§42.  Public policy of riverboat economic development and gaming activities

A.  The legislature hereby finds and declares to be the public policy of this state that:

(1)  The development of a historic riverboat industry is important to the economy of the state of Louisiana in that it will assist in the continuing growth of the tourism industry and thus will benefit the general welfare of our citizens and create new jobs.  It is the intent of this Chapter to utilize Louisiana resources, goods, and services in the operation and construction of riverboats to the extent allowable by law, as defined in this Chapter.

(2)  An integral part of riverboat operation and profitability is the offering of regulated gaming, among other activities.

(3)  The nature of the riverboat industry is such that the operation of riverboats on the waters of the state of Louisiana while allowing certain gaming activities will result in many benefits to the state with no significant detriment to the citizens of the state.

(4)  Riverboats which conduct gaming activities thereon shall be licensed and supervised through the period of construction of the vessel continuing through to the operation of the vessel, and further gaming-related employees of such riverboats, gaming operators, manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors of gaming devices and equipment shall therefore be regulated, licensed, and controlled in such a manner as to accomplish and promote the above public policies in such a manner as to protect the public health, safety, morals, good order, and general welfare of our citizens.

(5)  The riverboats or facilities in which licensed gaming is conducted are of vital law enforcement and social interest to the state, and it is in the public interest that the regulatory and investigatory powers and duties conferred by this Chapter include the power and duty to review architectural and construction plans to assure that a proposal is suitable by law enforcement, aesthetic and architectural standards.

B.  It is the express intent, desire, and policy of the legislature that no gaming operator, applicant for a license, permit, or other thing existing, issued, or let as a result of this Chapter shall have any right of action to obtain any license, permit, or the granting of the approval sought except as provided for and authorized by this Chapter.  Any license, permit, approval, or thing obtained or issued pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter is expressly declared by the legislature to be a pure and absolute revocable privilege and not a right, property or otherwise, under the constitutions of the United States or of the state of Louisiana.  Further, the legislature declares that no holder of any license or permit acquires any vested interest or right therein or thereunder.

Acts 1991, No. 753, §1, eff. July 18, 1991; Acts 1993, No. 572, §1, eff. June 14, 1993; Redesignated from R.S. 4:502 by Acts 1996, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 7, §3, eff. May 1, 1996.