Casino proposal rejected by St Tammany Parish voters
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Peninsula Pacific Entertainment's proposal to build a casino in St Tammany Parish, Louisiana was rejected by voters. The company was hoping to transfer the license for its DiamondJacks Casino Hotel in Bossier City to a new facility near the coastal community of Slidell.
Peninsula Pacific Entertainment needed to gain consent from the local population by means of a special referendum. The operator went on a charm offensive to convince the electorate that its project for a poorly served market would result in economic regeneration.
St Tammany Parish voters rejected the casino referendum on Saturday by a 26-point margin. Turnout was higher than expected with 59,695 votes being cast.
St Tammany Parish voters rejected a casino proposal in 1996. Peninsula Pacific Entertainment had filed two lawsuits to block the referendum. Two local critics submitted a petition to the Louisiana Gaming Board in July.
Local pastor John Raymond led the anti-casino campaign and he is 'elated' with the result of the referendum. He praised local businesses who had come out against the proposed Slidell casino.
