Series on Gambling Continues

As most of you know, I vigorously oppose gambling in all forms; it's a bad deal for Louisiana. Here's more reasons why from 2theadvocate.com

Marsha Shuler went to the ethics board (now completely vacant under Governor Jindal) to survey the 2007 income that legislators, their spouses and businesses received from government entities and the gambling industry. Here is a little of what she found.

Forty-four out of 104 current Louisiana House members reported government or gambling-related income by either themselves, their spouses or their businesses in 2007 as did 19 of 38 current Louisiana Senate members.

I am, of course, most interested in the money from gambling, so here goes. Rep. Ernest Wooten, R-Belle Chasse, the chair of the Louisiana House committee with oversight over gambling laws, received $16,000 from Redman Gaming of Louisiana LLC, a video poker business. The husband of state Senator "Queen" Ann Duplessis, received $43,500 from Churchill Downs Horse Racing Company. Rep. Willie Mount, D-Lake Charles, a lawyer, received $3,573 from Redman Gaming of Louisiana LLC. Rep. Ricky Templet, R-Gretna received $9,197 from Metro Gaming & Amusement Company. Rep. Jerry Gisclair, D-Larose, received $65,000 in radio station income from gambling interests. Rep. Gordon Dove, R-Houma, reported that a restaurant in which he is part owner receive $23,328 from B & L Amusements Company, related to video poker operations. My Texas Instruments calculator says that's $160,598 from gambling to legislators.

The Secretary of State's Office reports that Metro Gaming and Amusement is at 1800 Lafayette St., Gretna, 70053. President is Beuregard H. Miller, Jr., 77 Derbes Drive, the Vice-President is Arthur S. Lawson, Jr., 20 Derbes Drive, and the Secretary/Treasurer is Manuel J. Licciardi, 237 Fairfield Dr., all of Gretna. [It also reports on a Metro Gaming Investments, L.L.C. of 1800 Lafayette St. Gretna, LA 70053. Members are Manuel J. Licciardi, Arthur S. Lawson, Jr., and Beauregard H. Miller, Jr.]

Churchill Downs Louisians Horseracing Company, L.L.C. is located at C/O C T Corporation System, 8550 United Plaza Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70809. Managers are Robert L. Evans, Steven P Sexton, and Randall E Soth all of 700 Central Avenue, Louisville, KY 40208

Finally, Redman Gaming of Louisiana, L.L.C. is located at C/O Frank J. Relan, 2424 Marietta Street, Kenner, LA 70062. managers are James P. Koehler, Frank J. Relan, and Bennie F. Relan all of 2424 Marietta Street, Kenner, LA 70062

There is no listing for B&L Amusement Co.

As you can read, gambling is an equal opportunity employer, republicans and democrats alike.