New Rules Drafted to Help Harrah's New Orleans Casino Reopen
16 December 2005
Over four months have passed since Louisiana's Gulf Coast casinos were destroyed by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and many casino resorts are still trying to get back on their feet. All of Harrah's Gulf Coast casino properties are still closed, but are planning for a big comeback in February, 2006, just before the annual Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans. Harrah's New Orleans will likely open in February, albeit with only half of the employees that it had before the hurricanes, thanks to a plan approved by the state's gaming regulation board.
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board has approved an initiative to allow Harrah's New Orleans to open with lower requirements concerning the number of employees and payroll amount. The casino will be expected to, with time, achieve higher standards in both areas. This plan still requires the approval of the Joint Legislative Committee, which will meet today on the subject.
Before the hurricanes, Harrah's was subject to standards requiring that 2,400 employees be employed at the casino. This rule has caused a delay in the reopening of the New Orleans casino, as it has been difficult to contact all of its former employees.
The attorney general's office drafted these new rules to help Harrah's overcome these difficulties. The casino company has agreed to employ at least 1,800 employees and a minimum biweekly payroll of $1.3 million. As part of this agreement to change employment requirements, the state has requested that Harrah's make its minimum daily tax payments to the state, no matter how much money the casino makes. Harrah's has been paying the state $5 million a month since the hurricanes.
Source: Authorized Online Casinos News Staff
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