The largest casino resort in Louisiana has its sports betting partner.
As one of Louisiana’s first access deals, International Game Technology (IGT) announced it has aligned with Coushatta Casino Resort.
The Kinder property will implement IGT’s PlaySports solution to offer regulated wagering in the Pelican State.
IGT betting on its proven technology
Enrico Drago, IGT PlayDigitial senior vice president, said the company will bring IGT’s “proven technology and services” to Louisiana.
The gaming company will provide its proven PlaySports turnkey solution. Drago expressed confidence that the company will help the casino’s sports betting program be best-in-class, calling the agreement with Coushatta “another significant milestone for IGT.”
Headquartered in London, IGT calls PlaySports the most-used business-to-business platform in the US, once that is live in 16 jurisdictions.
With more than a billion wagers processed to date, PlaySports certainly has established itself as a reliable solution.
Coushatta Casino Resort ready to roll with IGT
As it is at IGT, anticipation is building on Coushatta’s end.
Jonathan Cernek, newly sworn-in chairman of the Coushatta Tribe, expressed his excitement at Coushatta being first in Louisiana with a sports-betting agreement. He also showed optimism that “IGT’s bundled solution…will allow us to quickly and easily deploy an exceptional localized sports-betting program.” Cernek looks forward to offering patrons “new types of gaming experiences.”
Coushatta Casino Resort houses the largest gaming floor in Louisiana, featuring 2,000 slots and 54 table games. The Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana owns and operates the casino resort, which offers lodging and entertainment in addition to gaming.
LA sports betting waiting on a regulatory chief
Sports betting in the state, recently signed into law by Gov. John Bel Edwards, remains temporarily on hold until the governor appoints a new gambling regulatory chief. The position opened up as a result of Mike Noel’s June 9 resignation.
A spokesperson for the governor has stated that Edwards is “working to find a commissioner with the right skill and experience.” Lake Charles Sen. Ronnie Johns confirmed recently that he and Edwards have discussed the vacant position on the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, which must draft rules and regulations for the industry.
Senate President Page Cortez, a sponsor of one of the passed bills, called the delay “a little bit of a hiccup.” Still, 55 parishes in the state are waiting for the industry’s launch. Geofencing technology will be put in place to block sports betting in the nine parishes that voted against it.
Eventually, 20 licenses will become available: 15 for riverboat casinos, four to racetracks and one to a land-based casino.
