State Of Louisiana Has Shut Down Casinos During Virus Outbreak

The state of Louisiana has moved to close all casinos across the state in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, or coronavirus as it's commonly known. The announcement was made today.

Louisiana's State Gaming Control Chairman Ronnie Jones told KEEL News the order will shutter all gaming operations in the state of Louisiana. The closure is expected to last for at least two weeks.

Jones adds the projected loss of revenue to the state will be $1.6 million a day, or $22 million for the two week closure.

States like California, Illinois, Ohio, Massachusetts, and Washington all preceded Louisiana in making this move with shutdowns of their restaurant and bar industries. However those states will still allow to-go, drive-through, and delivery orders.

The move comes after police in New Orleans were forced to break up gatherings over the weekend. NOLA.com reported that police had to break up a St. Patrick's Day celebration on Saturday, while WWL reports that police broke up gatherings in the French Quarter.

This latest move comes after the state has already suspended schools and public gatherings of 250 people or more until April 13th.