Over half of Louisiana parishes say yes to fantasy sports
News on 7 Nov 2018
News on 7 Nov 2018
Online daily fantasy sports will become a reality in 47 of 64 parishes in the US state of Louisiana.
The mostly Southern parishes chose to legalise online fantasy sports betting through a ballot vote Tuesday.
Parishes who voted for the measure include St Tammany, Lafayette, Jefferson, East Baton Rouge, New Orleans, St. Charles, West Baton Rouge, Ascension, Livingston and St. Bernard.
State Rep. Kirk Talbot, R-River Ridge, sponsored the legislation earlier this year backed by a US$1 million campaign from major daily fantasy sports operators DraftKings and FanDuel.
“Tonight’s results are a major step forward for the tens of thousands of sports fans in Louisiana who want to play fantasy sports like fans in 41 other states,” Ryan Berni, president and chairman of the committee behind the measure, said Tuesday.
“Adults should be able to spend their own money as they see fit, including fantasy sports, setting their own budgets and accepting responsibility for their actions, win or lose.”
Louisiana’s regular legislative session 2019, beginning in April, will need to approve the proposal before play begins in those parishes who voted in favour. Geoblocking would be implemented to exclude those against the measure.
