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Sports betting soon to be legal in Louisiana

Posted at 11:48 PM, Apr 23, 2019
and last updated 2019-04-24 00:48:14-04

Sports betting could soon be legal in Louisiana.

On Tuesday, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved Senate Bill 153. Authorized by Senator Danny Martiny, R-Kenner, the bill would allow Louisiana to compete with neighboring states like Mississippi and Arkansas. The bill now heads to the full Senate for debate.

The bill is already triggering a debate in Acadiana.

“I believe it’s important that we recognize and prioritize our commitment to early childhood education. That’s why my bill, in its present form, coupled up with with a house bill that Rep. Marino has filed, would do that,” Martiny said.

The vote against the bill came from Sen. Karen Carter Peterson, who recently revealed a gambling addiction.

“There are families that get destroyed, and I am well aware of that. I’m glad that mine has not because of the support system that I have in place, but everybody doesn’t have that. So, I have been blessed to sit here today and fight for those who I would hope don’t have to go through the pain I’ve experienced with this disease,” Peterson said.

At sports bars in Acadiana, we found a mixed reaction.

“I think it could be good… more money for the economy. They can put money toward the roads and maybe even education, or police, and just have more money for the economy in general,” John Roger said.

Others agree it isn’t a bad idea but believe it needs stipulations.

“It could help with things such as education or road work. I do think it should be done in a controlled environment,” one woman said.