With three days left in the legislative session, legislation that would give voters a chance to legalize sports betting is still alive. It’s been attached to the fantasy sports regulation bill. The combined measures received approval by the Senate on 24-13 vote on Monday. Spokesperson for Fairness for Fantasy Sports Ryan Berni is concerned about bundling the two.
“It’s really important that in the next 72 hours that people get to their senses and pass and uphold the will of the voters,” said Berni.
Berni says the two hobbies should not be linked as they are very much different activities as fantasy sports sees participants usually competing with a much smaller wager with friends or in an online group with no house advantage.
“You’re playing against the house, sportsbooks set the lines, the wagers can vary from small to very large, so I think they are very different things,” said Berni.
Berni says he believes once the two hobbies are pursued in their own individual pieces of legislation, he foresees a path to victory for fantasy sports fans in Louisiana to be more likely.
“I’m confident, because people voted, 47 parishes permit it, that there are enough legislatures that are willing to uphold the will of the voters,” said Berni.
The two combine measures are up for a vote in the House.
