According to Senate President Page Cortez, people in Louisiana could start betting on sports events as early as the fall.
There is still work to do. Lawmakers must hold a House floor debate before Gov. John Bel Edwards can sign it and they have to determine how they would spend the money sports betting could generate.
One senator behind the measure said a portion of that money would be designated for early childhood development. The senator added that she wasn’t a supporter of sports betting at first and only decided to jump behind it when she knew the money would stay in-state and would benefit children.
The regulatory proposal would create 20 licenses for sportsbook operators, with Louisiana’s casinos and racetracks given the first chance to get those licenses. If those casinos and racetracks don’t seek all 20 licenses by Jan. 1, fantasy sports betting operators and video poker establishments in the 55 parishes where sports wagering is legal would be able to apply for any available licenses.
