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The state of Louisiana is using a unique approach when it comes to getting back child support from parents who have not paid what they owe. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board released a statement just yesterday that stated beginning in May all state casinos will be withholding any winnings earned by parents who owe back child support. In 2010 the state legislature voted to require all gaming operators to hold winnings of $1,200 or more from any person who had their name on the Department of Children and Family Services electronic database. This database listed those who have not paid their child support. Collection of such winnings will begin on May 20th.
So now any player that enjoys a game of blackjack, poker or any other casino game and they owe back child support their winnings will be taken from them and given to the child. Land based casinos, racetracks slots and the riverboats of the state will all be affected by the new law and they will all have access to the database.
The database will only be triggered for amounts of $1,200 or more due to the fact that this amount requires a special tax form to be filled out. An example of what would happen to a player is as follows:
One gambler wins $2,000 from the blackjack tables at a Louisiana casino. They go to the cashier to get their winnings. The cashier checks their name and finds they are on the list. The cashier must then intercept the payout and forward it to the state family services department instead of giving the winner the cash. The cashier will hold out a $35 administrative fee that will go toward the casino for processing the money to the state. Each gambling facility has seven days to forward the money to the state. The rules also forbid any winner from transferring their winnings to other patrons.
2011-04-22
