Louisiana is losing nearly $5 billion in untaxed revenue annually due to illegal online gambling, according to state Representative Mike Echols. Despite the state’s legal online and retail sports betting, illegal online casino gambling continues to thrive, siphoning significant revenue away from the state.
Louisiana introduced online sports betting on January 28, 2022, and since then, well-known companies like DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, and BetMGM have been providing their services to residents across the state. However, despite the convenience of mobile betting, many customers are also interested in online casino gambling, which remains illegal in Louisiana.
Predatory Practices Targeting Residents
Echols highlighted the predatory nature of illegal gambling operators, stating, “They’re predatorily coming after our constituents and allowing them to gamble online”. He emphasized that the issue lies not with Louisiana’s residents but with offshore and illegal gambling providers operating without restrictions.
Potential Risks of Legalizing Online Gambling
While Louisiana has yet to legalize online casino gambling, Echols suggested that any future legalization should tie iGaming operators to existing racetracks and casinos in the state. Chris Hebert, chair of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, expressed concerns about the risks associated with online gambling, noting, “Those present real problems. As regulators that is not lost on us”, according to Gambling News.
Benefits of a Regulated Market
Despite the risks, a regulated online gambling market could offer benefits, including compliance with regulatory frameworks and responsible gambling policies. Legal operators would also contribute tax revenue, which could be used to address problem gambling issues.
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