A bill that would punish disgruntled sports bettors from harassing athletes, coaches, or referees is awaiting the signature of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry. Once the bill is signed, it is scheduled to take effect on August 1st. Whether bettors are placing wagers at local state-regulated sportsbooks or utilizing trusted offshore betting sites, this new legislation sends a clear message that abusive behavior will not be tolerated.
Trash Talk Gets Flagged
Intimidation and threats of violence by any means of communication will land sports bettors in hot water if they are within Louisiana’s state lines. Senator Mike Reese’s SB 325 received unanimous support in both chambers, with the House voting 101-0 after the Senate voted 38-0 in favor of the legislation.
“Athletes across college and professional sports are increasingly facing harassment and threats from individuals with betting interests, especially as legal sports wagers expand nationwide. According to an ESPN article, one in three high-profile athletes receives abusive messages from bettors,” said Senator Reese.
The bill alters the state’s list of excluded bettors, which currently includes convicted cheaters and those accused of gambling crimes, but it will expand to include “Those persons who, before, during, or after a sporting event, threaten violence or harm against any person who is involved in the sporting event, where the threat is related to sports gaming.”
Considering that bipartisan support in both the lower and upper chambers was unanimous, Governor Landry is expected to sign the bill within the next 10 days.
Casino Expansions Put Louisiana on a Winning Streak
The casino business is booming down on the Bayou as investments in renovations and new construction triggered a 10.4% year-over-year increase in revenue in 2025, according to the American Gaming Association’s annual State of the States report. The national average was 9.1%, which puts Louisiana ahead of the pace.
The increase has been primarily attributed to moving some of the decrepit riverboat casinos to land, as well as a $435 million renovation of Caesars New Orleans and a glimmering new resort casino in Bossier City with the Cordish Companies’ Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana, which opened in February 2025.
Rob Norton, president of Cordish Gaming & Live Casinos, expressed his satisfaction with the property’s first-year production, writing, “Performance has been solid and in line with expectations for a new, premium offering — strong early demand supported by brand recognition and an upgraded experience, with encouraging signs of repeat visitation.”
A law enacted in 2018 changed the complexion of the industry and gave it a desperately needed boost by allowing the state’s floating casinos to move on land. Since 2022, four riverboat casinos have disembarked and are now land-based gambling establishments, including the Horseshoe Lake Charles, The Queen Baton Rouge, Treasure Chest in Kenner, and Bally’s Baton Rouge.
Treasure Chest in Kenner saw a dramatic increase of 31.4% in its first full year of land-based operations, posting $158.6 million in winnings in 2025.
“The land-based entertainment facility at Treasure Chest has been a tremendous success for both the Kenner community and our company,” said David Strow, Boyd’s vice president of corporate communications. “Our guests clearly appreciate our modern, expanded gaming floor and enhanced amenities, as shown by the consistent growth that Treasure Chest has delivered since our new facility opened in June 2024.”
