Louisiana Sports Betting
- Sports betting remains illegal except via offshore online sports betting sites.
- Confusing and contradictory sports betting regulations submitted in 2019, blew any chance of changes to gambling laws until 2021.
- Stick to the riverboats, land casinos and video machines for the next couple of years, because changes to sports gambling laws ain’t happening for a while.
- Or place a bet at the big branded offshore sports betting sites.
Top 3 Louisiana Sportsbook Online
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Attempts to amend the constitution in 2019 failed as a result of poor coordination among key industry stakeholders. There was a sense of urgency to rush changes through in 2019, given that tax revenue laws are only reviewed every two years. But 2019 hopes were crushed and the year ended in great disappointment. It will only be until 2021 when the next opportunity to consider tax revenue changes will arrive. Only then, can sports gambling laws be changed.
However, there is a very slim chance that tax revenue considerations will be brought forward to the year 2020 via a special session. Pray hard my friends!
What happened in 2019?
Last year the Senate Bill 153 was put forward and passed through the senate. But in the House it was stopped in its tracks. Legislators were critical of the confusing and illogical regulations being put forward, therefore rejecting the Bill and condemning all hope of 2019 being the year of change.
As an example, bars and clubs were to be classed in the same category as casinos, when quite obviously these venues should be regulated differently. In staunch opposition to these proposed changes was the Louisiana Casino Association.
So what now for 2020 and 2021?
It is not until March 9, 2020 whereby spring session kicks off. The re-elected republican governor, John Bel Edwards, favors gambling reformation and is open to legalizing sports betting. So we are expecting a fresh launch into the legalization debate.
Gov. Edwards’ view is to allow sportsbooks to operate onshore at local casinos. Currently there are over 20 casinos operating in Louisiana which would then be able to apply for a sportsbook license.
Resuming in 2020, there is the hope that Louisiana legislators would get their act together in time for the 2021 tax revenue sessions. Bills must be presented to a parish referendum, the only avenue which permits the states constitution to be amended for gambling laws.
Surely this would be sufficient time, but as one knows how politics works, I wouldn’t hold my breath.
At best, if the stars were to align, the earliest that sportsbooks would be open to the public is 2022.
This is a good two years of sports betting flowing out to neighboring states which have legalized sportsbetting and to offshore online sports betting sites which accept Louisiana bettors.
Louisiana Online Sports Betting
Unbeknownst to many, online sports betting has been occurring for many years. Louisiana sports betting turnover for 2019 was $19 million, wagered via online sport betting sites. These online sport betting sites are offshore and are open to accepting US players.
Is this illegal?
It is a gray area. The current state laws do not clearly articulate whether gambling offshore online is illegal or not. Therefore, you will find many online sportsbooks (and online casinos) accepting US players from states that have ambiguous gambling laws – Louisiana is one of those states.
Is it dangerous?
There are two aspects to this question.
Firstly, will you get caught or fined?
I highly doubt it. Till this day, there has been no precedence of anyone being charged with breaking the law for playing at offshore online sports betting books or offshore online casinos.
Secondly, are offshore sports betting books trustworthy and reliable?
Very much so. They have been operating in the market for many years and sports betting is a clear cut outcome (when compared to online casino games). It’s therefore extremely difficult to argue that an outcome of a sports bet is wrong.
How can I find an online Sportsbook?
The most popular offshore sportsbook is Bovada. It is the largest and has a long standing history of operating a sportsbook for US citizens.
Do NOT place a bet at an unlicensed sportsbook operating offshore. Unlicensed sportsbooks may not be reliable. Although they may offer great Welcome Bonuses, their promise to pay any winnings may be empty. Keep with the trusted, big branded names.
How can I place a Sports Bet onshore?
By far the easiest way is to place a bet via offshore sports betting sites.
The alternative is to head towards a neighboring state which has legalized sports betting – Arkansas and Mississippi.
Do NOT head to Texas for they are even further behind in legislating sports betting then Louisiana.
In the state of Louisiana we anticipate an amount of $20.3m to be wagered in the year 2020 on offshore sports betting (as per H2 Gambling Capital, H2GC.com)
Gambling Type | 2019 $m |
Commercial Casino | Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 15,317 |
Gaming Machines | Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 7,037 |
Native American Casino | Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 5,376 |
Lottery | Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 517 |
Horse race Betting | Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 199 |
Charity Gaming | Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 188 |
* Offshore Online Gambling | Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 19 |
(*) Includes Offshore Online Sports Betting turnover of $7.9m
Please note: it is illegal to run a sportsbook or place a sports bet within the borders of Louisiana.
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Bordering States
Texas | Arkansas | Mississippi