- Louisiana casinos have had to shut down due to Hurricane Ida and have lost a combined total of $4.5 million in revenue.
- The state is trying to help the gaming industry stay afloat in the wake of this disaster.
NEW ORLEANS – Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Ida to the New Orleans area, casinos like Harrah’s have seen their profits drop as they’ve had to shut their doors.
Profit Loss From Shut Down
Due to the damage that Hurricane Ida inflicted to the city and the people of New Orleans, local gaming providers made expectedly less money in August 2021 than they did in August 2020.
Gambling in Louisiana has become difficult. Riverboat casinos affected by the hurricane had to close for more than three days during August, and the six casinos spread between New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Houma-Thibodaux reportedly lost a combined total of $4.5 million.
There were six riverboat casinos that closed both during the hurricane and after it. These riverboat casinos were: The Treasure Chest in New Orleans, Amelia Belle in Amelia, The Belle of Baton Rouge, Boomtown New Orleans, L’Auberge Baton Rouge, and Hollywood Baton Rouge.
Recovery And Relief Efforts
Although the casinos are open and operational now, the city and its citizens are still recovering from the damage done by Ida.
“Mayor LaToya Cantrell and other City officials continue to prioritize residential needs by moving resources to neighborhoods, as well as responding to infrastructure, health, and community needs on an ongoing basis,” said the Mayor’s Office in a recent update.
It’s likely that September will also see less revenue, as New Orleans recuperates, and citizens continue to settle down from this natural disaster. In the meantime, online gambling platforms can provide a strong alternative to land-based options for New Orleans citizens and those in Louisiana while road repairs continue.