Bossier City casino license approved

The site of the proposed Margaritaville Casino in Bossier City

BOSSIER CITY, LA (KSLA) - The Louisiana Gaming Control Board has approved a proposal to allow another casino to come to Bossier City.

At a GCB meeting on Thursday afternoon, board members heard from investors about the economic impact, and how the project could benefit both the state and local economies.

Paul Alanis with Silver Slipper LLC and William Trotter with St. Gabriel Downs said over 1000 jobs could soon be coming to the ArkLaTex.

An initial 500 jobs will be needed to build the $95 million facility. This is projected to pay out $31 million in labor income, and $91 million will be pumped into the local economy.

The Gaming Control Board was pleased to hear the casino will produce $6.5 million in local tax revenue the first year, and $31 million in state tax revenue.

All of this hinges on what the voters of Bossier Parish decide to do in November. If successful at the polls investors said they will start construction by the first of the year, and they hope to have the entire project finished by May, 2013.