The mission of the Gaming Division is to serve the state and its client agencies in a manner which creates a superior regulatory atmosphere for licensed gaming and which instills public confidence and trust that gaming activities are conducted honestly and free from criminal and corruptive elements. The division represents the state and all agencies and boards with jurisdiction over gaming matters and regulation.

The division acts as legal advisor and legal representative to the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, its chairman and the Louisiana State Police advising these agencies regarding riverboat gaming, land-based gaming, slots-at-the-track gaming, and video poker, helping ensure enforcement and regulation of an industry that contributes approximately $700 million each year to the state treasury. The division also defends the board, its chairman, and Louisiana State Police in all civil litigation involving gaming and gaming-related issues.

The Gaming Division advises the Louisiana Lottery Corporation on gaming matters including, without limitation, lottery contracts with vendors and lessors, requests for proposals, and invoices. The division represents the Louisiana Racing Commission on matters regarding the regulation of the horse racing industry, pari-mutuel wagering, and off-track wagering, including the prosecution of violations of statutes, rules and regulations governing horse racing. The division advises the Department of Revenue in all areas of charitable gaming regulation, including licensing, enforcement, and rulemaking, and defends the Department of Revenue in other civil litigation related to gaming.

Additionally, the Gaming Division provides legal representation to the Louisiana State Police Indian Gaming Unit in regard to the denial, suspension and revocation of state certifications to work for or do business with Indian casinos. The division advises the Governor’s Office on matters of Indian Gaming and Indian Law and assists in drafting the compacts that control Indian gaming in Louisiana. The Gaming Division also serves as a resource for members of the legislature, local officials, and governmental agencies regarding matters of Indian Gaming, the compacts, and general Indian law.

Licensing and Compliance Section
The Licensing and Compliance Section assists Louisiana State Police in conducting investigations and reviewing potential law violations regarding gaming licenses and permits. When State Police perceive a licensing problem, the Licensing and Compliance Section analyzes the appropriate files and determines if violations have occurred. Violations lead to administrative action such as fines, penalties, or revocation, and may result in a hearing.

Adjudication Section
The Adjudication Section represents Louisiana State Police in licensing disputes. The section monitors gaming issues before the federal bankruptcy courts and provides legal representation to State Police in all gaming matters before the Administrative Hearing Office. It also oversees appeals to the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, Nineteenth Judicial District Court, First Circuit Court of Appeal, and Louisiana Supreme Court.

Riverboat and racetrack licensees strive towards voluntary goals for the procurement of goods and services from Louisiana firms and women-owned and minority-owned firms. Additionally, licensees pursue voluntary goals towards the employment of Louisiana residents, women and minorities. The Gaming Division is responsible for monitoring these voluntary goals and reporting to the Gaming Control Board on a quarterly basis each licensee’s efforts and results in achieving these goals.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please call the Louisiana Problem Gamblers Help Line: 1-877-770-7867 or go to the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, Office of Addictive Disorders website at http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/page/95/n/115.