The Louisiana Senate approved House Bill 639, raising the tax rate on online sports betting from 15% to 21.5%. The legislation now moves to Governor Jeff Landry for final...
Louisiana governor rejects new ban on sweepstakes casinos
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has rejected Senate Bill 181, which aimed to ban sweepstakes casinos in the state.
With proposed harsh penalties, fines up to $100,000, and possible prison time, the bill had strong support in the legislature, passing with no opposition. However, in his veto letter on June 12, Governor Landry said the bill wasn’t needed.
“This bill attempts to criminalize certain secondary gambling activities on the internet that are already prohibited in Louisiana. Our current Louisiana Gaming Control Board has the regulatory authority, control, and jurisdiction over all aspects of gaming activities and operations pursuant to the Louisiana Gaming Control Law.”
Wrote Jeff Landry.
He pointed to recent actions taken against illegal operators as proof that the system works. He also said the bill’s language was too vague and could somehow disturb ongoing investigations.
Because of this veto, sweepstakes casinos may continue operating in Louisiana, at least for now. While lawmakers could try to override the veto, it’s unlikely that they will proceed.
Sweepstakes casinos under the microscope
Unlike Louisiana, other states are taking strict actions against sweepstakes casinos. Recently, Michigan and New York have shut down several operations. Moreover, the New York Senate passed a bill to ban sweepstakes casinos.
Meanwhile, Louisiana has decided to go forward with any severe action and instead enforce existing laws.
Louisiana's House of Representatives passed an updated version of House Bill 639, which aims to increase the sports betting tax rate to 21.5%.Initially, the bill proposed...
