Louisiana fantasy sports betting rules approved by state lawmakers

Louisiana lawmakers on Wednesday agreed to regulations governing fantasy sports betting in the 47 parishes that approved it two years ago.

The rules devised by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board and the attorney general’s gaming division received unanimous backing from the House and Senate committees that oversee gambling laws, the Associated Press reports. The move started the process for approving operators so the competitions for online cash prizes can begin.

Nearly three-quarters of Louisiana’s 64 parishes voted in the November 2018 election to legalize fantasy sports betting. Lawmakers have since set the tax rates and the regulatory process governing the activity. The more detailed rules were set with Wednesday’s vote.

Operators of fantasy sports contests have to be licensed by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. Participants in the competitions have to be at least 21 years old. And the imaginary teams can’t involve participants in high school or youth sports events.

In addition, there are extensive audit and reporting requirements, and players will have to register to participate in the betting. Though the games only will be permitted in parishes where voters authorized it, anybody will be able to log into the online sites if they travel to those parishes.