Casino Program Nets $806K in Back Child Support

The state Department of Children and Family Services has intercepted more than $806,000 in casino winnings from 599 parents to cover back child support payments.

Secretary Suzy Sonnier said Tuesday that the casino intercept initiative has been a very successful tool in collecting overdue support. The department says collections from 18 participating casinos range from a high of $106,771 from players at the Hollywood Casino in Baton Rouge to a low of $12,218 at Harrah's Louisiana Downs in Bossier City.

A pilot program was launched in September 2011 at Hollywood, netting $1,995 from a non-custodial father two days after its start. Other states with similar laws include Mississippi, Indiana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Colorado and West Virginia.