Gaming briefs for August 19, 2004

Thursday, Aug. 19, 2004 | 11:11 a.m.

State lottery tops $2 billion

TRENTON, N.J. -- New Jersey lottery revenue rose more than 5 percent in the past fiscal year, topping $2 billion in sales for the third consecutive year.

The Lottery Commission's acting executive director, William Jourdain, attributed the increase to the growing popularity of instant games, particularly the Internet-based Cyber Slingo.

"The impact of the New Jersey Lottery's success this year is felt by the entire state," said the lottery's acting executive director, William Jourdain. "Strong sales translate into more prize money for our players, higher commissions for our retailer network and most importantly increased funding for important state programs."

The lottery is the state's fourth-largest individual revenue producer, behind income, sales and corporate business taxes.

Firm may move riverboat

NEW ORLEANS -- Isle of Capri Casinos Inc., which is considering moving a riverboat casino from Lake Charles to suburban New Orleans, has signed an option to lease property on the Mississippi River.

The company said Tuesday that the property, located near the Huey P. Long Bridge, is owned by shipping giant American Commercial Barge Lines.

"This is not indicative that it's a done deal," company spokeswoman Lori Hutzler said of a possible move.

The company is considering the move of its Crown riverboat -- one of two it operates in Lake Charles. The move would have to be approved by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board and in a referendum of Jefferson Parish voters.

The boat operates in a heavily competitive environment in the Lake Charles market, which has four riverboat casinos, a slot-machine casino at the Delta Downs race track in Vinton and an Indian reservation casino in Kinder. Pinnacle Entertainment Inc. plans to open a $365 million dockside casino resort next year in Lake Charles.

In the New Orleans area, the boat would compete with Harrah's New Orleans Casino and three riverboats.