House Bill No. 540, introduced by Representative Fontenot, seeks to amend Louisiana's laws governing video draw poker devices by increasing the allowable number of machines at various establishments. The bill raises the limit from three to four devices at bars and restaurants, and from fifty to sixty at qualified truck stop facilities. Additionally, hotels and motels will be permitted to operate up to four devices per lounge and a total of thirteen devices throughout the establishment. The legislation also introduces criteria for establishments to qualify for additional devices based on their revenue generation.

Moreover, the bill imposes restrictions on the placement of offtrack wagering facilities, preventing them from operating within one mile of certain properties, including those on the National Register of Historic Places, public playgrounds, and residential areas. It allows local governing authorities to designate residential districts for regulatory purposes and establishes a Video Draw Poker Device Purse Supplement Subfund to allocate revenue generated from these devices to support the horse racing industry in Louisiana. The bill also includes provisions for the allocation of franchise fee revenues, mandating that the first $22 million generated beyond the 2024 fiscal year be dedicated to the subfund, with an additional 15% of any excess revenue also allocated. Amendments made by the House Committees include technical changes and adjustments to the requirements for adding gaming machines at restaurants and bars.

Statutes affected:
HB540 Original: 27:412(B)(1), 27:413(A), 27:414, 27:416(A), 27:435(D)(4)
HB540 Engrossed: 27:412(B)(1), 27:413(A), 27:414, 27:416(A), 27:435(D)(4), 27:437(C)
HB540 Reengrossed: 27:412(B)(1), 27:413(A), 27:414, 27:416(A), 27:437(C), 27:439(S