Cordish Companies, currently developing a $270M casino in Bossier City, Louisiana, voiced opposition to iGaming expansion during a recent Louisiana State Senate hearing, contrasting with most other industry stakeholders.

The joint hearing of the Senate Judiciary B and Revenue and Fiscal committees gathered to discuss potential online casino authorization in Louisiana. Representatives from Boyd Gaming, Caesars Entertainment, and Light & Wonder supported iGaming expansion, arguing it complements physical casinos and attracts new demographics.

Cordish's representatives, including general counsel Mark Stewart and Louisiana GM John Chaszar, warned that online gambling could:

• Reduce foot traffic to physical casinos
• Decrease retail casino revenue
• Lead to job losses
• Increase problem gambling risks

This stance notably contradicts Cordish's own operations, as they currently conduct online casino games in Pennsylvania where they operate two Live! Casino locations.

Industry advocates, including the Sports Betting Alliance (representing DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Fanatics) and iDEA (representing multiple operators), presented evidence of iGaming's success in other states. Brandt Iden of Fanatics highlighted how online gaming has exceeded projections in Michigan, benefiting both commercial and tribal casinos.

The hearing took place during the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States' 2024 Winter Meeting at Caesars New Orleans, as Louisiana considers joining seven other states in legalizing online casino gambling. Cordish's Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana is scheduled to open in early 2025.

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