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Alabama and Louisiana File Sports Betting Bills

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Sports betting

If you’re a fan of online poker, you are probably following the legal status of sports betting in the United States as well. Recently, both Alabama and Louisiana have joined the ranks of states considering sports betting legislation.

Alabama’s bill will not just legalize sports betting at brick and mortar casinos, but it would also allow for mobile sports betting. Louisiana is also considering sports betting legislation, but it would be an entirely different process than Alabama.

Alabama Looks to Legalize Sports Betting and Mobile Betting

Alabama is looking to be the next state to legalize sports betting as Rep. John Rogers (D) has filed and sponsored HB 315, aka the Alabama Sports Wagering Act. The bill would seek to regulate sports betting on pro sports and certain college sports.

If passed, Alabama will go the route of New Jersey and prohibit betting on in-state teams. The primary reason behind this thinking is to prevent points shaving, which is a big risk when dealing with college athletics and betting.

Under the bill, the Alabama Sports Wagering Commission would be formed and would regulate the industry. It is also tasked with issuing licenses for interested parties. Those wishing to offer sports betting in the state will have to pay $100,000. Only seven licenses will be issued by the state and sportsbooks will be taxed at 10 percent of gross gaming revenue.

This bill also will allow for mobile betting and other forms of online sports betting. If passed, Alabama will become the first southern US state to offer online betting. While Mississippi has mobile betting, it is only allowed on-site at MS brick and mortar casinos.

There’s plenty of time in the legislative session to consider the measure as it operates through June. However, don’t get your hopes up on this bill as Alabama isn’t exactly a hotbed of gambling support. If we were to lay odds on this bill passing, we’d say that it has about a 30% chance to pass, and that may be laying favorable odds.

Louisiana Begin What May Be a Slow March to Sports Betting Legalization

For sports fans in Louisiana, the news of a sports betting bill may seem like great news. However, it’s going to be a while coming if the latest bill passes. Last week, Senator Danny Martiny pre-filed SB 153, aka the 2019 Louisiana Sports Wagering Control Act, an act that will legalize sports betting in the state.

If passed, it would legalize betting on pro and college sports, but it would not make the activity legal in the state. Instead, each municipality will have to hold referendums and vote on passing sports betting locally. Looking back at when the state regulated Daily Fantasy Sports, the measure passed in only 48 of 64 communities.

Should the bill pass, communities could vote on sports betting this November. Those that pass the measure can then start applying for licenses in January 2020. However, the bill presently lacks details regarding licenses, fees, and the tax rate for sportsbooks.

Also, online sports betting will not be legalized under this measure. Only in-person betting will be allowed. However, there are presently no prohibitions for wagering on in-state teams. Should the bill pass, and enough communities vote for it, it’s estimated that the LA sportsbooks could generate revenue of between $245 million and $288 million.

Looking at recent history, we give this bill coin-flip odds to pass. The state tried to pass online gambling legislation and sports betting legislation together last year, and that failed. This time around they are looking at just sports betting. It’s entirely possible that the state legislature will pass it and give communities the opportunity to vote, but right now it could go either way.

Lawmakers have about two months to move the measure through as the legislative session ends the first week of June. We will likely know by early next month whether the bill has realistic odds of passing.

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