Telephone wagering, slot machine bills go into law in Louisiana without governor’s action

Thursday, April 27, 2000 | 12:25 p.m.

Foster also allowed to become law, without his signature, two bills that clear the way for slot machines at Louisiana Downs in Bossier City and at Delta Downs in Vinton. The Legislature approved the devices last year, but the latest laws were needed to set up special boards that will collect slot taxes.

"I wasn't very enthusiastic about them," Foster said Wednesday. "But I think people in those areas wanted them."

The Fair Grounds bill, by House Speaker Charles DeWitt, D-Lecompte, goes into effect June 6. It allows players to open accounts at the race track and then place bets either over the Web or by telephone.

Opponents argued that the bill represents an expansion of gambling. Backers said it already is possible to place bets through out-of-state phone systems and that the bill allows Louisiana to take back that revenue.

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