Gambling bills keep Louisiana lawmakers’ hands full

Bills seeking to legalize sports betting, online gambling, and daily fantasy sports have emerged at the Louisiana State Capitol in the first six days of March.

First on the list of gambling-related bills filed this month was H-245, filed by Democratic Rep. Major Thibaut last Thursday. The general idea of H-245 was to pave the way for the expansion of gaming activities at the state’s four horse racing facilities: Delta Downs, Evangeline Downs, Fair Grounds, and Louisiana Downs.

If the bill passes legislators’ scrutiny, residents of Louisiana may be able to punt “on any type of sports event, including but not limited to football, basketball, baseball, hockey, boxing, tennis, wrestling, jai alai, or other sports contest or event.”

The power to regulate sports betting will be given to the Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB), according to Thibaut’s proposed legislation.