La. Democratic Party chair reveals gambling addiction, illegally entering casino

Louisiana Democratic Party chair and state Sen. Karen Carter Peterson, who also holds a leadership position with the Democratic National Committee, revealed having a gambling addiction and being issued a summons recently for illegally entering a casino.

Peterson's admission came Friday night shortly after WWL-TV reported she violated a self-imposed ban on entering Louisiana casinos and was issued a misdemeanor summons by Louisiana State Police.

"I have always tried to do my best," wrote Peterson, of New Orleans. "However, I am, like all of you, human. Some people struggle with different types of addictions. For many years, I have struggled with a gambling addiction. It is a disease. From time to time, I have relapsed; I have let myself down as well as family and friends who are near and dear to me."

Gov. John Bel Edwards, the only Democratic governor in the Deep South, issued a statement Saturday morning saying he is praying for Peterson.

“Karen has shown strength and contrition in the face of a difficult situation," he said. "Addiction is a terrible disease, and I am praying for her, her family and her recovery.”

Peterson said two years ago she entered a state program designed to help people with gambling disorders that included a voluntary ban to enter Louisiana casinos, making it illegal for her to do so.

Peterson was removed from L’Auberge Casino in Baton Rouge last month. Louisiana State Police on Saturday morning confirmed the agency issued the summons but declined comment.

"The program worked as it should," Peterson wrote. "I certainly regret failing to uphold my agreement to avoid casinos. I knew this was a vulnerability when I signed up for this voluntary program because relapses are sometimes part of the disease."

Peterson said she believed someone leaked the summons to the media, although it is a public record.

Peterson is concluding her second term in the Louisiana Senate and seeking re-election this fall. Before that she served in the state House.

She is also vice chair of civic engagement and voter participation for the Democratic National Committee, a post she has held since 2017.

The Democratic Party's executive director Stephen Handwerk said Saturday the party will let Peterson's letter stand for its comment.

Earlier this week, Handwerk issued a press release condemning Louisiana Republican Party Executive Director Andrew Bautsch after Bautsch was arrested in New Orleans and accused misdemeanor trespass and battery charges following his wedding.

Senate President John Alario, a Republican from Westwego, commended Peterson for taking steps to combat her addiction.

"I'm proud of her for addressing this disease head on," Alario said. "It speaks highly of anyone who is willing to take the hard steps necessary to overcome an addition, made even more difficult by being on a public stage."

Though Peterson is banned from Louisiana casinos, it hasn't stopped her from weighing in on gambling legislation in the Legislature.

Last year, she advocated for a contract extension for Harrah's to operate the state's only land-based casino in New Orleans. That legislation failed.

Alario said he saw no reason for concern with her engagement on that bill.

"I worked with her on the Harrah's bill and didn't see anything other than Sen. Peterson focused on advocating and protecting the city she represents, which is her job," Alario said.

Peterson's statement gave no indication her admission will deter her from running for re-election or continuing to serve the Louisiana Democratic Party or the Democratic National Committee.

"I will grow stronger from this, and I remain committed to working on behalf of the people of this great state and nation," she wrote.

Finally, Peterson asked for forgiveness.

"More than anything, I ask for forgiveness," she said. "I am sorry for the hurt and embarrassment my actions have caused my family and friends. My commitment to my recovery and using my self-care tools will only grow stronger as a result of this experience."

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1