Vote on proposal to restrict gaming sites in D’Iberville delayed by Gaming Commission

Friday, April 21, 2000 | 9:59 a.m.

Gaming Commission spokeswoman Ashley Skellie said Thursday several individuals and groups had sent in opinions on the matter in the preceding weeks and commissioners wanted more time before voting.

"We don't feel it is beneficial to rule on it without disseminating the information that has been sent to us," Skellie said. "The whole point of this was to restrict the gaming."

Gaming Commission regulations under consideration would bar dockside gambling development on Back Bay west of the D'Iberville city limits, instead of west of Interstate 110.

Skellie said people may think the commission was trying to eliminate restrictions on Back Bay gambling.

"That's an untruth. We're trying to save Back Bay from casinos being scattered all over the place ... and keep (the development) in one spot for the citizens," Skellie said. "It just seems like it is the best idea."

Michael Gaughan, chairman of Coast Resorts Inc., wants to build a dockside casino with five restaurants, a parking garage and a 300-room hotel on Back Bay.

He has options on nine acres of land west of I-110.

Gaughan's site is one of three potential D'Iberville casino sites. The others are east of I-110.