Louisiana’s largest casino, Coushatta Casino Resort in Kinder, La, has agreed with the International Game Technology for its IGT PlaySports technology. IGT confirmed that once the practice comes to fruition to its customers, the company will power the casino’s sports betting.
The Chairman of the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, Jonathan Cernek, expressed his joy in a news release saying, “We are very excited to be one of the first Casinos in Louisiana to secure sports betting agreement, allowing us to offer our patrons new types of gaming experiences backed by IGT’s reliable sports betting solution.” Cernek added that the IGT’s bundled solution of its leading sports betting platform and high-tech products are effective for Louisiana casinos to quickly deploy exceptional and localized sports betting program.”
At the moment, Coushatta Casino Resort offers more than 2,000 slots and more than 65 table games, live soccer included. IGT will add Live Bingo and off-track betting. IGT’s move in the region seeks to boost its leadership position in the U.S.
IGT vice-president Enrico Drago, in the release, said that “Coushatta Casino Resort is Louisiana’s largest casino resort and represents another significant milestone for IGT as we continue to drive our U.S. sports betting momentum.” Drago confirmed that IGT had put all necessary plans and proper research to help the casino develop the best-in-class betting program. IGT offers world-class proven technology and services, which have led to the profitability and growth of its patrons globally.
Louisiana Passed a Bill Legalizing Sports Betting
This betting move comes in perfect timing after an impending legalization launch. The state recently voted on sports betting legalization, and the motion won with a landslide, with 55 of the 64 parishes in Louisiana approving it on the ballot. The bills to legalize the activity were then signed on 22nd June by the state’s governor, John Bel.
A delay in the sports betting launch is inevitable following a search for a regulatory chief for the gambling oversight. The Bayou State is enacting sports betting rules and regulations before the launch happens. Analysts at Louisiana are optimistic that Louisiana will exploit the opportunity at hand and generate the desired $2.5 billion in annual sports wagers.
Possible Delay in Louisiana Sports Betting Launch
The sports betting launch cannot happen without the gambling regulatory chief. Louisiana State Senate president Page Cortez said in an interview with the USA Today Network, “it’s a little bit of hiccup.” Cortez was a sponsor of essential sports betting legislation in the state. Coushatta Casino Resort is in high hopes that the launch is done before the 2021 NFL season.
In a story by Lafayette Daily Advertiser, Cortez said, “We don’t have a Gaming Control Board Chair, and until then, the board can’t promulgate the rules.” The delay is due to the previous board chairperson, Mike Noel, resignation on 9th June. Noel preferred resignation than facing a senate confirmation hearing on claims of works with the state police. The story also confirmed Sen. Ronnie Johns is one of the candidates believed to be contesting the chairmanship job.
Louisiana Gaming
Louisiana has five tribal casinos with an annual economic impact of $1.22 billion, as the American Gaming Association reported. The state has one land-based casino, 13 commercial riverboat casinos, and four racinos offering slots at a race track. The state as well prides itself in hundreds of video gaming outlets in different locations in Louisiana.
According to the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, Louisiana state commercial casinos made $305. Million in revenue for May 2021. 2020 was a hard time for the casinos due to two crisis points; the hurricane damage in late summer and the COVID pandemic, whose effect is still felt to date.
Last Updated on by Andrew
