Assistant Attorney General Quintel Jackson and American Vessel Services representatives briefed the Louisiana Gaming Control Board on the Amelia Bell Casino annual vessel inspection on July 17, 2025. John Francik, director of operations for American Vessel Services, presented the inspection findings and recommended issuance of a certificate of compliance for 2025.

The nut graf: the board received reports that multiple deficiencies found during the initial inspection prompted a follow-up, corrective actions were documented and verified, and inspectors recommended the certificate be issued.

Francik said his team conducted the required annual inspection and “evaluated fire protection measures, vessel egress routes, observed operation emergency lighting, and tested emergency generator,” and that inspectors oversaw a fire drill. The initial deficiencies were documented in a preliminary report dated May 23, 2025; a follow-up examination on June 9 confirmed corrective actions. The vessel’s captain submitted elevator and escalator compliance reports from Boca Group and photographic evidence of ongoing deck repairs; those updates were recorded in a July 3 report. Based on the evaluation, American Vessel Services recommended the certificate of compliance be issued for 2025.

Chairman Abad asked for questions; there were none from board members, and the board voted to issue the annual certificate of compliance, with Miss Hamilton Acker moving and Miss Becknell seconding the motion. There was no recorded opposition and the motion carried. The issued certificate, as presented to the board, expires on July 31, 2025.

The board did not attach additional conditions during the public vote. Representatives of the licensee were present to answer questions but none were raised during the meeting.