Westlake close to being part of gambling revenue pool – American Press

It isnt finalized, but all signs point to the city of Westlake soon becoming part of the Calcasieu Parish Gaming Revenue Districts gambling revenue pool.

The move is a smart one for Westlake, especially since the city hasnt received the gambling revenue it once did after the Crown Casino riverboat at the Isle of Capri was sold to a Bossier City venture in February 2012. Because that boat was partially located inside Westlake city limits, the city got part of the gambling proceeds generated by the boat.

The sale of the Crown Casino left one remaining boat at the Isle the larger Grand Palais which is not docked in the city.

Westlake still gets an impact fee paid directly by Isle of Capri to the city after the Crown Casino sale. Last year, the city got just over $126,000 from the impact fee, which expires in 2023.

Discussions on bringing Westlake into the gambling revenue pool were mentioned right after the Crown Casino riverboat sale. Parish Administrator Bryan Beam said at the time that informal talks had begun.

More than five years later, Westlake is closer than ever to being included in the gambling revenue pool. The parish Gaming Revenue District Board of Commissioners on Tuesday adopted a resolution including Westlake in the pool. That decision followed similar actions by the Police Jury and Lake Charles City Council on Monday.

The next step is for the Westlake City Council to approve an ordinance. They have until July 31 to do so.

If approved, Westlake will be included in the smaller cities allocation that already includes Sulphur, Iowa, DeQuincy and Vinton. The gaming district has been in place since 2007.

The smaller cities have seen their share of gambling revenue over the years. Last year, Sulphur received just over $861,000, while DeQuincy, Vinton and Iowa collected more than $380,000 each.

While we will have to wait and see what the casinos bring in this year, Beam said Westlake could collect around $360,000 per year, minus the impact fee.

Westlake Mayor Bob Hardey said bringing the city into the gambling revenue pool will bring a stable revenue stream that could benefit them over time.

After years of not being part of it, Hardey said it feels like its the right thing to make the change a reality.

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Westlake close to being part of gambling revenue pool - American Press