Gaming Gazette: Gambling Laws in Louisiana Legal State of Gambling

History and Timeline for Louisiana Online Gambling

This timeline outlines the sequence of events on the topic of the gambling laws of the state of Louisiana.

Louisiana's gambling history unfolds as a dynamic narrative, weaving through pivotal legislative and societal moments that have shaped the state's engagement with various forms of betting. In 1753, during the French ownership of Louisiana, a groundbreaking move was made with the establishment of a state-run gambling house, pioneering legalized gambling in the territory. The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 transformed New Orleans into a bustling gambling hub, surpassing major U.S. cities in casino establishments. By the summer of 1806, a territorial ban on gambling was implemented, except in New Orleans, which retained its reputation as the gambling mecca of North America. In 1827, John Davis launched Crescent City House in the French Quarter, often hailed as North America's inaugural Vegas-style casino. However, legislative tides turned in 1835 when operating a gambling establishment became a felony, leading to the closure of Crescent City House. The Civil War era brought further changes, including General Benjamin F. Butler's 1862 ban on gambling in New Orleans, with exceptions for licensed establishments. In 1868, the Louisiana Lottery Company gained exclusive rights, eventually selling tickets nationwide. The company faced a scandal and the loss of its charter in 1893, fueling anti-lottery sentiments at both state and federal levels. This historical journey showcases Louisiana's complex and evolving relationship with gambling over the centuries.

• Early 18th Century: Louisiana, under French rule, pioneers legalized gambling with the establishment of a state-run gambling house in 1753.
• 19th Century Transformation: The 1803 Louisiana Purchase transforms New Orleans into a bustling gambling hub, surpassing major U.S. cities in casino establishments.
• 1806 Gambling Ban: A territorial ban on gambling is enforced in 1806, except in New Orleans, which retains its status as the gambling mecca of North America.
• 1827 Casino Inception: In 1827, John Davis introduces Crescent City House in the French Quarter, often recognized as North America's inaugural Vegas-style casino.
• 1835 Felony Legislation: Operating a gambling establishment becomes a felony in 1835, leading to the closure of Crescent City House and marking a shift in legislative stance.
• 1868 Lottery Dominance: The Louisiana Lottery Company gains exclusive lottery rights in 1868, achieving nationwide ticket sales but loses its charter in 1893 amid scandal, contributing to anti-lottery sentiments.

20th-Century History of Casinos in Louisiana

• Early 1990s Gambling Evolution: Louisiana underwent significant developments in the early 1990s, with the legalization of video draw poker machines in July 1991, replacing unregulated counterparts. The state embarked on licensing and taxing these machines across diverse establishments.
• September 1991: Launch of State Lottery Commission: In September 1991, the Louisiana State Lottery Commission commenced its operations, contributing to the state's evolving gambling status.
• Tribal Casino Negotiations: November 1992 witnessed negotiations with four Native American tribes, paving the way for the establishment of five tribal casinos in Louisiana, adding diversity to the state's casino offerings.
• April 1993: Approval of New Orleans Land-Based Casino: A pivotal moment occurred in April 1993 when approval was granted for a land-based casino at the Rivergate Hotel site in New Orleans.
• November 1993: Inauguration of Legal Casino Riverboat: Louisiana marked a historic moment in November 1993 with the launch of its first legal casino riverboat, setting sail on Lake Pontchartrain near New Orleans and ushering in a new era of riverboat gambling.

20th and 21st Century History of Sports Betting in Louisiana

• Shift in Horse Racing Market (1908): The Louisiana state legislature enacted a ban on wagering on horse races at tracks in June 1908, marking a period of restriction in the domain of sports betting.
• Racing Oversight Establishment (1940): In January 1940, the Louisiana State Racing Commission was established to provide oversight for horse racing activities, contributing to the regulated development of this form of betting.
• Legalization of Racetrack Betting (1954): December 1954 saw a significant milestone when the state's highest court declared betting at licensed racetracks legal, ending years of unofficial workarounds and formalizing the framework for horse race betting.
• Emergence of Offtrack Betting (1987): Louisiana's legislature introduced offtrack betting on horse races in June 1987, broadening the accessibility of horse race wagering beyond the confines of racetrack premises.
• Riverboat Gambling Approval (1991): Louisiana embraced a new era in July 1991 by approving riverboat gambling, allowing up to 15 riverboats to offer gambling services and introducing a diverse range of gambling options.
• Fantasy Sports Adoption (2018): In November 2018, residents in 47 parishes voted to permit fantasy sports, placing the onus on the legislature for its regulation and showcasing a growing acceptance of innovative forms of sports-related wagering.
• Voter Mandate for Sports Betting (2020): November 2020 marked a significant shift as voters in 55 parishes approved sports betting, prompting the need for legislative action and reflecting a broader societal acceptance of sports wagering.
• Historical Horse Racing Legalization (2021): Louisiana ventured into historical horse racing in June 2021, legalizing up to 50 machines at licensed venues and expanding the array of options available for wagering enthusiasts.
• Launch of Mobile Sports Betting (2022): The state officially embraced the digital age of sports betting in January 2022 with the launch of mobile sports betting, providing a convenient online platform for enthusiasts to engage in sports wagering.