Riverboat casinos were thrown a lifeline this week as legislation was passed that would allow the water based facilities to expand onto land. That has Boyd Gaming CEO Keith Smith, who owns Treasure Chest, Sam’s Town, and Amelia Belle, pretty excited. He says this could lead more investment in Louisiana facilities.

“We have opportunities to have more robust operations there, we’re optimistic.”

He says one casino in particular is looking very promising now that it’s allowed to expand on land.

“Especially at some place like Treasure Chest, where we have a very strong business that is on a three-story river boat and the ability then to do something much more compelling there and take advantage of the market is very significant.”

A separate piece of legislation that would have allowed casinos to have sports gambling was shot down.

More From News Talk 96.5 KPEL