Online Casino Debate Returning to Louisiana Through Senate Committee

The Louisiana Senate is preparing to explore the legalization of online casinos, with a study committee set to begin its work this October. The move follows a resolution passed in the final days of the last legislative session, calling for a detailed review of the potential benefits and risks of introducing iGaming in the state.

Senator Kirk Talbot’s Initiative

Senator Kirk Talbot, who filed the resolution, emphasized the importance of a study before any legislative action:

• He believes online casinos represent “the next big issue in gambling.”

• The study aims to assess both the positive and negative impacts, focusing on regulation and revenue.

• Talbot wants Louisiana to be proactive rather than reactive on this emerging issue.

Study Committee and Key Focus Areas

The study committee, made up of members from the Senate Judiciary B and Revenue and Fiscal Affairs committees, will deliver its findings by March 1.
The committee will focus on:

• The tax revenue potential of legal online casinos.

• The economic and social impacts of iGaming.

• Strategies to counter illegal online gambling, which costs U.S. states billions annually.

Currently, illegal online gambling represents a major challenge. The American Gaming Association estimates:

• Over $500 billion is wagered illegally in the U.S. each year.

• States lose about $13 billion in tax revenue annually.

• Offshore operators take in $340 billion in bets, often misleading players about legality.

Financial and Legislative Context

Louisiana faces a looming $500 million budget shortfall following the expiration of a 45-cent sales tax in July 2025. While iGaming revenue wouldn’t solve the gap immediately, it could play a long-term fiscal role.

• If the committee’s findings are favorable and legislation passes in 2025, voters could decide the issue by the end of that year.

• Online casinos might launch as early as late 2026.

Learning from Other States

Talbot plans to attend the NCLGS conference in December, where model legislation for iGaming will be introduced. This framework could help Louisiana design efficient and balanced regulations.
While Talbot hasn’t confirmed if he’ll personally introduce the bill, his track record — including his role in passing daily fantasy sports legislation — suggests he’s well-equipped to guide the debate.

The study marks a pivotal step for Louisiana, potentially paving the way for online casinos that could reshape the state’s gambling landscape and provide a new source of revenue in the years ahead.