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The house always wins: Louisiana approves measure to confiscate gambling winnings of parents owing child support

April 28, 2011Child SupportWayne Ward

The staggering amount of back child support owed to thousands of children throughout Louisiana – over $1 billion – prompted the state legislature to take definitive action last year. Specifically, lawmakers passed a measure calling for the confiscation of the gambling winnings of delinquent parents.

However, in order for the law to take effect, it had to first be approved by the state’s principal gambling panel, the Gaming Control Board.

In recent developments, the Gaming Control Board voted just last week to enact the rules/regulations of the child support gambling law without discussion or objection.

Accordingly, Louisiana parents who are behind on their child support and who win at least $1,200 gambling – the amount required to be reported on tax forms – can have their winnings confiscated by casino personnel starting May 20.

How does the law work?

Any person who wins at least $1,200 at a Louisiana casino will have their names entered into a database created by The Department of Children and Family Services to determine whether they owe back child support in the state.

If the casino determines that the person does in fact owe back child support, it will confiscate the amount owed from the person’s gambling winnings and assess an administrative fee of up to $35. Any excess gambling winnings will be returned to the person.

In order to ensure compliance with the new law, the state is requiring all casinos to submit a monthly report. The report must include the total number of searches performed, the number of matches, the total administrative fees assessed and, most importantly, the amount of back child support confiscated.

Interestingly, Louisiana law previously dictated that only slot machine annuity payments could be confiscated to cover back child support.

To learn more about nonpayment of child support or other post-divorce issues, contact an experienced and skilled legal professional.

Stay tuned for more from our Ft. Worth family law blog …

This post is for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as legal advice.

Related Resources:

La. to seize gambling winnings for child support (Bloomberg Businessweek)

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Guest04678
4/20/2020
Child Custody Matter

killzz plays
3/11/2020
Mr. Ward is an energetic attorney who has developed clear definitions of proper legal pathways for solving complex social problems. My case involved the kidnapping of our daughter and other legal issues. It is clear that Alzheimers, dementia, and greed bring new components to our American Democracy. Mr. Ward is an exceptional lawyer and is perfect in his judgement of people and their actions. He is level-headed and focussed and at the same time empathetic and compassionate. He is a dedicated profession and his clients well-being. He is patient and communicates effectively with his clients throughout the legal process.

Robert Donovan
3/04/2020
I have the best lawyer! She is extremely personable. Which goes along way when you are dealing w a negative situation.

linda smith
6/26/2019
Greeted right when you walk it, gives off a homey feeling.

Michelle Rodriguez
2/10/2019
Gayla answers all my needs even after the case was closed 2 years ago. She's willing to service me and my needs. Attorney Wayne Ward you're team is amazing!

Lyndy Malaluan
8/07/2018
I retained Mr. Ward after careful research and a personal recommendation. You can't always believe what you read on a posted review. However, in my case I can only add to those endorsements. Mr. Ward's knowledge of the legal system and Texas law have been honed over 40 years. His reputation and relationships in Tarrant County have been built on integrity and respect. Mr. Ward is very personable and caring. He fights for what is right and just for all of his clients.
His office runs like clockwork due to a professional and caring staff. My experience in what was a difficult divorce was made immensely more favorable because of Mr. Ward and his team.

Karen P.
6/29/2018
If needed, I would choose to have him on my side of the table every time. I retained Mr. Ward after careful research and a personal recommendation. You can't always believe what you read on a posted review. However, in my case I can only add to those endorsements. Mr. Ward's knowledge of the legal system and Texas law have been honed over 40 years. His reputation and relationships in Tarrant County have been built on integrity and respect. Mr. Ward is very personable and caring. He fights for what is right and just for all of his clients. His office runs like clockwork due to a professional and caring staff. My experience in what was a difficult divorce was made immensely more favorable because of Mr. Ward and his team.

Karen
6/29/2018
I retained Mr. Ward after careful research and a personal recommendation. You can't always believe what you read on a posted review. However, in my case I can only add to those endorsements. Mr. Ward's knowledge of the legal system and Texas law have been honed over 40 years. His reputation and relationships in Tarrant County have been built on integrity and respect. Mr. Ward is very personable and caring. He fights for what is right and just for all of his clients.
His office runs like clockwork due to a professional and caring staff. My experience in what was a difficult divorce was made immensely more favorable because of Mr. Ward and his team.

Karen P.
6/29/2018
Wayne and his staff are extremely hardworking and absolutely dedicated to their clients. They truly care about the people who walk into their office needing help. They are smart and diligent and some of the nicest people I know.

Kelly D.
3/31/2018
Wayne Ward = Results Mr. Ward and his office are highly recommended for their professionalism, timely response, knowledge of the law and how it applies to a family law case and for the successful results that come from prioritizing the needs of the client.

anonymous
3/12/2013