On August 23, PlayUSA broke an exciting story that was missed by the majority of the gaming media. The Louisiana Senate has agreed to begin studying the benefits and drawbacks of regulating online gambling.
Under a measure passed at the end of the legislative session in June, a joint committee study is to begin by October, and the findings will be presented to the Louisiana Senate by March 1.
Depending on the findings of this study. Louisiana could emerge as the next state to seriously pursue online gambling regulation.
Key Highlights
- Louisiana legislature passed SR149 in June, calling for a study of iGaming regulation.
- LA Senator asked for an iGaming legislation draft but was told to wait until the NCLGS model is released in December.
- Voters must approve iGaming, and history shows that widespread support is not likely.
LA Senate Passes SR149 to Study Online Gambling
iGaming is a big issue, certainly the next thing in gambling. I thought it would be prudent for us to look at it. It’s going to be coming up so let’s study it to have an idea what it entails.”
Sen. Kirk Talbot, Louisiana State Senate
PlayUSA broke news on August 23 that the Louisiana Senate will start studying online gambling in October.
In June, the Senate passed SR149 in the final days of the 2024 Legislative session, but the measure received no media attention.
Under the resolution, a joint committee of the Revenue and Fiscal Affairs and Judiciary B committees are supposed to start meeting before October 1.
However, PlayUSA reached out to the Judiciary B committee and discovered that it may take until then to get together a team to conduct the study.
Senator Kirk Talbot introduced the measure and outlined several reasons for requesting the study. He pointed to American Gaming Association reports on how over $500 billion is wagered annually at offshore and illegal online casinos.
This is costing states around $13 billion in tax revenue annually.
The measure also pointed out how many casinos do not offer responsible gambling commitments and that many deceptively advertise that they are legal in Louisiana.
PlayUSA spoke with Sen. Talbot regarding the bill, and he stated, “iGaming is a big issue, certainly the next thing in gambling. I thought it would be prudent for us to look at it. It’s going to be coming up so let’s study it to have an idea what it entails.”
Was Louisiana Already Considering iGaming Legislation?
The PlayUSA article also pointed out an interesting statement by Judiciary B attorney Alan Million last month. Miller was part of a panel at Pittsburgh’s National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) conference.
He said a Judiciary B committee member had approached him to draft an iGaming legislation bill two days before the filing deadline.
Miller did some research and suggested that the Senator wait until 2025 to file. The NCLGS is working on iGaming Model Legislation and is looking for a final draft by December.
Miller suggested that the Senator wait until that draft is completed. Miller did not reveal which Senator approached him.
The results from the upcoming gaming study could go a long way towards prompting a push for iGaming Legislation. Fortunately, there will be plenty of time for lawmakers to review and adapt the iGaming model.
The 2025 LA legislative session doesn’t begin until April 14, giving lawmakers four months from the expected model’s release and at least a month to review the study findings.
Online Gambling Will Require Voter Support
Louisiana will likely strongly consider iGaming, particularly since it seeks to fill a massive $500 million budget deficit.”
In a best-case scenario for 2025, the legislature will file and pass a bill. Afterwards, the matter will go to a vote in the 2025 election. Even if passed in the legislature, this does not guarantee it will pass statewide.
Each parish will vote on whether to legalize online casinos. Looking back to 2020, only 55 of 64 parishes approved sports betting. A similar thing could happen in 2025.
Louisiana will likely strongly consider iGaming, particularly since it seeks to fill a massive $500 million budget deficit.
While it will not provide immediate benefits, it will provide long-term funding.
Initial Predictions for Louisiana iGaming
I’m not confident that a bill will make its way successfully through the legislature next year.”
Ronnie Johns, Louisiana Gaming Control Board chairman
Looking at the measure and the comments made by Sen. Talbot to PlayUSA, I’m hopeful of a positive outcome on the study.
This study is approaching the appropriate angles for such a study. Unless there are committee members actively trying to sabotage the process, we should see a largely positive report.
Back in April, Louisiana Gaming Control Board chairman Ronnie Johns told Gambling.com that the industry is not solid behind online gambling.
He said, “The conservative nature of our Legislature would not be conducive to expanding new forms of gaming.”
Johns could be right. There have been few overtures to legalize online casino gambling.
While online sports betting is legal, it did not get statewide approval. I’m not confident that a bill will make its way successfully through the legislature next year.
In an absolute best-case scenario, the bill is passed. However, I don’t see it getting as much support as sports betting.
I’d put the over/under for the number of parishes passing it at 45.
Practice Responsible Gambling
Responsible gambling is important for maintaining a healthy relationship with gaming.
As Louisiana explores the regulation of online gambling, it’s important for players to stay informed and make decisions that keep their experiences enjoyable and safe.
Setting limits, knowing when to step back, and seeking help if needed are all key to enjoying online gaming responsibly.
Sources
https://www.playusa.com/louisiana-online-casino-study-committee/
https://www.gambling.com/us/news/no-appetite-in-louisiana-to-legalize-igaming-control-board-chairman
https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1379927
