Board adopts weapons rule amendment and approves two truck-stop video-gaming licenses

At its Jan. 16, 2025 meeting, the Louisiana Gaming Control Board adopted an amendment to the Louisiana Administrative Code concerning weapons in designated gaming areas and approved two Type 5 truck-stop video draw poker license applications.

Assistant Attorney General Catherine Gitz told the board the rulemaking process had followed the statutory notice requirements; the proposed amendment was published in the Louisiana Register, no public comments were received during the comment period, and oversight committees did not call hearings. The board moved to adopt the amendment to LAC 42:329:005 and the motion carried on a voice/roll-call vote (moved by Ms. Lewis, seconded by Mr. Poole).

The board also considered two truck-stop applications under video-gaming rules. The first, Bonus Casino LLC doing business as Bonus Casino for a Type 5 truck-stop license in Webster Parish, was presented by Assistant Attorney General Talibah McIntyre and Master Trooper James Cannon (Louisiana State Police). Cannon reported the site met truck-stop criteria and that suitability investigations revealed no disqualifying information; the board approved the application (moved by Miss Becknell, seconded by Judge Scholes).

The second, Superior Gaming LLC doing business as Pelican Cove Casino for a Type 5 license in St. Landry Parish, was presented similarly; Master Trooper Cannon reported inspections and suitability checks found no issues and the board approved the application (moved by Miss Traylor, seconded by Miss Becknell). Both approvals noted the applicants were not subject to the one-mile-distance restriction because each application followed a qualifying ownership change within 36 months.