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Louisiana could soon start banning ‘abusive’ bettors from wagering with state’s legal sportsbooks

Derek Helling

Legal Writer

Publish Date: May 28, 2026

Fact checked by: Matt Moreno

Key Points

Bill creating new protocol for excluded persons has been sent to Gov. Jeff Landry for approval.
Presumptive statute would enable Louisiana gaming regulators to add bettors who “threaten violence or harm” against athletes, coaches, and officials to list of excluded persons.
Existing law bans excluded persons from entering regulated physical sportsbooks and opening accounts with licensed online sportsbooks in Louisiana.

Louisiana’s legislature has been busy on the topic of gambling in 2026, and the legislature has approved another bill related to gaming for Gov. Jeff Landry’s consideration. This legislation would expand upon the reasons for which the Louisiana Gaming Board could add individuals to the state’s excluded list for sports wagering to include persons found to have harassed people involved in sporting events in relation to their betting.

If Landry signs the bill or allows it to pass into law, such individuals would be restricted from having accounts with licensed online sportsbooks operating in Louisiana or entering a licensed physical sportsbook in the state. Identification of the individuals may also result in civil actions taken against perpetrators of harassment by recipients.

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Louisiana legislature elevates efforts to protect participants in sporting events

Louisiana SB325 has been transmitted to Landry after approval from both chambers of the Louisiana legislature. The measure passed unanimously in the House of Representatives and the Senate to set up the final approval.

SB325 targets “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.” Additionally, the bill mentions “those persons whose presence in a retail sports book or whose participation in the play or operation of mobile wagering in this state is determined by the board to pose a threat to the interests of the state, to achieving the intents and purposes of this Title, or to the strict and effective regulation of sports wagering” to give regulators more leeway in applying rules.

Such persons could be added to Louisiana’s excluded persons list for regulated sports wagering. People who may be added to the list do have a right to request a hearing on that judgement under existing law.

Excluded persons in Louisiana who attempt to enter land-based sportsbooks or open accounts with online sportsbooks face penalties of up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $500, or both. The provisions could enhance protections for athletes, coaches, officials, and other people whose professions involve participation in sporting events.

Bill looks to limit bettor harassment of people involved in sporting events

Many people involved in sporting events have reported experiencing harassment connected to wagering on the events. MLB player Lance McCullers shared that he employed private security for his family after receiving threats and tennis professional Caroline Garcia shared some messages that she received from unhappy bettors, as just two examples.

In Louisiana, such actions could rise to the level of criminal harassment if recipients of threats report the activity and law enforcement follows up on the complaints. There is precedent for victims to pursue damages in civil courts as well.

If SB325 becomes law, such people may also never be able to place legal wagers in the Louisiana parishes that allow betting again. That change could take place in a matter of days now that the bill is with Landry.

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