Louisiana Senate advances sports betting bill
The Louisiana Senate approved a sports betting bill Wednesday that would allow retail and mobile wagering in most of the state’s parishes.
The Senate voted 31-6 in favor of SB 247, which would grant 20 licenses for the state’s riverboats, racinos and lone land-based casino. Each license would allow for two online skins, issued by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, which would regulate sports wagering.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. President Patrick Page Cortez (R-Lafayette), would also authorize a sportsbook license for the Louisiana Lottery.
Bars and restaurants that serve alcohol would be eligible to offer sports wagering kiosks.
Operators would have until January 1, 2022 to apply for a license.
SB 247 now heads to the House, which just last week passed HB 697, a bill that details fees and taxes of sports betting.
HB 697 puts a 10% tax on retail sports wagers and an 18% tax on mobile bets. Rep. John Stefanski (R-Crowley) said that the state could see $20m in annual taxes. Revenue is slotted to go towards primary education.
The Senate must still vote on HB 697.
Louisiana lawmakers have until June 10 to finalize sports betting legislation.
Last November voters in 55 of 64 parishes voted in favor of a proposition legalizing sports betting. Geofencing would limit wagers to bettors located in parishes where sports betting is legal.
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