The Louisiana Gaming Control Board recently approved a fantasy sports betting license for DraftKings. It’s the state’s first license for fantasy sports betting. Now DraftKings can launch operations in the 47 parishes where voters authorized it nearly three years ago. However, DraftKings officials did not give a date for the start of fantasy sports betting in Louisiana, which will be the 44th state where it operates.
Matt Kalish, co-founder and president of DraftKings North America, said, “As DraftKings continues our nationwide expansion, we welcome Louisiana to the DraftKings family, an area rich with culture, heritage and die-hard fanbases in both professional and college sports.”
Voters in 47 of Louisiana’s 64 parishes approved legalizing fantasy sports betting in 2018. DraftKings submitted its license application in February, shortly after the gambling board opened the application period. The Louisiana State Police conducted a background investigation and financial review of the company to make sure it complied with state regulations.
DraftKings has estimated it would generate $15.5 million in net revenue for the current budget year, producing nearly $1.3 million in tax dollars for the state.
Under the law, fantasy sports participants must be at least 21 years old. Fantasy sports betting only will be allowed in parishes where voters authorized it; however, anybody will be able to log into the online sites if they travel to those parishes.
Voters in 55 parishes also legalized sports betting through sportsbook websites, motile apps and kiosk locations in those parishes. However, the gaming control board isn’t ready yet with regulations and the application process.
There’s also concern sports betting may not launch by the fall since the board still lacks a chairperson. But Louisiana Attorney General’s Office Gaming Division Director Christopher Hebert said, “There was a narrative that sports betting would be delayed because we’re operating without a chairman. I hope someone here quotes this: that is absolutely not the case. The board’s day-to-day operations have not, and will not, cease. We have operated three times in the past without a chairman. There are things in place. Our vice chairman is authorized to memorialize decisions of the board. We are working hard to get this done.”
Legislators passed three bills in accordance with voter approval in 55 of 64 Louisiana parishes. Governor John Bel Edwards signed all three and they took effect July 1. The bills legalize sports betting in Louisiana and allocate licenses to each of the 20 casinos and racinos in the state, including two online skins each. The Louisiana Lottery also will be licensed for online wagering and kiosks in bars and restaurants.
