House Bill could bring Internet Gambling to Louisiana

Posted: Mar 14, 2013 6:42 PM by Akeam Ashford
Updated: Mar 14, 2013 6:47 PM

Over the past 23-years the gaming industry has contributed $14.3 Billion dollars to the state budget; that's roughly 6% of revenue.

State Representative Mike Huval filled a resolution asking a joint committee to study the "feasibility" and "practicality" of legalizing 'Internet Gambling' in the state of Louisiana.

Rep. Huval wants Louisiana to be the first among neighboring states who could legalize Internet gaming. Huval says "its not a matter of if, its just a matter of when it's going to happen."

As of now, there is no way for the United States to regulate a companies practices. Huval says most on-line users deposit money into an account, and never see it again. He hopes by making it legal, the government will have regulatory authority. He says he doesn't have a company in mind, but says "I wouldn't mind one of our casino's offering this service."

"i'm not promoting gambling, I want to provide a way to make it safer for our residents," says Huval. The legislature is set to convene April 8th.

Akeam@Katctv.com