The New Orleans Fair Grounds race track has an off-track betting parlor in walking distance from the Treasure Chest. The Fair Grounds said had no comment on the recommendations. Johns said it's not about expanding gambling in the state, and he said his legislation will require riverboat casinos to build on land facilities that are appropriate and that will aid economic development. Although the casino is moving on water, the Louisiana gambling age of 21 applies. The Louisiana riverboat casinos may be independent or part of a resort program. Those unorthodox gambling locations have existed for centuries and were first created when gambling was not yet legal. Ronnie Johns, R-Lake Charles, said he will sponsor a bill for the upcoming legislative session that would reflect the task force's recommendations. Most casinos in Louisiana are on riverboats of all sizes. We have a limited number of licenses…We don't want them going to build a metal building on land and say, 'Okay, we've lived up to our obligation.' We want to see something substantial come out of it,' said Alario, R-Westwego. 'We need to be careful we're not giving away too much.
But he said he wants to see the fine print of the proposals.
Senate President and dean of the legislature John Alario said he recognizes that casinos like Boomtown are major employers.
