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Louisiana Gaming Control Board renews Sam's Town riverboat license for five years
Summary
The board approved a five-year renewal of Red River Entertainment of Shreveport LLC's riverboat gaming license at Sam's Town Hotel and Casino, following a financial and suitability review by state auditors and law enforcement.
At a public meeting on Jan. 16, 2025, the Louisiana Gaming Control Board voted to renew the riverboat casino license for Red River Entertainment of Shreveport LLC, doing business as Sam's Town Hotel and Casino, for a five-year term beginning March 8, 2025.
Assistant Attorney General Quintel Jackson presented the matter and said the division reviewed the licensee's financials and conducted a suitability investigation of the licensee, its parent companies and principals. Lisa Houtoured of the Louisiana State Police Gaming Audit Section told the board Sam's Town has generated approximately $3.4 billion in gaming revenues since 1994 and paid $701.3 million in state gaming fees; over the past five years the property produced about $196.6 million in adjusted gross revenue and invested about $16.7 million in property enhancements.
Criminal Investigator Rodney Perkins of the Gaming Enforcement Division described the background investigation that included federal, state and local inquiries and said the investigation found no information that would preclude renewal of the license. Representatives of Boyd Gaming — Janet Boles (Boyd representative) and Vincent Schwartz (senior regional vice president) — addressed the board and confirmed the property's performance and investments and noted workforce and future plans.
A motion to adopt the renewal resolution was made by Mr. Jackson and seconded by Ms. Lewis. Board secretary Landry read the resolution renewing the riverboat casino license for a five-year term commencing March 8, 2025, "subject to all conditions previously placed on the license." The roll call vote recorded unanimous approval from board members present and the chair signed the resolution.
During the discussion board members asked about employee pay at the property; Boyd representatives said some tipped positions start below $15 per hour but that the average for tipped employees is "upwards of $18 an hour." No financial or criminal suitability issues were reported by state investigators that would block the renewal.
