New Orleans casinos back in business
13th November, 2007
While much of New Orleans remains derelict and untouched since Hurricane Katrine ravaged the city more than two years ago, the casino industry is booming again.
Prior to the hurricane there were 12 riverboat casinos, all of whoch were either completely destroyed or very badly damaged by the strong winds and devestating floods.
It was at first doubtful whether the casinos would be replaced, but thanks to some tough negotiations and some relaxation/amending to the gaming laws, nearly all of the destroyed casinos have been rebuilt inland. Land based gaming was legalised in October 2005, paving the way for the first casino to be built in December 2005. More casinos than the original twelve are on the cards as well.
This expansion will bring in welcome revenue to the ravaged southern city, however, there are fears of the socio-economic impact that building casinos will bring to the area. Many jobs will be created but it is feared that some of the less fortunate survivors of the hurricane may succumb to gambling.
