Thursday, May 18, 2006

As reported by the Advocate: "Evangeline Downs race track in St. Landry
Parish could become Louisiana's second state-regulated land casino if a bill
headed to the Senate floor becomes law. "The Senate Judiciary B Committee
reported the legislation without action Tuesday. That means the Senate will
have to decide whether to consider expanding the gambling facility near
Opelousas. "Evangeline Downs needs to compete with unregulated Indian
casinos that are in easy driving distance, said the bill's sponsor, Sen. Don
Cravins, D-Opelousas. "Evangeline Downs already bills itself as a casino and
operates slot machines as well as horse race wagering.

"But it cannot offer table games - such as blackjack, craps and roulette -
offered by Indian casinos in Marksville, Kinder and Baldwin. That's putting
Evangeline Downs at a big disadvantage, Cravins said.

"...Cravins wants to change state law to allow the Evangeline Downs
facility, operated by Peninsula Gaming, to offer table games..."