A measure to legalize sports wagering in the state has survived a full Senate vote and is heading to the House. Bill sponsor, Metairie Senator Danny Martiny, says there’s already an active sports betting black market, and while the law may increase the overall amount of gaming in the state, it will contribute funding to early childhood education.
“It’s not enough money for early childhood development to satisfy all of their needs, but I think its a way to regulate an industry that’s already operating here in Louisiana and also deal with early childhood education,” said Martiny.
Under Martiny’s legislation, sports betting would be legal at the state’s 15 licensed riverboat casinos, four racetracks and the land based casino in New Orleans. Residents in the parishes that host those facilities would have to approve, before bets could be taken.
No one spoke in opposition of the bill, before it was approved in the Senate on a 24-15 vote. It heads to the House, where it could face more resistance from legislators who represent conservative districts.
