork and new taxes even his industry couldn’t back it anymore…
“We definitely support the concept, and we think it is an amenity that is a necessity to allow Louisiana to maintain any level of competitiveness with adjoining markets, but in it’s present configuration it’s not something that we can support.”
It wasn’t just special business interests who fought the bill. Louisiana Baptist Convention Director for Office of Public Policy Dr. Will Hall spoke in opposition…
“To be blunt, we are created a black hole that is sucking the hope and the promise out of the future for your children and grandchildren and mine. I don’t want to leave them a future without that hope.”
