Louisiana state lawmakers have voted to add casino gambling to the sins for which New Orleans is famous.
State senators passed the bill 21-18 Thursday, three days after the state House approved it. Gov. Edwin Edwards - known for his fondness for the casinos of Las Vegas - supported the bill as an economic boost for the state.The Senate rejected pleas by New Orleans lawmakers to allow a citywide referendum on the matter.
Opponents said the bill gives Edwards too much power, allowing him to appoint all nine members of the state board that will control the casino. They also worried that organized crime would become involved.
Proponents said a casino could bring 15,000 to 25,000 jobs to New Orleans and would bolster the cash-strapped state's finances by at least $100 million a year.