Legal sports betting will likely expand soon in Louisiana.
The legislature has passed and Gov. John Bell Edwards is expected to sign legislation that would allow better on mobile apps and at kiosks in parishes that have approved sports betting, the Associated Press reported.
Sports betting in the state could begin this fall in 55 of the state’s 64 parishes.
Participants have to be at least 21 and have an account with a licensed sports betting operator, WAFB reported.
There will be 10% tax on better at onsite locate locations and 15% on better through mobile apps, the station reported.
Legalizing sports betting could increase the number of people who develop problems with gambling, Janet M. Miller, executive director, Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling, told the Louisiana Record.
“Sports betting has been around forever, maybe not legally in some jurisdictions,” she said. “But I think you always need to prepare yourself for some people who have a problem with it.”
Her organization will push for the state to dedicate money to provide for treatment or counseling for citizens who develop problems, she said.
Louisiana has been good about providing this type of assistance in the past, Miller said.
“It is one of a few states that has dedicated funding,” she said. “I am hopeful that they will continue to take care of Louisiana residents by allocating some of the tax revenue to the dedicated fund for problem and compulsive gambling help.”
Compulsive gamblers are in all income ranges, she said.
“Most people who are in this addiction will find a way to get the money whether it’s low income or high income,” she said. “I don’t know if I would say it’s more prevalent in high income or low income. But I do think we need to gain a better understanding of how the different culture and subcultures are affected by problems of gambling.”