Gaming board approves certificates, a membership transfer and a string of settlements totaling thousands in civil penalties
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
The board issued annual certificates of compliance to Valley Shreveport and Live Casino, approved a 49% membership transfer for Bonus Casino and approved seven proposed settlements with civil penalties ranging from $750 to $9,250 for licensees including Whispering Pines and Pablo's Cantina.
At its Feb. 26 meeting the Louisiana Gaming Control Board approved multiple operational actions: issuance of an annual certificate of compliance for Valley Shreveport Casino through Dec. 31, 2026; issuance of Live Casino’s certificate through Feb. 28, 2027 after a state fire marshal inspection; and approval of a 49 percent membership‑interest transfer for Bonus Casino LLC (a truck‑stop licensee in Webster Parish).
State and contracted inspectors reported that most life‑safety deficiencies at Valley Shreveport were remedied after reinspections and that Live Casino had no issues noted by the State Fire Marshal. AVS representative John Francik recommended issuance of Valley’s certificate following successful generator testing and reinspections.
The board also approved a series of settlements the attorney general’s office presented resolving late filing, reporting or ownership‑notification violations. Select settlements included:
• American Amusements LLC — civil penalty $1,500 for late submission of 2025 annual forms and fees.
• McKinley's Pub LLC — civil penalty $2,500 for operating without a valid Louisiana Alcohol and Tobacco Control permit for a period in 2025.
• Whispering Pines Plaza and Casino LLC — civil penalty $9,250 for failing to notify the division of a 2019 ownership transfer and related reporting failures.
• Miss Mamie's Raine Casino — civil penalty $1,000 for an inspection‑related identification issue by an on‑duty security officer (division verified certification was current despite an expired ID card at inspection time).
• Pablo’s Cantina LLC — civil penalty $1,500 for late submission of the 2025 annual licensee form and fees.
• Clear Tavern and Sports Bar (Gas Station Bar LLC) — civil penalty $5,000 for failures to timely notify the division of multiple ownership changes; current ownership clarified in the settlement.
• Witches Golden Lantern LLC (The Golden Lantern) — civil penalty $750 for late 2025 annual submissions.
Board members voted to approve each settlement by motion or voice vote after AG staff presented the terms and answered questions.
What happened next: motions to grant certificates and to approve the Bonus Casino transfer carried on voice votes or by roll call where recorded. The settlements were signed by hearing officers and finalized by board approval.