Louisiana commercial and online sports betting will not be available until at least November. Gaming officials say that these delays are a consequence of tinkering with the internal controls.
Because Louisiana sports betting and the gaming regulation involved are being handled by the State Police, their licensing procedures have differed greatly from other states.
Delays At The Police Dept.
When Hurricane Ida hit, there was no one to continue the licensing process because the State Police Gaming Enforcement Division had been dispersed across Louisiana to fulfill their duties as first responders.
As a result, the state lost more than two weeks of licensing work and were unable to keep their promise of an October 1st sportsbook launch.
Maj. Chuck McNeal elaborated that gaming officials were struggling with how to go about designing and regulating the sports betting software. This is probably the most critical part of establishing state-sponsored sportsbooks.
Software issues could be anything from sportsbook banking management to privacy and security threats. Given the importance of these factors, such delays are a necessary evil.
No Set Date For LA
The chairman of Louisiana’s Gaming Control Board recently advised residents to hold their horses, as he continues to get hammered with calls from confused constituents.
“I’m not going to give you a definitive date of when we’re going to issue licenses. But I am going to say it’s going to be soon…”
Chairman Ronnie Johns
Even so, Louisiana residents have access to retail betting through the Paragon Casino and Resort. Owned and operated by the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe, the Paragon Casino sits on sovereign land.
Because America’s Native Tribes have certain autonomous rights, Paragon was allowed to open its sports betting facilities as soon as the Tribe had received approval from the Department of Interior.
On Wednesday, October 6th, the casino opened its doors for legal sports betting. However, the Paragon isn’t necessarily a feasible drive for most Louisianans.
Most residents seem to be banking on the state’s online sportsbooks to get their kicks. And missing out on some of the biggest games in football season doesn’t make the wait any easier.
How To Bet In Louisiana Right Now
However, eager bettors of Louisiana shouldn’t fret, as there are several other legal online betting services at their disposal.
Offshore online sportsbooks have been the most reliable source for legal betting lines long before PASPA was repealed.
Additionally, offshore online sportsbooks offer a greater variety of deposit and withdrawal options. As of now, these sportsbooks remain the only option for sports bettors who want to pay and cash out in cryptocurrency.
Furthermore, those living in the 9 parishes excluded from domestic betting services in Louisiana can bet with offshore books without any restrictions!
Source: The Advocate
