State lawmakers Wednesday again delayed approval of a $3.6 million casino support services contract for New Orleans, while they await estimates on whether the city’s new smoking ban will cause the state to lose money.
The prohibition against smoking in bars and gambling halls takes effect in late April. The Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget said it will consider the contract in May, when they have received more research on the possible state revenue losses.
Louisiana collects fees from the Harrah’s casino, a horse racing track and video-poker halls in New Orleans. If revenue at the gambling locations falls, the state also will collect less.
The Louisiana State Police estimated the state could lose $17.4 million over two years because of the smoking ban. But lawmakers questioned that estimate, saying some gamblers could move to casinos in other neighboring parishes.
The annual contract would authorize the state to pay New Orleans for police, fire and sanitation services at Harrah’s casino for the fiscal year that begins July 1. The money also would have to be included in the state budget before the city could collect the payment.
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Online:
Louisiana Legislature: www.legis.la.gov
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.
