Louisiana Bill Targeting Bettor Harassment Sent to Governor’s Desk

SB 181 would allow the Louisiana Gaming Control Board to restrict or ban bettors found guilty of threatening or harassing sports participants over wagers. The proposal comes as sportsbooks and regulators across the US continue dealing with rising abuse tied to sports betting losses, particularly through social media.

The bill passed both chambers with little resistance and now awaits Landry’s signature.

Louisiana Expands Gambling Enforcement Powers

The harassment bill arrives during a busy stretch for gambling legislation in Louisiana.

Earlier this week, Landry signed HB 53 into law, expanding the state’s racketeering statute to include several gambling-related activities. The updated law now covers:

• Public gambling
• Computer-assisted betting
• Cockfighting betting
• Operating electronic sweepstakes devices
• Unlawful wagering by prohibited players
• Bribery involving sports participants

Instead of relying only on fines or regulatory penalties, authorities can now pursue certain gambling violations under broader criminal enterprise and racketeering laws.

The addition of sweepstakes-related language stands out given Louisiana’s recent crackdown on offshore and unregulated operators. Last year, Landry vetoed a standalone sweepstakes casino ban, arguing the Louisiana Gaming Control Board already had the authority to enforce existing gambling laws.

Following that veto, the LGCB sent cease-and-desist letters to roughly 40 offshore and sweepstakes operators accused of offering illegal gambling services in the state.

Read Also: Illegal Roblox Casino Returns Months After Shutdown

Athlete Harassment Becoming Larger Betting Issue

Concerns around bettor harassment have grown steadily across both college and professional sports since the expansion of legal sports betting in the US.

Athletes across the NBA, NCAA, NFL, and MLB have publicly shared messages from bettors sending threats and abuse after lost wagers. Sports leagues and sportsbooks have also increased discussions around player safety, integrity monitoring, and gambling-related harassment over the past year.

Several states are now considering similar measures as regulators look for ways to address sports betting behavior that extends beyond match integrity concerns.

Louisiana’s proposal would give regulators another enforcement tool while continuing the state’s broader push against illegal gambling activity and unregulated betting markets.

Stay tuned to UMG Gaming for more updates on prediction markets, tribal gaming, and the evolving U.S. gaming landscape.