Louisiana Committee Again Passes Slidell Casino Bill, but There’s New Controversy

The Louisiana Senate Judiciary Committee has, for a second time, backed legislation that would allow voters in St. Tammany Parish to decide if they want to legalize commercial gambling. 

Louisiana Sen. Gary Smith is seen. The state lawmaker s wife is causing some concern regarding potentially allowing a casino license to move to Slidell. (Image: The Center Square)

The Senate Judiciary B Committee this week voted 4-3 in favor of House Bill 702. If the statute passes the Louisiana Legislature, parish voters in October would rule whether to end a prohibition on commercial gambling that has stood in St. Tammany since 1991. 

Peninsula Pacific Entertainment (P2E) wants to relocate its casino license from Bossier City to Slidell. The Los Angeles-based casino operator permanently closed its DiamondJacks Casino amid the pandemic.

P2E finds Slidell a more desirable gaming market but to open their arms to a casino. If the potential referendum would pass, P2E says it would build a more than $250 million resort at the Lakeshore Marina, adjacent to the Blind Tiger restaurant.

Committee Chair Controversy

Opponents to bringing a casino to Slidell voiced concerns regarding Sen. Gary Smith (D-Norco) chairing the Judiciary B Committee. Smith s wife, Katherine, is part of a lobbying effort in the Baton Rouge capital working on behalf of P2E. 

I m very concerned with your wife s connection with the casino people, said Pear River resident Lisa Clayton. I find it an ethical consideration. Many of us are concerned about your voting on this and your impartiality.

With the Judiciary B Committee vote 3-3, Smith cast the tie-breaking vote to pass HB 702. The longtime state politician defended his vote to Clayton.

My wife was a lobbyist long before I met her, Smith explained. I ve been voting on gaming issues for the last 20 years, which well exceeds our time together. 

I ve been a consistent vote for those 20 years on that. She has a separate career that is separate from me. We keep it professional, he added.

Sen. Ronnie Johns (R-Lake Charles) also defended Smith. 

The fact that he was questioned about his wife s profession is very offensive, Johns opined. If he had been against gaming throughout the process and changed his course of action in the committee hearing a few weeks ago, I d say something s changed. Nothing s changed. He s been very consistent.

Better Luck Second Time Around

Smith s wife s lobbying for the gaming license relocation was only revealed after the Senate Judiciary B Committee first voted on a St. Tammany Parish casino bill. The controversy subsequently (Senate Bill 213) in the Senate Finance Committee.

HB 702, nearly identical to SB 213, was introduced to force the Senate Judiciary B Committee to review the casino issue under more transparency and full disclosure. HB 702 now moves to the Senate Finance Committee, where it is expected to receive a vote. 

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) has issued his support for relocating P2E s casino license from Bossier City to Slidell.

It s an ideal spot, the governor said. A lot of people are going to Mississippi [to gamble].