Sports betting in Louisiana is delayed again due to Page Cortez, the gambling regulatory chief, not being present.
Cortez, Republican Sen. Rick Ward of Port Allen, and Republican Rep. John Stefanski of Crowley introduced measures to legalize sports betting, which Gov. John Bel Edwards has approved.
However, the Gaming Control Board has to issue the guidelines before casinos begin constructing sports betting parlors.
Mike Noel, the former chairman, resigned on the 9th of June to avoid a Senate confirmation hearing because the judge may question State Police work when a Black man died whilst being arrested. His death is still being investigated.
Edward’s spokeswoman, Christina Stephen, said Tuesday that the governor is looking forward to making an appointment soon. The governor has been working on finding a commissioner carrying the right skill and can lead the process in this gaming industry.
Post-Betting Implementation
Once sports betting activity gets a nod, it will be the biggest expansion of gambling in the state. In the year 2020, the gambling industry generated around $600 million in tax.
Las Vegas-inspired sportsbooks will be available at the state’s horse racetracks and casinos, along with mobile betting via cell phones and retail betting stalls at restaurants.
There will be around twenty sports betting licenses, with current casinos and racetracks getting first dibs. All the licenses will have two “skins.”These will be used to negotiate contracts with mobile app developers.
Retail kiosks will be available for wagering in restaurants. Cortez’s bill will have an emergency clause to hasten implementation, but the Gaming Control Board has to first establish the rules.
However, the sports betting activity will be banned entirely in Catahoula, Franklin, Jackson, Union, West Carroll, Winn, and Caldwell.
