Washington, DC – Louisiana’s 19 commercial casinos employed 15,706 permanent workers and paid its employees $603 million in wages, benefits and tips, according to new jobs numbers for 2013 released today by the American Gaming Association (AGA). Louisiana ranks fourth nationwide for casino employment behind only Nevada, New Jersey and Mississippi, where casinos employed nearly 23,000 people last year.
“Casino gaming has created thousands of jobs in Louisiana that pay well above the minimum wage and offer fulfilling careers in a range of professions that extend beyond the casino floor,” said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the AGA. “Americans feel more favorably toward casino gaming than ever before, and they recognize that gaming creates jobs, boosts small businesses and positively affects local communities. Yet policymakers must act to ensure that casinos can continue to strengthen communities as they face increased competition from neighboring states.”
In 2013, Louisiana casinos generated $587 million in tax revenue, which paid contributed to the state’s general fund, the city of New Orleans’ budget and the public retirement system.
Louisiana is home to 19 commercial casinos, including:
· Harrah’s New Orleans Casino;
· Horseshoe Casino & Hotel in Bossier City;
· Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino Shreveport;
· L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles; and
· Treasure Chest Casino in Kenner.
Jobs in gaming include: accounting; hotel management; information systems; technology; software; food and beverage; retail; entertainment and more.
With gaming present in more markets today, consumers are no longer limited to a handful of options. Therefore, just as casinos are competing against each other, states are striving to implement the most favorable environment for gaming to thrive and benefit their communities. Gaming is viewed more favorably than ever, and it behooves lawmakers to adopt policies based on facts about gaming.
The AGA's “Get to Know Gaming” campaign is helping to pave the way for more states to view casino operators as partners and adopt policies that reflect that mindset. The vast majority of voters across the political spectrum recognize that casino gaming creates jobs, strengthens local businesses and benefits communities.