A Senate committee is reportedly going to get the ball rolling on iGaming legalization discussions
Louisiana is potentially moving closer to potentially legalizing online casinos, with a Senate committee set to begin a detailed study in October. The committee will focus on understanding the advantages, challenges, and best practices surrounding iGaming, as the state considers whether to join others that have already embraced this form of gambling.
The push for this study comes after a Senate resolution passed in the final days of the legislative session last June. The resolution mandates that two Senate committees, Judiciary B and Revenue and Fiscal Affairs, work together to explore the implications of legalizing online casinos in Louisiana. They are expected to present their findings to the Senate by March 1 of the following year.
Senator Kirk Talbot, who filed the resolution, believes that this study will provide the necessary insights into both the regulatory and financial aspects of iGaming. With other states already benefiting from the revenue generated by online casinos, Louisiana lawmakers see an opportunity to potentially fill budget gaps in the coming years. However, Talbot emphasizes that this study is just the beginning of a comprehensive evaluation of iGaming’s potential impact on the state.
One of the main drivers behind this initiative is the potential to capture revenue that is currently lost to illegal online gambling. The American Gaming Association reports that billions of dollars are wagered illegally, costing states significant tax revenue. By exploring the possibility of legalizing and regulating online casinos, the Pelican State could reclaim some of that lost income while offering greater protections to its residents.
This study could be the first step toward bringing iGaming to Louisiana, with lawmakers likely introducing legislation based on the committee’s findings next year. The list of states where this practice is becoming legal continues to grow, and Louisiana intends not to be left behind should the entire analysis prove positive.
