Louisiana authorities confirmed on Thursday that they are moving as fast as possible to begin retail and sports betting online, but did not provide a precise timetable.
At the Louisiana Gaming Control Board meeting on Thursday, state authorities announced that eight operators already filed for sports betting licenses. Background checks and other critical licensing steps were already completed by the operators linked to the state’s current gaming organizations.
However, according to Board Chair Ronnie Johns, Hurricane Ida has slowed down the already lengthy process. Currently, state law enforcement is focusing more on recovery operations in the aftermath of the disaster. Since taking over as chair last month, Johns has been asked “the No. 1 inquiry” about the launch schedule.
Process of Louisiana Sports Betting License
Legal sports betting has yet to begin in Louisiana, even though voters in 55 of the state’s 64 parishes approved it in a ballot question in 2020.
Following up on the vote, legislation was needed to define license criteria, betting eligibility, and other critical issues. The gaming control board and its law enforcement section were still required to issue further rules after Governor John Bel Edwards signed the bill into law in June.
Last month, regulators completed the regulatory process and issued the “emergency” rules. The licensing process for the 20 gaming facilities that will collaborate with online and retail sportsbook providers under the 2021 law is currently underway.
Louisiana Sports Betting Details
Every 20 retail gambling establishments can have up to two online sportsbooks, or “skins.” The state lottery is also allowed to operate one online sportsbook, giving Louisiana gamblers a total of 41 authorized online sports betting choices.
Louisiana is the first state to legalize parish-by-parish mobile sports betting. Eligible bettors can gamble in approved parishes via a mobile device, but they won’t be able to do so in parishes that voted negative in the 2020 ballot question.
According to Dogecoin sports betting, the referendum got the support of most parishes, including those in and around Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Shreveport, and other important population centers in Louisiana.
Each of the 20 gambling establishments also allows retail betting. Under the state lottery’s jurisdiction, pubs and restaurants in authorized parishes can also operate betting kiosks. Bettors joining these kiosks can engage in Dogecoin sports betting and other crypto coins.
Officials on Thursday said that eight operators started with the licensing procedure, but it looks like the majority, if not all, of the qualifying facilities, have to follow suit. Although it is unknown which online and retail partners will debut in Louisiana, a few have already announced the access in market arrangements for brick-and-mortar partners.
