Sports betting in Louisiana could launch this fall through onsite sportsbooks, kiosks and mobile apps under a bill working its way through the legislature that would establish wagering regulations. The measure recently unanimously passed the House Criminal Justice Committee and if passed by the full House, it will proceed to Governor Jon Bel Edwards. Senate President Page Cortez stated, “We would hope that this would be available to the public sometime before the end of the football season.”
The bill looks certain to pass, especially since voters in 55 of Louisiana’s 64 parishes approved allowing sports betting. Lawmakers had to establish rules and tax rates before gambling may begin; the tax bill already has won final legislative passage.
Under the regulatory measure, 20 sportsbook licenses would be available; each of the 20 gaming facilities in the state could apply for two sports betting skins and the Louisiana Lottery also would receive one skin, for a possible total of 41 different online sportsbook operators. Louisiana’s casinos and racetracks would be given the first crack at those licenses. If they don’t seek all 20 licenses by January 1, fantasy sports betting operators and video poker establishments in the 55 parishes where sports wagering is legal could apply for any available licenses.
Any operator that receives a license to conduct sports betting onsite also could provide wagering through a website and mobile app. Under a separate bill already on the governor’s desk, the Louisiana Lottery Corp. also would operate its own sports book through an online site, mobile app and kiosk locations in bars and restaurants.
Bettors must be age 21 or older, set up an account with a sports betting operator within Louisiana and be physically located in a parish that voted to legalize the wagers. Someone who lives in a parish that didn’t approve sports betting could place bets if they drive over to a parish where the wagering was legalized.
Athletes, coaches and referees would not be allowed to bet on a sports event they are involved in. Also, bets could not be placed on high school or youth sports events.
Both the House and Senate overwhelmingly agreed to a separate measure by state Rep. John Stefanski, containing the lottery rules and setting the tax rates for sports betting. The House voted 78-24 for the bill, and the Senate backed it in a 32-4 vote.
Under that measure, sports betting revenue from onsite locations would be taxed at 10 percent and revenue from mobile apps and electronic devices would be taxed at 15 percent. The bill also would set application and licensing fees for the sports betting operators. The measure only would take effect if lawmakers pass Cortez’s regulation bill.
Legislators have not yet determined how sports betting revenue would be spent. Currently, they’re leaning toward early childhood development projects.
