Cordish Companies expressed opposition to iGaming legislation during a Louisiana State Senate hearing, despite operating online casino games in Pennsylvania. The company is preparing to open its $270M Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana in Bossier City in early 2025.

During the joint hearing of Senate Judiciary B and Revenue and Fiscal committees, most casino operators supported iGaming expansion, including Boyd Gaming, Caesars Entertainment, and Light & Wonder. They argued that online gambling complements physical casinos and attracts new demographics.

However, Cordish representatives took a contrary position. Mark Stewart, Cordish's general counsel, and John Chaszar, Live! Louisiana's general manager, warned that online gambling could:

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

Supporting testimony came from industry groups including:

• Sports Betting Alliance (representing DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Fanatics)
• iDevelopment Economic Association (iDEA)

Brandt Iden of Fanatics highlighted iGaming's success in Michigan, where it has exceeded projections while benefiting both commercial and tribal casinos. John Pappas of iDEA questioned Cordish's stance, noting their existing online casino operations in Pennsylvania.

The hearing was part of the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States' 2024 Winter Meeting, held at Caesars New Orleans. Louisiana is considering joining seven other states in legalizing online casino gambling.

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