Slidell officials fret over new gambling machine at OTB
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Historical horse racing machines are legal in Louisiana, but not in St. Tammany Parish. Slidell officials are worried about the machines being installed in their city limits. The state Legislature adopted a bill in 2021 that allows up to 50 of them at off-track betting parlors.
Slidell officials are worried about a new gambling machine at OTB. Churchill Downs applied for a permit to do interior construction work some months ago, but the city has not yet approved the plans. Slidell is negotiating a contract with attorney Tom Thornhill to represent the City.
Legislation to allow historical horse racing machines was adopted at the end of the 2021 session. Slidell officials were caught off guard by what they see as a stealth move to expand gambling in a parish that has soundly rejected it. St. Tammany Parish Council member Jake Airey's district includes both the OTB and the Slidella area site of a casino that voters rejected in late 2021.
Slidell officials worry about a new gambling machine at OTB. It's not the first time that the OTb has caused concerns. P2E had agreed to build a sports complex in St. Tammany if voters approved the casino. The deal had a seven-year, non-compete clause.
St. Tammany Parish voters approved off-track betting parlors in November 1987. The parish expected $300,000 in tax revenue from the parlor but got $500,00-600, 000. A provision in the bill that provides no revenue to the state or local governments was a problem for Airey and Borchert. Gene Mills, president of the Louisiana Family Forum, spoke against the measure during the 2021 session.
