It sure seems that the recent PA Gambling legislation had a ripple effect. Indeed, on March 7th, a news surfaced about a bill that could legalized gambling in LA. The bill is currently being drafted and suggests more or less the same structure as the current PA legislation. But with a couple of differences. Filed in February, the 245 Bill proposed to redefine the terms “games” in the current law. Indeed, the new definition would give additional gaming rights to horse tracks, if approved by the local council. Sounds familiar?
Let’s look at the terms of the drafted bill in Louisianna into closer details.
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that the current bill is only for brick and mortar establishment. Some believe that very much like PA, LA could legalize gambling offline first. Then re-evaluate and possibly open the online casino market after some time. Second, very much like PA, the proposed bill would only affect existing establishment. So, LA is likely to give only four licenses at first. One to Evangeline Downs, another one to Harrah’s Louisiana, a third one to Fair Grounds Race Course and a last one to the Delta Downs Racetrack
Casino Hotel. However, unlike PA’s legislation. The drafted bill proposes to legalize Sports betting, and it states that “… any type of sports event, including but not limited to football, basketball, baseball, hockey, boxing, tennis, wrestling, jai alai, or other sports contest or event… “ Will be covered by this act.
Both Louisianna and New Jersey are in favor of Sports Betting – Pa could be next!
As LA teams up with NJ in support of Sports Betting. We anticipate that Pa could be next. Perhaps the lawmakers are waiting to hear the result of the Christie vs. NCAA case. It’s worth saying that a verdict by the supreme court in favor of Christie could legalize Sports Betting in NJ. Perhaps this would give Pa a thumbs up to join the other states and support sports betting online too! Let’s see what happens! The supreme court will deliver a verdict by June 2018.