Louisiana Senate Bill SB247 Engrossed / Bill

                    SLS 21RS-1821	REENGROSSED
2021 Regular Session
SENATE BILL NO. 247(Substitute of Senate Bill No. 202 by Senator Cortez)
BY SENATORS CORTEZ, JOHNS AND WARD AND REPRESENTATIVE
STEFANSKI 
GAMING.  Provides relative to the regulation of sports wagering.  (See Act)
1	AN ACT
2 To amend and reenact R.S. 13:4721, R.S. 14:90.5(A), (B), and (C), R.S. 27:15(B)(1), 15.1,
3 24(A)(5) and (6), the introductory paragraph of 27.1(C), 44(9), (11), and (13), 58(5),
4 65(B)(11), 205(11) and (12), 239.1, 353(2) and (5), 361(F), 364(A)(1)(c)(ii) and (5),
5 371(C), 372(B) and (C), and 375(D), and R.S. 46:1816(B)(8), to enact R.S. 14:90(E)
6 and 90.3(K) and R.S. 27:15(B)(8)(c) and Chapter 10 of Title 27 of the Louisiana
7 Revised Statutes of 1950, to be comprised of R.S. 27:601 through 611, and to repeal
8 R.S. 27:24(A)(5)(f), relative to sports wagering; to provide for definitions; to require
9 a license to conduct sports wagering; to provide relative to duties and powers of the
10 Louisiana Gaming Control Board and the gaming division in the office of state
11 police; to provide for requirements and limitations on licensees and permittees; to
12 authorize cash wagers; to require a sports lounge; to provide regarding a
13 computerized wagering platform; to provide for limitations on wagering; to authorize
14 self-service machines; to authorize electronic wagering through established wager
15 accounts; to provide for recordkeeping; to provide for exceptions from criminal law;
16 to provide for an effective date; and to provide for related matters.
17 Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:
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1 Section 1. R.S. 27:15(B)(1), 15.1, 24(A)(5) and (6), the introductory paragraph of
2 27.1(C), 44(9), (11), and (13), 58(5), 65(B)(11), 205(11) and (12), 239.1, 353(2) and (5),
3 361(F), 364(A)(1)(c)(ii) and (5), 371(C), 372(B) and (C), and 375(D) are hereby amended
4 and reenacted and R.S. 27:15(B)(8)(c) and Chapter 10 of Title 27 of the Louisiana Revised
5 Statutes of 1950, comprised of R.S. 27:601 through 611, are hereby enacted to read as
6 follows:
7 §15. Board's authority; responsibilities
8	*          *          *
9	B. The board shall:
10	(1) Have all regulatory authority, control, and jurisdiction, including
11 investigation, licensing, and enforcement, and all power incidental or necessary to
12 such regulatory authority, control, and jurisdiction over all aspects of gaming
13 activities and operations as authorized pursuant to the provisions of the Louisiana
14 Riverboat Economic Development and Gaming Control Act, the Louisiana
15 Economic Development and Gaming Corporation Act, the Video Draw Poker
16 Devices Control Law, and the Louisiana Fantasy Sports Contests Act, and the
17 Louisiana Sports Wagering Act, except as otherwise specified in this Title. Further,
18 the board shall have all regulatory, enforcement, and supervisory authority which
19 exists in the state as to gaming on Indian lands as provided in the provisions of Act
20 No. 888 of the 1990 Regular Session of the Legislature and Act No. 817 of the 1993
21 Regular Session of the Legislature.
22	*          *          *
23	(8)
24	*          *          *
25	(c) Adopt, pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act and as
26 specifically provided for in R.S. 27:603, all rules necessary to implement,
27 administer, and regulate sports wagering as authorized by Chapter 10 of this
28 Title.
29	*          *          *
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1 §15.1. Sports wagering
2	A. In the event of the legalization of sports wagering in any parish as a result
3 of the proposition election held on November 3, 2020, the The Louisiana Gaming
4 Control Board shall have all regulatory authority, control, and jurisdiction, including
5 investigation, licensing, and enforcement, and all power incidental or necessary to
6 such regulatory authority, control, and jurisdiction over all aspects of sports
7 wagering activities and operations, except as otherwise specified in this Title.
8	B. For purposes of this Section, "sports wagering" shall be defined as the
9 business of accepting wagers on any sports event or sports contest by any system or
10 method of wagering.
11	*          *          *
12 §24. Rulemaking authority; fees and fines, collection
13	A. The board, in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act and R.S.
14 27:15(B)(8), shall promulgate all rules and regulations necessary to carry out the
15 provisions of this Title, including but not limited to the following:
16	*          *          *
17	(5) A procedure requiring the withholding of payments of progressive slot
18 machine annuities and cash gaming winnings of persons who have outstanding child
19 support arrearages or owing child support overpayments, prior to the payment of a
20 progressive slot machine annuity, beginning with the second annuity payment, or
21 cash gaming winnings. Progressive slot machine annuities or cash gaming winnings
22 shall only include only payments for which the entity licensed or permitted under
23 Chapters Chapter 1, 4, 5, or 7, or 10 of this Title 27 of the Louisiana Revised
24 Statutes of 1950, is required to file form W2-G, or a substantially equivalent form,
25 with the United States Internal Revenue Service.
26	(a) The board may require that the agency reporting current child support
27 arrearages or overpayments to provide information relating to such arrearages or
28 overpayments in a manner, format, or record approved by the board that gives the
29 entity licensed or permitted under Chapters Chapter 1, 4, 5, or 7, or 10 of this Title
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1 27 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, real-time or immediate electronic
2 database access to the information. If the information relating to such arrearages or
3 overpayments by the agency reporting current child support arrearages or
4 overpayments is not available through real-time or immediate electronic database
5 access, the licensee shall not be responsible for withholding cash gaming winnings
6 in accordance with the provisions of this Subparagraph.
7	(b) The board or any entity licensed or permitted under Chapters Chapter 1,
8 4, 5, or 7, or 10 of this Title 27 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, including
9 any of its officers, employees, attorneys, accountants, or other agents, shall not be
10 civilly or criminally liable to any person, including any customer, for any disclosure
11 of information made in accordance with this Section, for encumbering or
12 surrendering assets in response to information provided by the Department of
13 Children and Family Services, or for any claims for damages arising from
14 withholding or failing to withhold any progressive slot machine annuities or cash
15 gaming winnings, based upon information provided to it.
16	(c) If any entity licensed or permitted under Chapters Chapter 1, 4, 5, or 7,
17 or 10 of this Title 27 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, determines that the
18 winner of a progressive slot machine annuity or cash gaming winnings is a person
19 who has outstanding child support arrearages or owes child support overpayments,
20 the entity licensed or permitted under Chapters Chapter 1, 4, 5, or 7, or 10 of this
21 Title 27 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, shall deduct the child support
22 arrearage or child support overpayment from the payment of the progressive slot
23 machine annuity or cash gaming winnings. The deducted amount shall be forwarded
24 to the Department of Children and Family Services within seven days, and the entity
25 licensed or permitted under Chapters Chapter 1, 4, 5, or 7, or 10 of this Title 27 of
26 the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, shall pay the remainder to the person who
27 has outstanding child support arrearages or owes child support overpayments. If the
28 remainder is equal to or less than zero, the person who has an outstanding child
29 support arrearage or child support overpayment shall not receive a payment.
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1	(d) Any entity licensed or permitted under Chapters Chapter 1, 4, 5, or 7, or
2 10 of this Title 27 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, may deduct an
3 administrative fee from each payment of a progressive slot machine annuity,
4 beginning with the second annuity payment, or cash gaming winnings, of persons
5 who have outstanding child support arrearages or owe child support overpayments
6 per singular or periodic payment, not to exceed thirty-five dollars.
7	(e) The board shall also require that the entity licensed or permitted under
8 Chapters 1, 4, 5, or 7, or 10 of Title 27 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950,
9 adopt procedures designed to prevent employees from willfully failing to withhold
10 payments of progressive slot machine annuities or cash gaming winnings from
11 persons who have outstanding child support arrearages or child support
12 overpayments, based upon the information provided by the Department of Children
13 and Family Services that allows the licensee to identify such persons.
14	(6) The administration and enforcement of accumulating unclaimed monies
15 on which the time period for collection has expired, the remittance thereof to the
16 state treasurer, and related matters as required by R.S. 27:94, 252, and 394, and 609.
17	*          *          *
18 §27.1. Uniform compulsive and problem gambling program
19	*          *          *
20	C. Within one hundred twenty days from the adoption of the rules provided
21 for in Subsection B of this Section, each holder of a license as defined in R.S.
22 27:44(14), R.S. 27:353(5), and 602, and the casino gaming operator shall submit for
23 approval to the board a comprehensive program that provides policies and
24 procedures that, at a minimum, shall cover the following areas of concern and are
25 designed to:
26	*          *          *
27 §44. Definitions
28	When used in this Chapter, the following terms shall mean:
29	*          *          *
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1	(9)(a) "Game" means any banking or percentage game which is played with
2 cards, dice, or any electronic, electrical, or mechanical device or machine for money,
3 property, or any thing of value. "Game" does not include a lottery, bingo, pull tabs,
4 raffles, electronic video bingo, cable television bingo, dog race wagering, or any
5 wagering on any type of sports event, including but not limited to football,
6 basketball, baseball, hockey, boxing, tennis, wrestling, jai alai, or other sports contest
7 or event. Game "Game" shall also include racehorse wagering.
8	(b) Notwithstanding any provision of Subparagraph (a) of this
9 Paragraph to the contrary, "game" shall include wagering on certain sports
10 events through its sports book for a licensee who is also licensed by the board
11 in accordance with Chapter 10 of this Title.
12	*          *          *
13	(11)(a) "Gaming device" or "gaming equipment" means any equipment or
14 mechanical, electro-mechanical, or electronic contrivance, component, or machine,
15 including a slot machine, used directly or indirectly in connection with gaming or
16 any game, which affects the result of a wager by determining wins or losses.
17	(b) Notwithstanding any provision of Subparagraph (a) of this
18 Paragraph to the contrary "gaming device" or "gaming equipment" shall also
19 include a sports wagering mechanism as that term is defined in R.S. 27:602 if
20 the riverboat gaming operator is also licensed by the board for a sports book in
21 accordance with Chapter 10 of this Title.
22	*          *          *
23	(13) "Gaming position" means a gaming device seat or a space at a table
24 game. Each gaming device seat shall be counted as one position and each space at
25 a table game shall be counted as one position, subject to the rules and regulations of
26 the board. The board shall specifically provide by rule for the counting of gaming
27 positions for devices and games where seats and spaces are not readily countable.
28 "Gaming position" shall not include a seat or space at a sports wagering
29 mechanism or at a sports wagering window.
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1	*          *          *
2 §58. Division responsibilities
3	The division shall:
4	*          *          *
5	(5)(a) Require all licensees to utilize a cashless wagering system, except for
6 racehorse wagering and the play of slot machines, whereby all players' money is
7 converted to tokens, electronic cards, or chips used only for wagering in the gaming
8 establishment.
9	(b) Notwithstanding any provision of Subparagraph (a) of this
10 Paragraph to the contrary, a licensee may accept cash wagers in its sports book
11 if it is also licensed by the board in accordance with Chapter 10 of this Title.
12	*          *          *
13 §65. Licenses to conduct gaming activities upon riverboats; limitations
14	*          *          *
15	B. Gaming shall be conducted aboard riverboats, subject to the following
16 requirements:
17	*          *          *
18	(11)(a) Except for racehorse wagering and the play of slot machines, gaming
19 wagers may be made only with tokens, chips, vouchers, coupons, or electronic cards
20 issued by the licensee. Such tokens, chips, vouchers, coupons, or electronic cards
21 may be used while aboard the riverboat only for the purpose of making wagers on
22 gaming games. Electronic cards may be used which are affixed with a magnetic
23 storage media, a "smart card" or those containing an integrated circuit chip, but
24 excluding credit cards issued by any other entity or institution or cards which
25 automatically withdraw funds from a credit, savings, or checking account held at a
26 depository institution as defined by Section 3 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act,
27 which includes any credit union.
28	(b) Notwithstanding any provision of Subparagraph (a) of this
29 Paragraph to the contrary, if the riverboat is also licensed by the board for a
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1 sports book in accordance with Chapter 10 of this Title, sports wagers may also
2 be made in cash or through a patron's verified sports wagering account.
3	*          *          *
4 §205. Definitions
5	When used in this Chapter, the following terms have these meanings:
6	*          *          *
7	(11)(a) "Game" means any banking or percentage game located exclusively
8 within an official gaming establishment which is played with cards, dice, or any
9 electronic, electrical, or mechanical device or machine for money, property, or any
10 thing of value. Game "Game" does not include lottery, bingo, charitable games,
11 raffles, electronic video bingo, pull tabs, cable television bingo, wagering on dog or
12 horse races, sports betting, or wagering on any type of sports event, inclusive
13 including but not limited to football, basketball, baseball, hockey, boxing, tennis,
14 wrestling, jai alai, or other sports contest or event.
15	(b) Notwithstanding any provision of Subparagraph (a) of this
16 Paragraph to the contrary, "game" shall include sports betting through its
17 sports book if the casino gaming operator is licensed by the board in accordance
18 with Chapter 10 of this Title.
19	(12)(a) "Gaming device" means any equipment or mechanical,
20 electromechanical, or electronic contrivance, component, or machine used directly
21 or indirectly in connection with gaming or any game which affects the result of a
22 wager by determining win or loss. The term includes a system for processing
23 information which can alter the normal criteria of random selection, which affects
24 the operation of any game, or which determines the outcome of a game. The term
25 does not include a system or device which that affects a game solely by stopping its
26 operation so that the outcome remains undetermined.
27	(b) Notwithstanding any provision of Subparagraph (a) of this
28 Paragraph to the contrary, "gaming device" shall also include a sports
29 wagering mechanism as that term is defined in R.S. 27:602 if the casino gaming
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1 operator is also licensed by the board for a sports book in accordance with
2 Chapter 10 of this Title.
3	*          *          *
4 §239.1. Wagering at the official gaming establishment
5	Wagering A. Except as provided in Subsection B of this Section, wagering
6 at the official gaming establishment may be made with tokens, chips, vouchers,
7 coupons, or electronic cards issued by the casino gaming operator or an approved
8 casino manager acting on behalf of the casino gaming operator. Electronic cards may
9 be used which are affixed with a magnetic storage media, a "smart card" or those
10 containing an integrated circuit chip, but excluding credit cards issued by any other
11 entity or institution or cards which automatically withdraw funds from a credit,
12 savings, or checking account held at a depository institution as defined by Section
13 3 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, which includes any credit union.
14	B. Notwithstanding any provision of Subsection A of this Section to the
15 contrary, if the casino gaming operator is issued a license to operate a sports
16 book by the board in accordance with Chapter 10 of this Title, sports wagers at
17 the official gaming establishment may also be made in cash or through a
18 patron's verified sports wagering account.
19	*          *          *
20 §353. Definitions
21	When used in this Chapter, the following terms shall have these meanings:
22	*          *          *
23	(2) "Designated slot machine gaming area" means the contiguous area of an
24 eligible live racing facility at which slot machine gaming may be conducted in
25 accordance with the provisions of this Chapter, determined by measuring the area,
26 in square feet, inside the interior walls of the licensed eligible facility, excluding any
27 space therein in which gaming activities may not be conducted, such as bathrooms,
28 stairwells, cage and beverage areas, and emergency evacuation routes of any width
29 that meet or exceed the minimum size required by law.
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1	*          *          *
2	(5) "Emergency evacuation route" means those areas within the designated
3 slot machine gaming area of a licensed eligible facility which are clearly defined and
4 identified by the licensee as necessary and approved by the state fire marshal or other
5 federal or state regulatory agency for the evacuation of patrons and employees from
6 the facility, and from which and in which no gaming activity may occur.
7	*          *          *
8 §361. Conduct of slot machine gaming; temporary conduct
9	*          *          *
10	F.(1) Wagering at an eligible live racing facility may be made with tokens,
11 chips, vouchers, coupons, or electronic cards issued by the licensed eligible facility
12 or an approved facility manager acting on behalf of the facility. Electronic cards may
13 be used which are affixed with a magnetic storage media, a "smart card" or those
14 containing an integrated circuit chip, but excluding credit cards issued by any other
15 entity or institution or cards which automatically withdraw funds from a credit,
16 savings, or checking account held at a depository institution as defined by Section
17 3 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, which includes any credit union.
18	(2) Notwithstanding any provision of Paragraph (1) of this Subsection to
19 the contrary, if the holder of a license as defined in R.S. 27:353 is also issued a
20 license to operate a sports book by the board in accordance with Chapter 10 of
21 this Title, sports wagers at the eligible facility may also be made in cash or
22 through a patron's verified sports wagering account.
23	*          *          *
24 §364. Gaming Control Board; powers and duties
25	A. The board shall:
26	(1)
27	*          *          *
28	(c) Such rules may include:
29	*          *          *
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1	(ii) Requiring certain minimum physical security standards be observed in
2 designated slot machine gaming areas.
3	*          *          *
4	(5) Approve the location, plans, and construction of the designated slot
5 machine gaming area in an eligible facility.
6	*          *          *
7 §371. Prohibition on operation of video draw poker devices; prohibition on any
8	other type of game
9	*          *          *
10	C.(1) Nothing in this Chapter shall be construed to permit the operation or
11 play of any type of game the play of which requires the participation of an employee
12 of the licensee.
13	(2) Notwithstanding any provision of Paragraph (1) of this Subsection to
14 the contrary, participation of an employee of the licensee may be permitted if
15 the licensee is also issued a license to operate a sports book by the board in
16 accordance with Chapter 10 of this Title and the employee's participation is in
17 compliance with and regarding activities related to operations regulated by that
18 Chapter.
19 §372. Slot machine gaming Gaming area limitations
20	*          *          *
21	B.(1) No gaming devices other than slot machines and authorized pari-mutuel
22 wagering devices and equipment shall be in the designated slot machine gaming
23 area.
24	(2) Notwithstanding any provision of Paragraph (1) of this Subsection to
25 the contrary, sports wagering mechanisms as that term is defined in R.S. 27:602
26 may also be authorized in the designated gaming area if the holder of a license
27 as defined in R.S. 27:353 is also issued a license to operate a sports book by the
28 board in accordance with Chapter 10 of this Title.
29	C. As used in this Section, "gaming position" means a slot machine seat.
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1 Each slot machine seat shall be counted as one position, subject to the rules and
2 regulations of the board. The board shall specifically provide by rule for the counting
3 of gaming positions for devices and games where seats and spaces are not readily
4 countable. "Gaming position" shall not include a seat or space at a sports
5 wagering mechanism or at a sports wagering window.
6	*          *          *
7 §375. Crimes and penalties; false statements; unauthorized slot machines; skimming
8	of slot machine proceeds; payroll check cashing; gambling devices
9	*          *          *
10	D. Any owner of an eligible facility who has been granted a license to operate
11 slot machine gaming who cashes or accepts for cashing or permits any employee or
12 other person to cash or accept for cashing an identifiable employee payroll check in
13 the designated slot machine gaming area shall, upon conviction, be imprisoned for
14 not more than six months or fined not more than five thousand dollars, or both.
15	*          *          *
16	CHAPTER 10. SPORTS WAGERING
17	PART I. GENERAL PROVISIONS
18 §601. Title and citation; privilege
19	A. This Chapter shall be cited and referred to as the "Louisiana Sports
20 Wagering Act".
21	B. Any license, permit, approval, or thing obtained or issued pursuant
22 to the provisions of this Chapter is expressly declared by the legislature to be a
23 pure and absolute revokable privilege and not a right, property or otherwise,
24 under the constitution of the United States or of the state of Louisiana. Further,
25 the legislature declares that no holder of any license or permit acquires any
26 vested interest or right therein or thereunder.
27 §602. Definitions
28	For purposes of this Chapter, the following terms shall have the
29 following meanings ascribed to them unless the context clearly indicates
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1 otherwise:
2	(1) "Anti-money laundering standards" or "AML" means the
3 requirements and guidelines provided in the federal Bank Secrecy Act of 1970,
4 as amended, and the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020, as amended, for the
5 prevention and detection of money laundering and the financing of terrorism.
6	(2) "Applicant" means a person, business, or legal entity who has
7 submitted an application to the board seeking a license or permit, or the
8 renewal of a license or permit.
9	(3) "Application" means the forms and schedules prescribed by the
10 board upon which an applicant seeks a license or permit, or the renewal of a
11 license or permit. An application shall also include any other information or fee
12 required by the board to be submitted with an application such as disclosure
13 statements, financial statements, and any type of fees.
14	(4) "Board" means the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, as established
15 by R.S. 27:11.
16	(5) "Business or legal entity" shall have the same meaning as that term
17 is defined in R.S. 27:3.
18	(6) "Division" shall have the same meaning as that term is defined in
19 R.S. 27:3.
20	(7) "Electronic sports wagering" means sports wagering via a sports
21 wagering mechanism on a licensee's premises or through a website or mobile
22 application.
23	(8) "License" means a license or authorization to operate, or to contract
24 with a sports wagering platform provider to operate, a sports book in this state
25 in compliance with the provisions of this Chapter.
26	(9) "Licensee" means any person issued a license by the board.
27	(10) "Louisiana State Racing Commission" means the commission
28 established in R.S. 4:144.
29	(11) "Mobile application" means an application on a mobile phone or
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1 other device through which a player is able to register, fund, and place a wager
2 with an operator on a sports event and receive a credit on the player's sports
3 wagering account.
4	(12) "Mobile wagering" means wagering on a sports event through a
5 website or mobile application.
6	(13) "Net gaming proceeds" means the amount equal to the total gross
7 revenue of all wagers placed by patrons less the total amount of all winnings
8 paid out to patrons and the amount of eligible promotional play determined
9 pursuant to R.S. 27:627.
10	(14) "Operator" or "sports wagering operator" means the entity that
11 actually books a sports wager. The operator may be:
12	(a) The licensee who manages and operates a sports book itself.
13	(b) The licensee's contracted sports wagering platform provider, in
14 accordance with the scope of that contract, when the licensee chooses to contract
15 the management and operation of all or a portion of its sports book
16 line-of-business with a platform provider.
17	(15) "Patron" or "player" means an individual who places a wager on
18 a sports event.
19	(16) "Permit" has the same meaning as that term is defined in R.S. 27:3.
20	(17) "Permittee" has the same meaning as that term is defined in R.S.
21 27:3.
22	(18) "Person" has the same meaning as that term is defined in R.S. 27:3.
23	(19) "Representation of value" means tokens, chips, vouchers, coupons,
24 or electronic cards that are issued by the licensee and authorized for use in
25 sports wagering by rules and regulations promulgated by the board.
26	(20) "Sports book" means the offering of sports wagering by an operator
27 on a licensee's premises or through a sports wagering platform.
28	(21) "Sports event" means any professional sport or athletic event, any
29 collegiate sport or athletic event, any amateur sport or athletic event, any
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1 Olympic or international sports competition event, any competitive video game
2 or other electronic sports event, or any other special event or competition of
3 relative skill as authorized by the board to be a sports event for purposes of this
4 Chapter. "Sports event" shall not include high school sports, youth events, any
5 international sports events where the majority of the participants are under the
6 age of eighteen years, fantasy sports contests as provided in Chapter 6 of this
7 Title, and any event prohibited by law.
8	(22) "Sports wager" or "sports bet" means a sum of money or
9 representation of value risked by a player on an occurrence associated with a
10 sports event for which the outcome is uncertain. The term includes but is not
11 limited to single-game bets, teaser bets, parlay bets, over-under bets, moneyline
12 bets, pools, exchange wagering, in-game wagering, in-play bets, proposition
13 bets, and straight bets.
14	(23) "Sports wagering" means the acceptance of wagers on sports events
15 or on portions of a sports event or on the individual performance or statistics
16 of athletes or participants in a sports event or a combination of sports events,
17 by any system or method of wagering.
18	(24) "Sports wagering account" means an electronic financial record
19 established with an operator for an individual patron in which the patron may
20 deposit and withdraw funds for sports wagering and other authorized
21 purchases and to which the operator may credit winnings or other amounts due
22 to that patron or authorized by that patron.
23	(25) "Sports wagering mechanism" or "kiosk" means a board-approved
24 self-service mechanical, electrical, or computerized terminal, device, apparatus,
25 or piece of equipment that is directly tied to a licensee's approved sports
26 wagering platform that allows a patron to place a sports wager in a
27 board-approved location on a licensee's premises. "Sports wagering
28 mechanism" does not include a personal computer, mobile phone, or other
29 device owned and used by a player to wager on a sports event.
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1	(26) "Sports wagering platform" means an integrated system of
2 hardware, software, or applications, including mobile applications and servers,
3 through which an operator conducts the business of offering sports wagering
4 conducted in accordance with this Chapter.
5	(27) "Sports wagering platform provider" means a suitable business or
6 legal entity that holds a permit from the board to engage in the operation of a
7 sports book on behalf of a licensee.
8 §603. Gaming Control Board; state police; duties and powers
9	A.(1) The board shall perform the duties and functions as authorized by
10 this Chapter and shall possess authority, control, and jurisdiction and all power
11 incidental and necessary thereto with respect to the regulation of sports
12 wagering as provided by Chapters 1 and 2 of this Title.
13	(2)(a) In accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, the board
14 shall:
15	(i) Develop qualifications and standards and a process and procedure for
16 the issuance of a license to operate a sports book as well as the renewal thereof.
17 A process and procedure for notification to eligible applicants of available
18 licenses as required by R.S. 27:604(B) shall be included.
19	(ii) Develop qualifications and standards and a procedure and process
20 for permitting sports wagering platform providers, manufacturers, suppliers,
21 and personnel as well as the renewals thereof.
22	(iii) Promulgate forms, processes, and procedures necessary to
23 implement, administer, and regulate sports wagering as authorized by this
24 Chapter.
25	(iv) Establish standards for the amount of reserves required to be
26 maintained by an operator and the allowable form of those reserves, including
27 standards for initial reserves for a new licensee or newly permitted sports
28 wagering platform provider.
29	(v) Establish guidelines for the acceptance of wagers on a series of sports
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1 events by an operator.
2	(vi) Prohibit an operator from unilaterally rescinding a wager except in
3 compliance with rules of the board.
4	(vii) For cash wagers placed in person or via a sports wagering
5 mechanism, establish standards for the type of wagering tickets which may be
6 used, information required to be printed on a ticket, and methods for issuing
7 tickets.
8	(viii) Establish the method of accounting to be used by an operator, the
9 types of records required to be kept, and the length of time records shall be
10 retained.
11	(ix) Require an operator to comply with AML standards.
12	(x) Provide standards for the use of credit and checks by players and
13 other protections for players.
14	(xi) Require an operator to submit for approval by the board its internal
15 controls for all aspects of electronic wagering, including procedures for system
16 integrity, system security, operations, accounting, patron disputes, and
17 reporting of problem gamblers.
18	(xii) Require an operator to submit for approval by the board its
19 operational controls for server-based gaming systems, software, and hardware
20 utilized on electronic sports wagering, including but not limited to appearance,
21 functionality, contents, collection, storage and retention of data, and security.
22	(xiii) Require an operator to submit for approval by the board its
23 operational controls for patron's sports wagering accounts, including but not
24 limited to procedures for establishment and closure of an online account,
25 funding of withdrawal of funds from an online account, and generation of an
26 account statement.
27	(xiv) Establish standards for servers and other equipment used to accept
28 wagers by operators and procedures for inspection and for addressing defective
29 or malfunctioning devices, equipment, and accessories related to sports
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1 wagering.
2	(xv) Require an operator to post the toll-free telephone number available
3 to provide information and referral services regarding compulsive or problem
4 gaming.
5	(xvi) Require each operator to submit for board approval a responsible
6 gaming policy that allows patrons to restrict themselves from placing wagers
7 with the operator, including limits on time spent wagering and limits on
8 amounts wagered, and identifies actions by the operator to honor those self-
9 imposed restrictions.
10	(b) For purposes of expeditious implementation of the provisions of this
11 Chapter, the promulgation of the initial administrative rules pertaining to this
12 Chapter shall be considered to constitute a matter of imminent peril to public
13 health, safety, and welfare as provided in R.S. 49:953(B).
14	B.(1) The gaming division of the office of state police shall, at all times
15 considered appropriate by the board, be charged with inspecting and ensuring
16 compliance with all the requirements of this Chapter.
17	(2) The gaming division of the office of state police may be charged by
18 the board with any other tasks deemed necessary to the regulation of sports
19 wagering in this state.
20	PART II. LICENSEE AND PLATFORM PROVIDER
21 §604. License; limited; requirements; contract with platform provider
22	A.(1) No person, business, or legal entity shall operate a sports book
23 without first being licensed by the board.
24	(2) The license to engage in the business of operating a sports book shall
25 be in addition to any other license required by law.
26	B.(1) The board shall issue no more than twenty licenses to operate
27 sports books. The board shall first consider applications for licensing from the
28 following:
29	(a) The casino gaming operator as defined in R.S. 27:205 and provided
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1 for in Chapter 5 of this Title.
2	(b) The holder of a license as defined in R.S. 27:44 and provided for in
3 Chapter 4 of this Title.
4	(c) The holder of a license as defined in R.S. 27:353 and provided for in
5 Chapter 7 of this Title, provided the holder of the license also has the approval
6 of the Louisiana State Racing Commission to apply to be licensed for a sports
7 book.
8	(2)(a) For the initial application process, if any entity identified in
9 Paragraph (1) of this Subsection elects not to apply for a license or fails to
10 submit a completed application to the board prior to January 1, 2022, or within
11 thirty days of applications being available, whichever is later, it shall not be
12 considered for a license. The board may consider for the remaining licenses,
13 applications from:
14	(i) Licensed establishments as defined in R.S. 27:402 and provided for in
15 Chapter 8 of this Title. Any licensed establishment that is also licensed by the
16 Louisiana State Racing Commission with the commission's approval may apply
17 to be licensed to operate a sports book.
18	(ii) Operators as defined in R.S. 27:302 and provided for in Chapter 6 of
19 this Title.
20	(b) From the licensed establishments and operators identified in
21 Subparagraph (a) of this Paragraph, if the number of applications received by
22 the board that are determined to be from eligible applicants exceeds the number
23 of licenses available, the board shall provide for a concealed bid process and
24 issue the available licenses, in accordance with the board's ranking of the bids,
25 to the applicants that in the board's discretion have the greatest potential for
26 revenue generation for the state.
27	(3)(a) Should a license become available after the initial issuance, the
28 board shall notify any entity identified in Paragraph (1) of this Subsection who
29 does not have a sports wagering license about the available license and provide
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1 those entities an opportunity to apply for the license by a certain date. If the
2 number of applications determined by the board to be eligible applicants
3 exceeds the number of available licenses, the board shall provide for a concealed
4 bid process and issue the available licenses, in accordance with the board's
5 ranking of the bids, to the applicants that in the board's discretion have the
6 greatest potential for revenue generation for the state.
7	(b) Should a license become available after the initial issuance and
8 entities identified in Paragraph (1) of this Subsection decline to apply or the
9 number of available licenses exceeds the number of entities identified in
10 Paragraph (1) of this Subsection who are interested, the board shall notify the
11 entities identified in Subparagraph (2)(a) of this Subsection who do not have a
12 sports wagering license about the available license and provide those entities an
13 opportunity to apply for the license by a certain date. If the number of
14 applications determined by the board to be eligible applicants exceeds the
15 number of available licenses, the board shall provide for a concealed bid process
16 and issue the available licenses, in accordance with the board's ranking of the
17 bids, to the applicants that in the board's discretion have the greatest potential
18 for revenue generation for the state.
19	C. The board shall issue a license to operate a sports book only to an
20 applicant determined by the board to be suitable. In addition to the standards
21 provided in R.S. 27:28, in determining an applicant's suitability as a sports
22 wagering licensee, the board may request from an applicant, and consider as a
23 factor in the determination, any or all of the following information items:
24	(1) The applicant's capitalization adequacy and the financial ability and
25 means to develop, construct, operate, and maintain infrastructure to support
26 sports wagering activities and operations in compliance with this Chapter and
27 any administrative rules promulgated by the board.
28	(2) The applicant's financial ability to purchase and maintain adequate
29 liability and casualty insurance and to provide an adequate surety bond.
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1	(3) The applicant's capitalization adequacy and financial ability to
2 responsibly pay its secured and unsecured debts in accordance with its
3 financing agreements and other contractual obligations.
4	(4) The applicant's history of material noncompliance with licensing
5 requirements or any other regulatory requirements in the state or in any other
6 jurisdiction, where the noncompliance resulted in enforcement action by the
7 person with jurisdiction over the applicant.
8	(5) The applicant's filing or having filed against it a proceeding for
9 bankruptcy, or involvement in any formal process to adjust, defer, suspend, or
10 otherwise negotiate the payment of any debt.
11	(6) The applicant's being named as a defendant in litigation involving the
12 integrity of its business practices.
13	D. Each applicant shall submit as part of its application a detailed plan
14 of design of its sports book lounge and other areas of its establishment where
15 sports wagering mechanisms may be placed. The board shall issue a license only
16 to an applicant whose detailed plan of design the board finds acceptable.
17	E. The board shall issue not more than twenty licenses to applicants that
18 meet the provisions of this Section and all other qualifications and standards as
19 determined by the board.
20	F.(1) A licensee may operate the sports book itself or contract for
21 operation of its onsite or electronic wagering with a sports wagering platform
22 provider. Only a licensee, or its sports wagering platform provider on its behalf,
23 may process, accept, offer, or solicit sports wagers.
24	(2) A licensee shall be responsible for the conduct of its sports wagering
25 platform provider.
26	G. Prior to beginning operations, an operator shall install and thereafter
27 maintain a computerized bookmaking system, referred to in this Chapter as a
28 sports wagering platform, that meets the specifications required by law and by
29 rule and approved by the board.
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1 §605. Sports wagering platform provider
2	A.(1) The board shall issue a sports wagering platform provider permit
3 to a suitable person who desires to contract with a licensee to manage or operate
4 all or a portion of a licensee's sports book line-of-business. A person shall not
5 manage or operate all or a portion of a licensee's sports book unless it possesses
6 a valid permit.
7	(2) In addition to the standards provided in R.S. 27:28, in determining
8 an applicant's suitability as a sports wagering platform provider, the board may
9 request from the applicant and consider as a factor in its determination any of
10 the items of information listed in R.S. 27:604(C) that it considers relevant.
11	B. (1) A sports wagering platform provider shall contract with a licensee
12 to provide sports wagering services.
13	(2) The board shall provide by rule for the minimum requirements of the
14 contract between the licensee and its sports wagering platform provider. Among
15 other requirements, the rules shall require that the contract provide access by
16 the division and the board to any information maintained by the platform
17 provider for verification of compliance with this Chapter.
18	C. A sports wagering platform provider shall use no more than one
19 sports wagering platform to offer, conduct, or operate a sports book on behalf
20 of the licensee.
21	D. A sports wagering platform provider shall keep books and records for
22 the management and operation of sports wagering as authorized by this
23 Chapter and for services for which it is contracted by a licensee. The keeping
24 of books and records shall be separate and distinct from any other business the
25 sports wagering platform provider operates. A sports wagering platform
26 provider shall file quarterly reports with the board listing all of its contracts
27 and services related to sports wagering authorized under this Title.
28	E.(1) The board shall provide by rule for the standards and
29 requirements of a sports wagering platform. The rules shall specify technical
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1 requirements as well as operational requirements.
2	(2) Only a sports wagering platform that meets the standards and
3 requirements as provided by rule may be used by an operator to book wagers.
4	F. The sports wagering platform provider shall provide the division with
5 a readily available point of contact to ensure compliance with the requirements
6 of this Chapter.
7	G. All servers necessary for the placement or resolution of wagers, other
8 than backup servers, shall be physically located in Louisiana.
9	H. Any sports wagering platform utilized for electronic wagering shall
10 have a component of its design to reasonably verify that the person attempting
11 to place the wager is:
12	(1) At least twenty-one years of age.
13	(2) Physically located in the state and not physically located in a parish
14 that has not approved a proposition to authorize sports wagering at the time the
15 wager is initiated or placed.
16	(3) Not a person who is otherwise prohibited from wagering with the
17 operator through law, rule, policy of the operator, self-exclusion, or pursuant
18 to R.S. 27:27.1.
19 §606. Temporary certificate of authority
20	A. When considering a person's application for a license to conduct
21 sports wagering or a permit as a sports wagering platform provider or service
22 provider, the board may issue to the person a temporary certificate of authority
23 to conduct business pursuant to this Chapter if all of the following apply:
24	(1) The person has filed with the board a completed application,
25 including all fees.
26	(2) The person has substantially demonstrated to the satisfaction of the
27 board that the person meets the requirements of this Chapter, the board's rules,
28 including emergency rules, and the board's or division's orders.
29	(3) The person applying for a permit as a sports wagering platform
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1 provider or service provider holds a gaming license or permit for similar
2 activity in Louisiana or another state of the United States and the license or
3 permit is in good standing.
4	(4) The person agrees in writing to the following conditions of the
5 temporary certificate of authority issued pursuant to this Section:
6	(a) The temporary certificate of authority does not create a right or
7 privilege.
8	(b) The board may rescind the person's temporary authority to conduct
9 business under this Section at any time, with or without notice to the person and
10 without a hearing, if either of the following apply:
11	(i) The board is informed that the suitability of the person may be at
12 issue.
13	(ii) The person fails to cooperate with the investigation into the
14 qualifications and suitability of the person applying for a license or the person
15 applying for a permit as a sports wagering platform provider or service
16 provider.
17	B.(1) The temporary certificate of authority shall expire six months after
18 issuance.
19	(2) The board may issue one ninety-day extension of the certificate upon
20 a showing of good cause.
21	(3) If a license or permit is issued to the holder of a temporary certificate
22 of authority, the license or permit term shall begin on the date of issuance of the
23 temporary certificate of authority.
24	PART III. WAGERING
25 §607. Operators; sports lounge required; responsibilities; pooling
26	A.(1) An operator may conduct sports wagering in person or via a sports
27 wagering mechanism located on its premises or through a website or mobile
28 application.
29	(2) Each licensee shall house its sports book in a sports wagering lounge
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1 on its premises which shall be restricted to patrons who are twenty-one years
2 of age or older and shall conform to all requirements concerning square footage,
3 design, equipment, security measures, and related matters which the board shall
4 prescribe by rule.
5	B. An operator shall establish and display the odds at which wagers may
6 be placed on sports events. No operator shall accept a wager in person, via a
7 sports wagering mechanism, or through a website or mobile application unless
8 the wagering proposition is posted by electronic or manual means.
9	C. An operator shall adopt comprehensive rules, which shall be
10 approved by the board, governing sports wagering transactions with its patrons.
11 The rules shall specify the amount to be paid on winning wagers and the effect
12 of schedule changes. The rules, together with any other information the board
13 deems appropriate, shall be conspicuously displayed in the establishment,
14 posted electronically on any sports wagering mechanism, website, or mobile
15 application, and included in the terms and conditions of the sports wagering
16 account system.
17	D. An operator shall maintain records of sports wagering activities and
18 operations in accordance with rules and regulations of the board and follow
19 federal anti-money laundering standards in the day-to-day operations of its
20 business.
21	E. Each operator shall designate one or more key employees who shall
22 be responsible for the operation of the sports book.
23	F. All wagers on sports events authorized pursuant to this Chapter shall
24 be initiated, received, and otherwise made within the state unless otherwise
25 determined by the board in accordance with applicable federal and state laws
26 and regulations. Consistent with the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement
27 Act of 2006, 31 U.S.C. 5361 et seq., the intermediate routing of electronic data
28 relating to a lawful intrastate wager authorized by this Chapter shall not
29 determine the location or locations in which the wager is initiated, received, or
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1 otherwise made.
2	G. An operator may pool wagers with persons who are not physically
3 present in this state if the board determines that this wagering is not
4 inconsistent with the law of this state or any federal law, including the law of
5 any foreign nation in which the person is located, or that the wagering is
6 conducted pursuant to a reciprocal agreement to which the state is a party that
7 is not inconsistent with federal law.
8 §608. Limitations on wagering
9	A.(1) To place a sports wager with an operator, a player shall meet all
10 of the following:
11	(a) Be twenty-one years of age or older.
12	(b) Be physically located in a parish that has approved a proposition
13 authorizing sports wagering.
14	(c) Have a wagering account established with the operator, if the player
15 is attempting to place the sports wager through a website or mobile application.
16	(d) Not be prohibited from wagering with the operator by law, rule,
17 policy of the operator, or self-exclusion, or pursuant to R.S. 27:27.1.
18	(2) In order to accept a sports wager from a player, an operator shall
19 confirm that the player meets all of the following criteria:
20	(a) Is twenty-one years of age or older.
21	(b) Is physically located in a parish that has approved a proposition
22 authorizing sports wagering.
23	(c) Has an existing sports wagering account with the operator, if the
24 wager is being placed through a website or mobile application.
25	(d) Is not prohibited from wagering with the operator by law, rule, policy
26 of the operator, or self-exclusion, or pursuant to R.S. 27:27.1.
27	B.(1) An operator shall not knowingly accept a wager from a person who
28 is an athlete, coach, referee, or other official or staff of a participant or team
29 that is participating in the sports event on which the person is attempting to
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1 place the wager.
2	(2) An operator shall not knowingly accept a wager from a person who
3 is the operator itself or is a director, officer, owner, or employee of the operator
4 or any relative or other person living in the same household as a director,
5 officer, owner, or employee of the operator.
6	C. No sports wagers may be accepted or paid by any operator on any of
7 the following:
8	(1) On any sport or athletic event not authorized by law or the board.
9	(2) On any sport or athletic event which the operator knows or
10 reasonably should know are being placed by or on behalf of an official, owner,
11 coach, or staff of a participant or team that participates in that event.
12	(3) On the occurrence of injuries or penalties, or the outcome of an
13 athlete's disciplinary rulings, or replay reviews.
14	(4) On other types, forms, or categories of wagering prohibited by the
15 board by rule.
16	D. Subject to the rules of the board, an operator shall promptly report
17 to the board on the following activities:
18	(1) Any criminal or disciplinary proceedings commenced against the
19 licensee or its employees, or a sports wagering platform provider or its
20 employees, in connection with the operations of the sports book.
21	(2) Any abnormal wagering activity or patterns that may indicate a
22 concern about the integrity of a sports event.
23	(3) Any other conduct with the potential to corrupt a wagering outcome
24 of a sports event for purposes of financial gain, including but not limited to
25 match fixing.
26	(4) Suspicious or illegal wagering activities, including the use of funds
27 derived from illegal activity, wagers to conceal or launder funds derived from
28 illegal activity, use of agents to place wagers, or use of false identification.
29	E. Every operator shall adopt procedures to obtain personally
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1 identifiable information from any individual who places an in-person single
2 wager in an amount of ten thousand dollars or greater on a sports event.
3	F.(1) A sports governing body may submit to the board in writing a
4 request to restrict, limit, or exclude a certain type, form, or category of sports
5 wagering with respect to sporting events of its body if the sports governing body
6 believes that such type, form, or category of sports wagering with respect to
7 sporting events of its body may undermine the integrity or perceived integrity
8 of the body or sporting event of the body.
9	(2) The board shall request comments from operators on any request it
10 receives pursuant to Paragraph (1) of this Subsection.
11	(3) After due consideration to all comments received, the board shall
12 grant the request if the board finds a demonstration of good cause from the
13 requestor that such type, form, or category of sports wagering is likely to
14 undermine the integrity or perceived integrity of the body or the sporting event.
15	(4) The board shall respond to a request concerning a particular event
16 before the start of the event, or if it is not feasible to respond before the start of
17 the event, no later than thirty days after the request is made.
18	(5) If the board determines that the requestor is more likely than not to
19 prevail in successfully demonstrating good cause for its request, the board may
20 provisionally grant the request of the sports governing board until the board
21 makes a final determination as to whether the requestor has demonstrated good
22 cause. Absent such a provisional grant by the board, operators may continue to
23 offer sports wagering on the sporting events that are the subject of such a
24 request during the pendency of the board's consideration of the applicable
25 request.
26 §609. Electronic wagering; kiosk; mobile wagering
27	A.(1) Electronic wagering may be conducted only to the extent that it is
28 conducted in accordance with this Chapter and in accordance with the rules
29 and regulations promulgated by the board.
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1	(2) An operator may accept wagers made electronically using a sports
2 wagering mechanism located on its premises or through a website or mobile
3 application.
4	B. Sports wagering mechanism. (1) A player may place a wager via a
5 sports wagering mechanism with cash or vouchers or by utilizing the player's
6 established sports wagering account.
7	(2) Sports wagering mechanisms shall be located only on a licensee's
8 premises in areas where accessibility is limited to patrons twenty-one years of
9 age or older.
10	(3)(a) Sports wagering mechanisms shall be branded in the same brand
11 as the licensee, or the sports wagering platform provider, or both.
12	(b) Each sports wagering mechanism shall:
13	(i) Not have any device or program that will alter the reading of a bet,
14 value, or amount of wagering or deposits to reflect a bet, value, or amount other
15 than that actually wagered or deposited or any switches, jumpers, wire posts,
16 or any other means of manipulation that could affect the operation or outcome
17 of a wager.
18	(ii) Not have any device, switch, program, or function that can alter the
19 readings of the actual amounts or values relating to any function or occurrence
20 of the mechanism.
21	(iii) Have separate secure areas with locking doors for the logic board
22 and software, the cash compartment, and the mechanical meters as required by
23 the rules of the board. Access to one area from the other shall not be allowed at
24 any time.
25	(iv) Not have any functions or parameters adjustable by or through any
26 separate video display or input codes, except for the adjustment of features that
27 are wholly cosmetic.
28	(v) Have a circuit-interrupting device, method, or capability that will
29 disable the machine if the board-approved program is accessed or altered.
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1	(vi) Have a serial number or other identification number permanently
2 affixed to the mechanism by the manufacturer.
3	(c) Each sports wagering mechanism shall be linked to an operator's
4 sports wagering platform for purposes of polling or reading mechanism
5 activities and for remote shutdown of mechanism operations. If the platform
6 fails as a result of a malfunction or catastrophic event, or the mechanism loses
7 connectivity to the platform, the mechanism shall not accept any additional
8 wagers until the connection to the platform is restored.
9	(d) The board may provide for additional specifications for mechanisms
10 to be approved and authorized pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter as it
11 considers necessary to maintain the integrity of sports wagering mechanisms
12 and operations.
13	(4)(a) Any sports wager placed with cash via a sports wagering
14 mechanism shall be evidenced by a ticket indicating the name of the operator
15 booking the wager, the sports event on which the wager was placed, the amount
16 of cash wagered, the type of bet and odds if applicable, the date of the event, and
17 any other information required by the board.
18	(b) A patron with a winning ticket shall redeem the ticket at the
19 establishment of the licensee that booked the wager within one hundred eighty
20 days of the date of the event.
21	(5) A sports wagering mechanism may be utilized by a player to make a
22 deposit in the player's sports wagering account.
23	(6) Wagers placed via a sports wagering mechanism through a player's
24 established sports wagering account shall be settled through the player's
25 wagering account.
26	C. Mobile wagering. (1) For purposes of mobile wagering, each licensee
27 may provide no more than two individually branded websites each of which
28 may have an accompanying mobile application bearing the same brand as the
29 website. The website and mobile application shall be offered only under the
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1 same brand as the licensee, or the sports wagering platform provider, or both.
2 The website and mobile application shall be, at the discretion of the licensee, in
3 addition to any other websites or mobile applications operated by the platform
4 provider and offering other types of mobile gaming.
5	(2) Wagering through a website or mobile application shall be subject to
6 the following requirements:
7	(a)(i) A patron shall establish a wagering account with the operator
8 before the operator may accept any sports wager through a website or mobile
9 application from the patron, and an initial verification of the account shall be
10 completed by the operator. An account may be established with a line of credit
11 or as an advance deposit wagering account.
12	(ii) No operator shall accept a sports wager through a website or mobile
13 application from the public or any person who does not have an established
14 account with the operator.
15	(b) No wagers shall be placed when the player is physically located out
16 of state or in a parish that has not approved a proposition authorizing sports
17 wagering. An operator shall maintain geofencing and geolocation services and
18 shall bear all costs and responsibilities associated with the services as required
19 by the board.
20 §610. Payment of winnings; collection and use of funds
21	A.(1) Winning wagers that were placed in person or via a sports
22 wagering mechanism with cash and are evidenced by a ticket receipt shall be
23 redeemed by a player within one hundred eighty days after the date of the
24 event. An operator shall pay tickets upon presentation after performing
25 validation procedures unless otherwise allowed pursuant to the rules and
26 regulations of the board.
27	(2) The failure to present a winning ticket within the prescribed time
28 shall constitute a waiver of the right to the payment, and the holder of the ticket
29 shall thereafter have no right to enforce payment of the ticket.
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1	(3)(a) An operator's obligation to pay a winning ticket shall expire one
2 hundred eighty days after the date of the sports event if not presented for
3 payment.
4	(b) The funds held by any operator for payment of outstanding tickets
5 shall be retained by the operator for that purpose until the expiration of one
6 hundred eighty days after the date of the sports event.
7	(c) After such time, the operator shall each day accumulate the amount
8 equal to the sum of any unclaimed winnings, less the amount of state tax paid
9 by the licensee on the unclaimed monies that expire that day. On or before the
10 fifteenth day of the first month following the end of a calendar-year quarter, the
11 licensee shall remit to the state treasurer for deposit into the Crime Victims
12 Reparations Fund as provided for in R.S. 46:1816 an amount equal to the
13 accumulated total for the previous calendar-year quarter. The funds shall be
14 used exclusively to pay the expenses associated with health care services of
15 victims of sexually-oriented criminal offenses, including forensic medical
16 examinations as defined in R.S. 15:622.
17	B. Winning wagers placed using a sports wagering account shall be
18 credited by the operator to the patron's account within one day after the date
19 of the event unless otherwise allowed pursuant to the rules and regulations of
20 the board.
21 §611. Layoff bets
22	An operator may seek to reduce its risk exposure on a sports event by
23 placing a wager with another book. An operator may accept wagers placed by
24 other operators. An operator may place wagers only with other operators. The
25 operator that places a wager shall inform the book accepting the wager that the
26 wager is being placed by a book and shall disclose the book's identity.
27 Section 2. R.S. 13:4721 is hereby amended and reenacted to read as follows:
28 §4721. Gambling houses; definition; declared public nuisances
29	A. For the purposes of this Sub-part, Subpart, or for the purposes of any
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1 action or prosecution hereunder in this Subpart, a gambling house is either:
2	(1) any Any place whatever whatsoever where any game of chance of any
3 kind or character is played for money, for wagers, or for tokens, and where the
4 conduct of such place operates, directly or indirectly, to the profit of one or more
5 individuals and not exclusively to the direct profit of the actual participants in such
6 game; and.
7	(2) any Any place whatsoever where races, athletic contests, and sports, and
8 games are not actually held and where opportunity is afforded for wagering upon
9 races, athletic contests, sports, and games of chance.
10	B. All gambling houses as herein defined in this Section are declared to be
11 public nuisances, and the owner owners thereof, and the agent agents for such
12 owner, owners, or the lessee, sublessee lessees, sublessees, or other occupants
13 thereof are declared to be guilty of maintaining a public nuisance.
14	C. The provisions of this Subpart shall not apply to any place where
15 sports wagering is being conducted in accordance with Chapter 10 of Title 27
16 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950.
17 Section 3. R.S. 14:90.5(A), (B), and (C) are hereby amended and reenacted and R.S.
18 14:90(E) and 90.3(K) are hereby enacted to read as follows:
19 §90. Gambling
20	*          *          *
21	E. Sports wagering shall not be considered gambling for purposes of this
22 Section so long as the wagering is conducted in compliance with Chapter 10 of
23 Title 27 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950.
24	*          *          *
25 §90.3. Gambling by computer
26	*          *          *
27	K. Sports wagering shall not be considered gambling by computer for
28 purposes of this Section so long as the wagering is conducted in compliance with
29 Chapter 10 of Title 27 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950.
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1	*          *          *
2 §90.5. Unlawful playing of gaming devices by persons under the age of twenty-one;
3	underage persons, penalty
4	A. It is unlawful for any person under twenty-one years of age to play casino
5 games, gaming devices, or slot machines, or to place a wager on a sports event.
6	B. No person under the age of twenty-one, except an emergency responder
7 acting in his official capacity, shall enter, or be permitted to enter, the designated
8 gaming area of a riverboat, the designated gaming area of the official gaming
9 establishment, or the designated slot machine gaming area of a pari-mutuel wagering
10 facility which offers live horse racing licensed for operation and regulated under the
11 applicable provisions of Chapters 4, 5, and 7 of Title 27 of the Louisiana Revised
12 Statutes of 1950.
13	C.(1) For purposes of this Section, "casino games, gaming devices, or slot
14 machines" means a game or device, as defined in R.S. 27:44(10) or (12), 205(12) or
15 (13), or 353(14) operated on a riverboat, at the official gaming establishment, or at
16 a pari-mutuel wagering facility which offers live horse racing which is licensed for
17 operation and regulated under the provisions of Chapters 4, 5, and 7 of Title 27 of
18 the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950.
19	(2) For purposes of this Section, "place a wager on a sports event" shall
20 apply to wagers attempted to be or actually placed in person, via a self-service
21 sports wagering mechanism, or through a website or mobile application as those
22 terms are defined in R.S. 27:602 and the operation of which is regulated under
23 the provisions of Chapter 10 of Title 27 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of
24 1950.
25	*          *          *
26 Section 4. R.S. 46:1816(B)(8) is hereby amended and reenacted to read as follows:
27 §1816. Crime Victims Reparations Fund; creation; sources and use of funds
28	*          *          *
29	B. The fund shall be composed of:
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1	*          *          *
2	(8) Monies deposited by the state treasurer from the collection of unclaimed
3 prize money as provided for in R.S. 4:176 and R.S. 27:94, 252, and 394, and 609,
4 which shall be used exclusively to pay the expenses associated with health care
5 services of victims of sexually-oriented criminal offenses, including forensic medical
6 examinations as defined in R.S. 15:622.
7	*          *          *
8 Section 5. R.S. 27:44(A)(5)(f) is hereby repealed in its entirety.
9 Section 6. This Act shall take effect and become operative on July 1, 2021; however,
10 no license or permit shall be issued by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board relative to
11 sports wagering activities and operations until state laws are enacted regarding the taxation
12 of net gaming proceeds generated through the operation of a sports book.
The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument, were prepared by Dawn Romero Watson.
DIGEST
SB 247 Reengrossed 2021 Regular Session	Cortez
Proposed law enacts the "Louisiana Sports Wagering Act".
Present law vests all regulatory authority, control, and jurisdiction over all aspects of gaming
activities and operations of riverboats, the land-based casino, video poker, and fantasy sports
contests with the Louisiana Gaming Control Board (board).
Proposed law retains present law and adds authority, control, and jurisdiction for the board
over sports wagering.
Present law defines a "gaming position" as a seat a gaming machine or space at a table game.
Present law limits riverboats to 2,365 gaming positions, the racetrack in Orleans Parish to
700 slot machines, and the other three racetracks to 1,632 gaming positions. 
Proposed law provides that seats or spaces at sports wagering kiosks or sports wagering
windows shall not be included as "gaming positions."
Proposed law specifically provides that any license, permit, approval, or thing obtained or
issued pursuant to proposed law is expressly declared by the legislature to be a pure and
absolute revokable privilege and not a right, property or otherwise, under the federal or state
constitution.
Proposed law provides for definitions and requires the board to adopt rules in accordance
with the Administrative Procedure Act to:
(1)Develop qualifications and standards and a process and procedure for the issuance
of a license to operate a sports book as well as the renewal thereof. Requires there
also be a process to notify eligible applicants of available licenses.
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(2)Develop qualifications and standards and a procedure and process for approval and
permitting of sports wagering platform providers, manufacturers, suppliers, and
personnel, as well as the renewal, suspension, and revocation of a permit.
(3)Promulgate forms, processes, and procedures necessary to implement, administer,
and regulate sports wagering as authorized by proposed law.
(4)Establish standards for the amount of reserves required to be maintained by an
operator and the allowable form of those reserves, including standards for initial
reserves for a new licensee or newly permitted sports wagering platform provider.
(5)Establish guidelines for the acceptance of wagers on a series of sports events by an
operator.
(6)Prohibit an operator from unilaterally rescinding a wager except in compliance with
rules of the board.
(7)For cash wagers placed in person or via a sports wagering mechanism, establish
standards for the type of wagering tickets which may be used, information required
to be printed on a ticket, and methods for issuing tickets.
(8)Establish the method of accounting to be used by operators, the types of records
required to be kept, and the length of time records shall be retained.
(9)Require operators to comply with anti-money laundering standards.
(10)Provide standards for the use of credit and checks by players and other protections
for players.
(11)Require operators to submit for approval by the board its policies and procedures on
internal controls for all aspects of electronic wagering, including procedures for
system integrity, system security, operations, accounting, patron disputes, and
reporting of problem gamblers.
(12)Require operators to submit for approval by the board its policies and procedures on
operational controls for server-based gaming systems, software and hardware utilized
on electronic sports wagering, including but not limited to appearance, functionality,
contents, collection, storage, and retention of data and security.
(13)Require operators to submit for approval by the board its policies and procedures on
operational controls for sports wagering accounts, including but not limited to
procedures for establishment and closure of an online account, funding of withdrawal
of funds from an online account, and generation of an account statement for a
patron's online account.
(14)Establish standards for servers and other equipment used to accept wagers by
operators and procedures for inspection and for addressing defective or
malfunctioning devices, equipment, and accessories related to sports wagering.
(15)Require operators post the toll-free telephone number available to provide
information and referral services regarding compulsive or problem gambling.
(16)Require operators to submit for board approval a responsible gaming policy that
allows patrons to restrict themselves from placing wagers with the operator,
including limits on time spent wagering and limits on amounts wagered, and
identifies actions by the operator to honor those self-imposed restrictions.
Proposed law authorizes emergency rulemaking procedures to be used for the initial
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promulgation of administrative rules.
Proposed law provides that the gaming division of state police shall be charged with
inspecting and ensuring compliance with all the requirements of proposed law and with any
other tasks deemed necessary by the board.
Proposed law provides that no person, business, or legal entity shall operate a sports book
without first being licensed by the board and that a sports wagering license shall be in
addition to any other license.
Proposed law provides that the board shall issue no more than 20 licenses to operate a sports
book. Requires the board to first consider applications for licensing from the following:
(1)The landbased casino.
(2)The fifteen licensed riverboats.
(3)The four race tracks, provided that the race track has the approval of the Louisiana
State Racing Commission to apply to be licensed to operate a sports book.
Proposed law provides that for the initial application process, should any of the initial 20
eligible applicants elect not to apply for a license or fail to submit a completed application
by January 1, 2022, or within 30 days of applications being available, whichever is later, it
shall not be considered for a license and the board may consider for the remaining licenses,
applications from suitable applicants who are:
(1)Video poker licensed establishments; however, any applicant that is also licensed as
an offtrack betting parlor shall also have the Louisiana State Racing Commission's
approval to apply to be licensed for a sports book.
(2)Fantasy sports operators.
Proposed law provides that if the number of applications received by the board that are
determined to be eligible applicants exceeds the number of licenses available, the board shall
provide for a concealed bid process and issue the available licenses to bidders, in accordance
with the board's ranking of the bids, to the applicant that in the board's discretion has the
greatest potential for revenue generation for the state.
Proposed law provides that should a license become available after the initial issuance, the
board shall notify the riverboats, race tracks, or the landbased casino who do not have a
sports wagering license about the available license and provide those entities an opportunity
to apply for the license by a certain date. Provides that if the number of applications from
eligible applicants exceeds the number of available licenses, the board shall provide for a
concealed bid process and issue the available licenses to bidders, in accordance with the
board's ranking of the bids, to the applicant that in the board's discretion has the greatest
potential for revenue generation for the state.
Proposed law provides that should a license become available after the initial issuance and
the riverboats, race tracks, and the landbased casino decline to apply or the number of
available licenses exceeds the number of riverboats, race track, or the landbased casino who
are interested, the board shall notify the licensed video poker establishments (bars and
lounges, restaurants, truck stops, offtrack betting parlors, and hotels) who do not have a
sports wagering license about the available license and provide those entities an opportunity
to apply for the license by a certain date. If the number of applications from eligible
applicants exceeds the number of available licenses, the board shall provide for a concealed
bid process and issue the available licenses to bidders, in accordance with the board's
ranking of the bids, to the applicant that in the board's discretion has the greatest potential
for revenue generation for the state.
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Proposed law provides that the board shall only award a license to operate a sports book to
an applicant that it determines to be suitable, and specifically provides other information that
the board may consider in addition to the information the board uses in determining
suitability for other gaming licenses.
Proposed law provides that each applicant shall submit as part of its application a detailed
plan of design of its sports book lounge and other areas of its establishment where sports
wagering mechanisms may be placed. Requires the board to only issue a license to an
applicant whose detailed plan of design the board finds acceptable.
Proposed law provides that a licensed sports wagering establishment may operate the sports
book itself or contract for operation of its onsite or its mobile operation with a sports
wagering platform provider. Provides that only a licensed sports wagering establishment, or
its sports wagering platform provider on its behalf, may process, accept, offer, or solicit
sports wagers.
Proposed law specifically provides that a licensed sports wagering establishment shall be
responsible for the conduct of its sports wagering platform provider.
Proposed law provides that prior to beginning operations, a licensed sports wagering
establishment shall install and thereafter maintain a sports wagering platform that meets the
specifications required by law and by rule and approved by the board.
Proposed law requires a sports wagering platform provider to meet the same standards of
suitability as a licensee.
Proposed law requires a sports wagering platform provider to be permitted by the board and
to contract with a licensee to provide sports wagering services. Provides that the board shall
provide by rule for the minimum requirements of the contract between the licensee and its
sports wagering platform provider. Among other requirements, the rules shall require that
the contract provide access by the division and the board to any information maintained by
the platform provider for verification of compliance with proposed law.
Proposed law limits a sports wagering platform provider to one sports wagering platform to
offer, conduct, or operate a sports book on behalf of a licensee. Requires a sports wagering
platform provider to keep books and records for the management and operation of sports
wagering and for services for which it is contracted by a licensee. Requires the keeping of
books and records separate and distinct from any other business the sports wagering platform
provider might operate. Requires a sports wagering platform provider to file quarterly
returns with the board listing all of its contracts and services related to sports wagering
authorized under proposed law.
Proposed law requires the board to provide by rule for the standards and requirements of a
sports wagering platform. Requires the rules to specify technical requirements as well as
operational requirements and provides that only a sports wagering platform that meets the
standards and requirements as provided by rule may be used by an operator to book wagers.
Proposed law requires that the sports wagering platform shall provide to the gaming division
of state police a readily available point of contact to ensure compliance with the
requirements of proposed law.
Proposed law requires that all servers necessary for the placement or resolution of wagers,
other than backup servers, be physically located in Louisiana and that any sports wagering
platform utilized for electronic wagering shall have a component of its design to reasonably
verify that the person attempting to place the wager is at least 21 years of age, physically
located in the state, and not physically located in a parish that has not approved a proposition
to authorize sports wagering at the time the wager is initiated or placed, and not a person
who is otherwise prohibited from wagering with the operator.
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Proposed law authorizes the board to issue a temporary certificate of authority to an
applicant for a license or permit if:
(1)The applicant has filed with the board a completed application, including all fees.
(2)The applicant has substantially demonstrated to the satisfaction of the board that the
person meets the requirements of proposed law, the board's rules, including
emergency rules, and the board's or division's orders.
(3)The applicant of a sports wagering platform provider permit or service provider
permit holds a gaming license or permit for similar activity in Louisiana or another
state and the license or permit is in good standing.
(4)The applicant agrees in writing that the temporary certificate of authority does not
create a right or privilege and that the board may rescind the temporary authority to
conduct business at any time, with or without notice and without a hearing, if the
board is informed that the suitability of the person may be at issue or the person fails
to cooperate with the investigation into the qualifications and suitability.
Proposed law provides that: the temporary certificate of authority shall expire 6 months after
issuance; the board may issue one 90-day extension of the certificate upon a showing of
good cause; and, if a license or permit is issued to the holder of a temporary certificate of
authority, the license or permit term will begin on the date of issuance of the temporary
certificate of authority.
Proposed law provides that an operator may conduct sports wagering in person or via a
sports wagering mechanism located on its premises or through a website or mobile
application. Requires each licensee to house its sports book in a sports wagering lounge on
its premises which shall be restricted to patrons who are 21 years of age or older and
conform to all requirements concerning square footage, design, equipment, security
measures, and related matters which the board prescribes by rule.
Proposed law requires an operator to establish and display the odds at which wagers may be
placed on sports events. Prohibits an operator from accepting a wager in person, via a sports
wagering mechanism, or through a website or mobile application unless the wagering
proposition is posted by electronic or manual means.
Proposed law requires an operator to adopt comprehensive rules which the board approves
to govern sports wagering transactions with its patrons. Requires the rules to specify the
amount to be paid on winning wagers and the effect of schedule changes. Requires that the
rules, together with any other information the board deems appropriate, to be conspicuously
displayed in the establishment, posted electronically on any sports wagering mechanism,
website, or mobile application, and included in the terms and conditions of the sports
wagering account system.
Proposed law requires an operator to maintain records of sports wagering activities and
operations in accordance with rules and regulations of the board and to follow federal anti-
money laundering standards in the day-to-day operations of its business.
Proposed law requires each operator to designate one or more key employees who shall be
responsible for the operation of the sports book. Requires at least one key employee to be
on premises whenever in person sports wagering is conducted and for mobile wagering,
requires at least one key employee be electronically accessible for patrons and the division
at all times.
Proposed law declares that all wagers on sports events authorized pursuant to proposed law
shall be initiated, received, and otherwise made within the state unless otherwise determined
by the board in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.
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Proposed law authorizes an operator to pool wagers with persons who are not physically
present in this state if the board determines that this wagering is not inconsistent with federal
law or the law of this state, including any foreign nation, in which the person is located, or
that the wagering is conducted pursuant to a reciprocal agreement to which the state is a
party that is not inconsistent with federal law.
Proposed law provides that to place a sports wager with an operator, a player must be, and
an operator must confirm that the player is:
(1)21 years of age or older.
(2)Physically located in a parish that has approved a proposition authorizing sports
wagering.
(3)Have a wagering account established with the operator if the player is attempting to
place a sports wager through a website or mobile application.
(4)Not prohibited from wagering with the operator by law, rule, policy of the operator,
self-exclusion, or pursuant to Uniform Compulsive and Problem Gambling Program.
Proposed law prohibits an operator from knowingly accepting wagers from:
(1)A person who is an athlete, coach, referee, or other official or staff of a participant
or team that is participating in the sports event on which the person is attempting to
place the wager.
(2)A person who is the operator itself or is a director, officer, owner, or employee of the
operator or any relative or other person living in the same household as a director,
officer, owner, or employee of the operator.
Proposed law provides that no sports wagers may be accepted or paid by any operator on any
of the following:
(1)On any sport or athletic event not authorized by law or the board.
(2)On any sport or athletic event which the operator knows or reasonably should know
is being placed by or on behalf of an official, owner, coach, or staff of a participant
or team that participates in that event.
(3)On the occurrence of injuries or penalties, or the outcome of an athlete's disciplinary
rulings, or replay reviews.
(4)On other types, forms, or categories of wagering prohibited by the board by rule.
Proposed law authorizes a sports governing body to submit to the board a request to restrict,
limit, or exclude a certain type, form, or category of sports wagering with respect to sporting
events of its body if the sports governing body believes that such wagers may undermine the
integrity or perceived integrity of the body or sporting event of the body. Upon receipt, the
board shall request comments from operators and after due consideration to all comments
received, the board shall grant the request if the board finds a demonstration of good cause
from the requestor that such type, form, or category of sports wagering is likely to
undermine the integrity or perceived integrity of the body or the sporting event. 
Proposed law requires an operator to promptly report to the board on the following activities:
(1)Any criminal or disciplinary proceedings commenced against the licensee or its
employees, or a sports wagering platform provider or its employees, in connection
with the operations of the sports book.
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(2)Any abnormal wagering activity or patterns that may indicate a concern about the
integrity of a sports event.
(3)Any other conduct with the potential to corrupt a wagering outcome of a sports event
for purposes of financial gain, including but not limited to match fixing.
(4)Suspicions or illegal wagering activities, including the use of funds derived from
illegal activity, wagers to conceal or launder funds derived from illegal activity, use
of agents to place wagers, or use of false identification.
Proposed law requires every operator to adopt procedures to obtain personally identifiable
information from any individual who places an in person single wager in an amount of
$10,000 or greater on a sports event.
Proposed law provides that an operator may accept wagers made electronically using a
sports wagering mechanism located on its premises or through a website or mobile
application.
Proposed law provides that a player may make a deposit in his sports wagering account or
place a wager via a sports wagering mechanism. Provides that the deposit or wager may be
made with cash, vouchers, or utilizing the player's established sports wagering account.
Requires that sports wagering mechanisms:
(1)Be located only on a licensee's premises in areas where accessibility is limited to
patrons 21 years of age or older.
(2)Be branded in the same brand as the licensee or the sports wagering provider, or
both.
(3)Be configured in such a way that no device, program, switch, or function will alter
the reading of a bet, value, or amount of wagering or deposits to reflect a bet, value,
or amount other than that actually wagered or deposited or any switches, jumpers,
wire posts, or any other means of manipulation that could affect the operation or
outcome of a wager.
(4)Be divided into separate secure areas with locking doors for the logic board and
software, the cash compartment, and the mechanical meters as required by the rules
of the board and prohibit access to one area from the other.
(5)Not have any functions or parameters adjustable by or through any separate video
display or input codes, except for the adjustment of features that are wholly
cosmetic.
(6)Have a circuit-interrupting device, method, or capability which will disable the
machine if the board approved program is accessed or altered.
(7)Have a serial number or other identification number permanently affixed to the
mechanism by the manufacturer.
(8)Be linked to an operator's sports wagering platform for purposes of polling or
reading mechanism activities and for remote shutdown of mechanism operations. If
the platform fails as a result of a malfunction or catastrophic event, or the mechanism
loses connectivity to the platform, provides that the mechanism not accept any
additional wagers until the connection to the platform is restored.
Proposed law provides that the board may provide for additional specifications for
mechanisms to be approved and authorized as it deems necessary to maintain the integrity
of sports wagering mechanisms and operations.
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Proposed law requires that any sports wager placed with cash via a sports wagering
mechanism be evidenced by a ticket indicating the name of the operator booking the wager,
the sports event on which the wager was placed, the amount of cash wagered, the type of bet
and odds if applicable, the date of the event, and any other information required by the
board.
Proposed law provides that a patron with a winning ticket shall redeem the ticket at the
establishment of the licensee that booked the wager within 180 days of the date of the event.
Provides that wagers placed through a player's established sports wagering account shall be
settled through the player's wagering account.
Proposed law authorizes mobile wagering. Provides that for purposes of mobile wagering,
each licensee may provide no more than two individually branded websites which may have
an accompanying mobile application bearing the same brand as the website. The website and
mobile application shall only be offered under the same brand as the licensee, or the sports
wagering platform provider, or both. The website and mobile application shall be, at the
discretion of the licensee, in addition to any other websites or mobile applications operated
by the platform provider and offering other types of mobile gaming.
Proposed law, regarding mobile wagering, requires that:
(1)A patron establish a wagering account with the operator before the operator may
accept any sports wager through a website or mobile application from the patron and
that the operator conduct an initial verification of the account. Provides that an
account may be established with a line of credit or as an advance deposit wagering
account.
(2)Prohibits an operator from accepting a sports wager through a website or mobile
application from the public or any person who does not have an established account
with the operator and when the player is physically located out of state or in a parish
that has not approved a proposition authorizing sports wagering. Requires an
operator to maintain geofencing and geolocation services and bear all costs and
responsibilities associated with the services as required by the board.
Proposed law requires winning wagers that were placed in person or via a sports wagering
mechanism with cash and are evidenced by a ticket receipt to be redeemed by a player within
180 days from the time of the event. Requires an operator to pay winning tickets upon
presentation after performing validation procedures unless otherwise allowed pursuant to the
rules and regulations of the board. Provides that the failure to present a winning ticket within
180 days shall constitute a waiver of the right to the payment and the holder of the ticket
shall thereafter have no right to enforce payment of the ticket. Provides that an operator's
obligation to pay a winning ticket expires after 180 days from the date of the sports event
if not presented for payment.
Proposed law provides that funds held by an operator for payment of outstanding tickets
shall be retained by the operator for that purpose until the expiration of 180 days after the
date of the sports event. Provides that after that, the operator shall each day accumulate the
amount equal to the sum of any unclaimed winnings, less the amount of state tax paid by the
operator on the unclaimed monies that expire that day. Provides that on or before the 15th
day of the first month following the end of a calendar-year quarter, the operator shall remit
to the state treasurer for deposit into the Crime Victims Reparations Fund as provided for
in present law an amount equal to the accumulated total for the previous calendar-year
quarter. The funds shall be used exclusively to pay the expenses associated with health care
expenses of victims of sexually-oriented crimes.
Proposed law provides that winning wagers placed using a sports wagering account shall be
credited by the operator to the patron's account within one day from the time of the event
unless otherwise allowed pursuant to the rules and regulations of the board.
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Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions. SB NO. 247
SLS 21RS-1821	REENGROSSED
Proposed law authorizes an operator who seeks to reduce its risk exposure on a sports event
to place a wager with another book. Requires the operator that places a wager to inform the
book accepting the wager that the wager is being placed by a book and to disclose its
identity.
Present law prohibits gambling houses, gambling, and gambling by computer.
Proposed law retains present law, but makes an exception for gaming conducted in
accordance with proposed law.
Present law provides that it is unlawful for any person under 21 years of age to play casino
games, gaming devices, or slot machines.
Proposed law retains present law and includes sports wagering to casino games that persons
under 21 years of age are prohibited from playing.
Effective July 1, 2021; however, the board is not authorized to issue any licenses or permits
until state laws are enacted regarding the taxation of net gaming proceeds generated through
the operation of a sports book.
(Amends R.S. 13:4721, R.S. 14:90.5(A), (B), and (C), R.S. 27:15(B)(1), 15.1, 24(A)(5)(a),
(b), (c), (d), and (e) and (6), 27.1(C)(intro para), 44(9) and (13), 58(5), 65(B)(11), 205(11)
and (12), 239.1, 353(2) and (5), 361(F), 364(A)(1)(c)(ii) and (5), 371(C), 372(B) and (C),
and 375(D), and R.S. 46:1816(B)(8); adds R.S. 14:90(E) and 90.3(K), R.S. 27:15(8)(c) and
601-611)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Senate Floor Amendments to engrossed bill
1. Clarify that a sports wagering window is excluded from counting as "gaming
position" for a riverboat or racetrack.
2. Authorize the board to issue temporary certificates of authority for licenses
and permits when certain conditions are satisfied.
3. Authorize a sports governing body to petition the board to restrict, limit, or
exclude a certain type, form, or category of sports wagering in certain
circumstances.
4. Change effective date from enactment of the House Bill which originated as
HB 697 to July 1, 2021, and prohibiting the issuance of a license or permit
by the board until state laws are enacted on taxation of sports wagering.
5. Make technical corrections.
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Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions.