Connecticut, Nebraska, and Louisiana Move Forward with Sports Betting

Three states have pushed forward sports betting bills in the past month: Connecticut, Nebraska, and Louisiana. Now it’s only a matter of time before they each have their own industry up and running.

Connecticut

Governor Ned Lamont made a big breakthrough in negotiations with the state’s gaming tribes, which culminated in a Senate vote of 28-6 in favor of legalizing sports betting, online casino games, and lottery sales. The bill will allow the casinos of the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes to offer in-person and online sports betting and fantasy sports.

At the same time, the bill will allow the Connecticut Lottery Corp. to offer in-person and online sports betting, online keno, and online lottery games. There will be no monopoly. The Lottery will also be allowed to offer in-person sports betting at up to 15 licensed facilities.

Nebraska

Governor Pete Ricketts approved Nebraska’s sports betting legislation following the legislature’s final vote of 44-3 in the bill’s favor. Ricketts had previously expressed opposition to gaming expansion, but in November 2020, voters voted in favor of it.

The bill only allows in-person sports betting, not online, and it will be limited to certain areas within casinos. The State Racing and Gaming Commission will be in charge of creating regulations and overseeing operations.

Louisiana

Governor John Bel Edwards has signed the first of two Louisiana sports betting bills necessary to legalize statewide sports betting. The second bill needs several amendments approved before making its way to the governor’s desk, but Edwards, a supporter of legalized sports betting, is expected to sign it with no qualms.

The bills will allow 20 sports betting licenses to be issued by the Louisiana Lottery, and the state’s 16 casinos and 4 racetracks will have first dibs. After them, video poker operators will be able to apply. There is no limit on the number of bar and restaurant locations that will be allowed to offer sports betting. Mobile betting will be allowed in most statewide locations.