BATON ROUGE — Just as casinos feature sumptuous buffets to lure patrons, the Louisiana Legislature is offering a veritable smorgasbord of gaming expansion and de-regulation this session. Although "gambling" has always lurked in the shadows of Louisiana's past, because of the propensity for illegal activity and potential for corruption it was frowned upon in public policy. That changed in the 1990s. Now, favorable forces want to "modernize" the industry and may have a friend on the 4th floor of the Capitol. It should come as no surprise that Louisiana Baptists and Louisiana Family Forum (LFF) will oppose expansion as well as de-regulation of Louisiana's gambling statutes. "What some consider 'modernization' of industry regs, should not become a forfeiture of essential fiduciary responsibilities legislators hold as gambling's primary regulator. If 'modernization' involves removing the original safeguards put into place to avoid corruption, prevent proliferation, and protect residents from predatory practices, then it should be opposed," said Gene Mills, President of Louisiana Family Forum. Mills continued, "When faced with the choice between protecting Louisiana families or de-regulating gambling, it is the … [Read more...]