The Senate approved the Louisiana sports betting bill that would allow wagering on basketball, football, and other sports events. According to sports gambling news sources, it would come before the start of football season.
Senators approved Senate Bill 247 via a vote of 31-6. It provides the framework of legal sports betting. Also, it has provisions on how to regulate the market. According to the bill, players can place wagers via smartphones, kiosks at restaurants and bars, and casinos starting July 1.
The Louisiana House will now consider the amended bill. The Senate changed the bill to allow temporary licenses while casinos construct a section for sports betting. That way, they can accept wagers during the football season.
Louisiana Sports Betting Goes to the House
According to sportsbook pay per head reviews, voters in 55 out of 64 parishes in Louisiana approved the proposition in November to allow residents to wager on sports. Also, the state will use geofencing software to ensure residents from the nine parishes could not access any sports betting software solution.
Players have been asking lawmakers when they can start betting on sports in the state. However, lawmakers still need time to establish how sports betting would work, how much it would cost the state, and how to regulate the market.
Senator Ronnie Johns said that 65 percent of the voters wanted legal sports betting. His district has three casinos. Thus, the district would gain many benefits once sports betting goes live in the state.
SB 247 had to be rewritten after several months of negotiations. The bill initially provides 20 licenses to racetracks, casinos on riverboats, and Harrah’s. The initial application fee is $250,000. Also, there will be a fee of $500,000 for five years.
Licensees have until January 2022 to apply and pass a qualifying analysis. Also, the casinos need to construct a separate area for sports betting.
