The original instrument was prepared by Dawn Romero Watson. The following
digest, which does not constitute a part of the legislative instrument, was prepared
by Thomas L. Tyler.
DIGEST
SB 272 Reengrossed 2022 Regular Session Cortez
Present law provides for the Louisiana State Racing Commission (LSRC) to regulate the conduct
of pari-mutuel racehorse wagering and the Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) to regulate the
conduct of sports wagering.
Proposed law authorizes the LSRC to make rules and regulations for pari-mutuel wagering in a
sports book lounge of a host entity (Riverboats or Land-based Casino) licensed by the LGCB to
conduct sports wagering. Also authorizes pari-mutuel wagering in the sports book lounge of a
licensed racing association (Racetrack).
Present law provides that LSRC is the exclusive authority regarding all conducted horse races upon
the results of which there is wagering. Provides that only persons receiving a license from LSRC
may conduct pari-mutuel wagering and that pari-mutuel wagering shall be limited to a space within
the race meeting grounds or an offtrack wagering facility. Declares that all other forms of wagering
on the result of horse races are illegal.
Proposed law provides that notwithstanding present law, pari-mutuel wagering on the result of horse
races may also be conducted in the sports book lounge of a host entity licensed by LGCB for sports
wagering, provided the requirements of proposed law are met.
Present law provides for certain definitions for the purpose of establishing an offtrack wagering
facility (OTB).
Proposed law retains present law and adds definitions for "audited net profits" and "host entity".
Present law provides that any licensed racing association may conduct pari-mutuel wagering and
engage in all necessary activities to establish appropriate offtrack wagering facilities to accomplish
that purpose.
Proposed law retains present law and adds that a licensed racing association may be licensed as an
OTB to conduct pari-mutuel wagering in a sports book lounge of a Riverboat or Land-based Casino,
provided that the Riverboat or Land-based Casino is geographically located in one of the 20 parishes
that have approved, by public referendum, the conduct of pari-mutuel wagering in that parish.
Requires there to be an agreement between the licensed racing association and the Riverboat or
Land-based Casino that is approved by both the LSRC and LGCB and that the agreement include
the following terms:
(1)Pari-mutuel wagering shall be restricted to the Riverboat's or Land-based Casino's retail sports book lounge.
(2)Pari-mutuel wagering shall be conducted in accordance with present law.
(3)All pari-mutuel wagers shall be maintained and accounted separate and distinct from all other
sports wagers placed in the sports book lounge.
(4)The gaming division of the office of state police shall have access to all files, records,
documents, film, tape, including surveillance tape, and any other information and personnel
necessary to determine compliance with all gaming laws, rules, and regulations on gaming
activities and operations under LSRC's jurisdiction or LGCB's jurisdiction.
(5)The licensed racing association shall make compensation payments to the Riverboat or Land-
based Casino of 30% of audited net profits on the total amount wagered at the Riverboat or
Land-based Casino facility. Requires the agreement to specify the calculation and periodic
payments.
(6)All commissions and fees taken from pari-mutuel wagers and the distribution of the takeouts
shall be as provided in present law.
Proposed law provides that a licensed racing association may be licensed as an OTB to conduct pari-
mutuel wagering in its sports book pursuant to a plan of operation approved by LSRC and LGCB
and requires the plan of operation to provide that:
(1)Pari-mutuel wagering shall be conducted in accordance with present law.
(2)All pari-mutuel wagers placed in the sports book lounge shall be maintained and accounted
separate and distinct from all other sports wagers placed in its sports book lounge.
(3)The gaming division of the office of state police shall have access to all files, records,
documents, film, tape, including surveillance tape, and any other information and personnel
necessary to determine compliance with all gaming laws, rules, and regulations on gaming
activities and operations under LSRC's jurisdiction or LGCB's jurisdiction.
Present law provides several criteria for LSRC to approve a licensed racing association for an OTB.
Proposed law retains present law with the following exceptions for OTBs located in a sports book
lounge:
(1)Provides a municipal governing body's authority to impose a license fee on an OTB as a
result of a municipal referendum shall not apply.
(2)Provides that the requirement that a licensed racing association grant permission to an OTB
to be located within a 55 mile radius of its pari-mutuel facility shall not apply. (3)Provides that such OTB's shall not count toward present law's maximum number of OTBs
per parish.
(4)Provides that present law's maximum allowable attendance at an OTB shall not apply.
(5)Raises the minimum age of a person to enter to 21 years old.
(6)Provides the 25 cents per person admission fee shall not apply.
(7)Historical horse wagering shall not be allowed.
Present law provides that only a licensed racing association may own and operate an OTB in a parish
whose parish seat is located less than 55 miles from their facility and provides a procedure for
ownership for locations outside of the 55 mile radius and instances where more than one facility is
within the radius.
Proposed law provides that present law shall not apply to an OTB located in a sports book lounge
of a Riverboat or Land-based Casino.
Present law restricts the location of OTBs in relation to National Register of Historic Places, public
playgrounds, residential property or buildings primarily used as a church, synagogue, public library,
or school.
Proposed law provides that present law shall not apply to an OTB located in a sport book lounge of
a Riverboat or Land-based Casino.
Present law provides that Riverboats, Land-based Casino, and Racetracks pay taxes on net gaming
proceeds from sports wagering. Defines "net gaming proceeds" as the amount equal to the total gross
revenue of all wagers placed by patrons less the total amount of all winnings paid out to patrons and
the amount of eligible promotional play.
Proposed law provides that "net gaming proceeds" shall not include wagers placed by patrons on
racehorse wagering, or winnings paid out to patrons on racehorse wagering, and defines "racehorse
wagering" as wagers placed on horse racing conducted under the pari-mutuel form of wagering at
licensed racing facilities that are accepted in accordance with present law on pari-mutuel wagering
and an approved agreement.
Proposed law provides that any commissions, fees, and other deductions on racehorse wagering shall
be in accordance with present law.
Effective August 1, 2022.
(Amends R.S. 4:149, 211, 213, and 214 and R.S. 27:602(13); adds R.S. 4:147(7), 215(D), and
228(H) and R.S. 27:602(18.1), 607(H), and 629) Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Judiciary B to the original bill
1. Adds provisions authorizing pari-mutuel wagering to be conducted in a sports book
lounge.
Senate Floor Amendments to engrossed bill
1. Technical amendments only.