Shaun Mena, a state representative representing Mid-City, Louisiana, recently introduced a legislative initiative that could have a major impact on the online sports betting industry in the state.
House Bill 727 (HB 727) proposes to ban advertisements for online gambling operators and fantasy sports contests in Louisiana. In essence, the legislation aims to restrict public exposure to these types of bets.
According to the text of the bill, “proposed law prohibits holders of licenses to operate fantasy sports contests or sports betting from advertising fantasy sports contests in the state.”
Furthermore, violation of this law would result in the revocation of the fantasy sports contest’s operating license.
Mena’s main goal in introducing this legislation is to combat the growing problem gambling habits in the state.
However, while Mena’s intent is clear – he does not seek to ban sports betting per se. And yes, just the related ads – you face an uphill battle.
Since mobile sports betting launched in 55 of Louisiana’s 64 areas, including New Orleans, in February 2022, the market has been largely successful and popular among residents.
Louisiana Sports Betting Market
The online/mobile sports betting market in Louisiana is highly competitive. Having a variety of well-established operators such as ESPN Bet, BetMGM, Bet Rivers, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings and FanDuel, among others.
Louisiana’s gaming industry is one of the largest in the US, with land-based casino companies such as Caesars Entertainment and Penn National Gaming playing a significant role. The participation of these companies in political lobbying could influence the progress of Mena’s bill.
However, Mena is not the first to propose legislation of this type. The previous year, Representative Paul Tonko (D-NY) introduced the Betting on Our Future Act, seeking to prohibit advertising of betting in electronic media.
With the legalization of sports betting in 38 states and Washington, D.C., some politicians argue that limiting ads is a necessary measure to prevent gambling-related problems.
Therefore, the proposal represents a significant attempt to regulate gambling advertising in Louisiana. However, it will face considerable challenges given the success and popularity of the industry in the state.
