Gaming board approves multiple five-year license renewals, a hotel rebrand and several settlements

The Louisiana Gaming Control Board on March 20 approved multiple licensing and enforcement items, including five-year renewals for Treasure Chest Casino and Fairgrounds Race Course and Slots, a one-year contract for the board’s hearing officer, a petition to rebrand the Belle of Baton Rouge hotel and a set of settlements and license transfers.

Why it matters: The board’s actions preserve operating certainty for two long-standing Louisiana gaming facilities, authorized a short-term hearing‑officer contract needed for administrative proceedings, and approved a rebrand and transfer actions that affect local employers and tax streams in Kenner, New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

The board first adopted a one‑year contract for the board’s administrative hearing officer, retired Judge Susan S. Ponder, effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. The staff memo showed the contract will not exceed $25,000 and sets out payment terms; legal counsel advised the contract meets statutory requirements under “Louisiana revised statute 27 25.” The motion was moved by Mr. Jackson and seconded by Miss Lewis; the roll call recorded all members present voting yes and the resolution carried.

Two five‑year license renewals were approved. Treasure Chest Casino LLC (doing business as Treasure Chest Casino, Kenner) received a five‑year renewal commencing May 18, 2025. Division auditors reported Treasure Chest has generated approximately $3.3 billion in gaming revenues since 1994 and paid $678 million in state gaming fees; the licensee invested about $128.6 million in property enhancements over recent years and reported plans for further improvements. Louisiana State Police suitability investigators reported no information that would preclude renewal. The motion passed on roll call with the members present voting yes.

Churchill Downs…