Louisiana sports betting wasn’t the most popular idea in that part of the country when the subject was first brought up. But what’s happened since? This detailed analysis offers answers about LA sportsbooks and their legality.
History Behind Proposed Sports Betting Bill in Louisiana
The states in the southern portion of the United States weren’t collectively receptive to sports betting initially. Sports betting was outlawed throughout the majority of the country from 1992 until 2018 because of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). PASPA was repealed by the Supreme Court in 2018 by a 6-3 decision. This allowed states to implement sports betting in their specific territories.
Many states have jumped at the opportunity to bring sports betting to their residents. Louisiana is one of the latest states to attempt to legalize sports betting, and it’s turning into a market leader in the south.
Sports betting was approved in the state during the November 2020 election. Voters gave the state legislature the ability to authorize sports betting legislation. The vote in Louisiana was structured by the state’s parishes, which are equivalent to counties.
Louisiana has 64 parishes, and 55 of these locations voted to legalize sports betting. Residents recognized the support that sports betting revenue could provide to Louisiana and after a brief period, this prediction was correct. Louisiana is a prominent gambling state in the southern portion of the United States. Louisiana has 20 state-regulated casinos and three tribal casino locations.
When this fact is observed, it’s no surprise that sports betting was permitted by voters to enter the state. Wagering launched in October and it has continued to expand throughout the fall of 2021. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board oversees gambling, including casinos and sports wagering, in the state.
What Sports Betting Bill in Louisiana Says
The sports betting bill in Louisiana started as a blank canvas. Louisiana wanted to allow voters to have their voices heard regarding sports betting. After voters massively supported sports betting, the state legislature got to work to put an action plan in place.
This vote was somewhat superficial because the state could’ve implemented sports betting with only one parish’s approval. The state legislature was happy with the results, but sports betting legislation was going to occur even if there wasn’t an overwhelming amount of support from the parishes.
Two individual bills passed in Louisiana for sports betting to go live. The first bill discussed the sports betting makeup in the state. This determined the information for retail and mobile betting platforms that will be allowed. In addition to this, the second bill laid out the financial details of Louisiana sports betting. This was the legislature’s main focus to capitalize on sports betting in the state.
Sports betting is legal in 55 of the state’s 64 parishes. Mobile and retail wagering is available to residents and visitors to the state. DraftKings and FanDuel headline the state’s market, as these two books lobbied for betting.
There were 20 sports betting licenses given in the state. Each license included two mobile skins. The state lottery will also receive a mobile license and the ability to provide betting at bars through kiosks. Professional and collegiate games are available for Louisiana bettors.
Many operators have already launched in the state including BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN Bet, FOX Bet, PointsBet, and WynnBET. Welcome bonuses are available at many online sportsbooks including BetMGM, Caesars, and DraftKings.
Expectations of Sports Betting in Louisiana
Louisiana sports betting is off to a smooth start, but it was not a fluid legislative process. This is the case for most jurisdictions that have passed wagering.
Different politicians had conflicting ideas regarding sports betting in Louisiana. A lot of lawmakers wanted to limit sports betting to retail locations in the state. This sports betting structure could work well inside state borders.
However, some legislators supported the implementation of mobile sports betting, and the rule passed. Throughout the country, states with mobile sports betting have created much larger revenue figures. This is due to the ease and accessibility of mobile sports betting.
Some lawmakers were afraid that they would lose in-state bettors to illegal offshore books if they didn’t bring mobile betting to Louisiana. Offshore books have done a great job of controlling mobile betting in the United States. If Louisiana didn’t utilize mobile betting, they would have seen lower numbers than if they gave people the ability to bet on their phones.
Nevertheless, LA will quickly have one of the best mobile betting markets in the southern portion of the United States. The fall 2021 launch was meant to capitalize on football season, and the state has done a great job marketing the new industry.
Sports Teams to Bet on in Louisiana
Louisiana has multiple Division I schools within the state. However, one program stands above the rest when it comes to talent and popularity. The Louisiana State University Tigers football program is loved in the state.
The team is led by Coach Ed Orgeron who is known to Americans as Coach O. Coach O has turned around the LSU football program. The team won its fourth national title in 2019. A big reason for this was Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Joe Burrow, who was taken first overall in the 2020 NFL Draft.
The New Orleans Pelicans are one of two professional sports franchises in Louisiana. The Pelicans play in the NBA’s Western Conference as a member of the Southwest Division. The team hasn’t been very successful. Under the Pelicans name, the team has never won a championship. However, the franchise won a division title in 2008 when they were called the Hornets. The team is coached by Stan Van Gundy.
The New Orleans Saints have had a vast amount of success in the NFL. Coached by Sean Payton, the Saints play in the NFC South. The headlining player is quarterback Drew Brees. The Saints have won the NFC South three straight seasons and will most likely take it again in 2020. The franchise won Super Bowl XLIV in 2009.
Louisiana Sports Betting FAQ
Is sports betting legal in Louisiana?
Yes, sports betting is legal and live in Louisiana. A vote from state residents passed the industry in November of 2020. 55 of 64 Louisiana parishes approved sports betting. However, the Louisiana legislature didn’t need a majority to enact sports betting in the state.
When did Louisiana sports betting launch?
Louisiana sports betting launched in the fall of 2021. Retail betting was available on October 6 at Paragon Casino and the mobile sector quickly followed.
Is mobile betting live in Louisiana?
Yes, mobile betting is live in LA. There could be up to 41 operators in the state.
What is the legal betting age in Louisiana?
The legal sports betting age in the state of Louisiana is 21 years of age.
Can you bet on college sports in Louisiana?
Yes, you can bet on college sports in LA.
Will retail sportsbooks be available at every casino in the state?
All casinos have an equal chance to provide sports betting to their guests, but not all 23 locations in Louisiana offer sports betting.