Louisiana is on the verge of implementing a new law that would empower state gaming regulators to prohibit specific residents from accessing retail sportsbooks and mobile betting if they are found to have made threats against athletes for gambling-related reasons.
Senate Bill 325 is currently awaiting the decision of Governor Jeff Landry, following its endorsement by Louisiana House Speaker Rep. Phillip DeVillier, who signed the bill on Monday. This action completes the final administrative procedure before it reaches the governor's desk. The governor has the option to either sign or veto the bill; if he remains inactive, the legislation will automatically become law.
The bill, which has garnered unanimous support from both legislative chambers, seeks to modify state regulations to establish a new category of individuals who can be barred by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB).
Under this proposed law, individuals can be excluded from retail sportsbooks and barred from participating in mobile wagering if they are deemed to threaten violence or harm against athletes in relation to gambling. Such threats may occur before, during, or after sporting events. Furthermore, the LGCB will have the authority to exclude individuals who pose a broader threat to the state's interests.
Those placed on the exclusion list will receive notification from the LGCB and have the right to a hearing to contest their exclusion. Should an excluded individual attempt to enter a gambling venue without the LGCB's approval, they could face up to six months of imprisonment or a fine of up to $500.
The bill also imposes potential penalties on operators. A sportsbook or gambling operator that is found to have consistently failed to exclude individuals from the exclusion list may face suspension or revocation of their license or permit.
This legislative move comes amid growing concerns regarding gambling-related harassment of athletes in U.S. sports. Data from the NCAA and Signify revealed that last year's March Madness tournament led to approximately 54,096 suspicious social media posts, with 3,161 identified as abusive. Signify initiated 103 investigations into these messages, with 10 cases referred to law enforcement.
In response to recent incidents, sports betting operators have also taken measures. In 2025, FanDuel banned a user after he harassed Olympic gold medalist Gabby Thomas. Earlier this year, BetMGM implemented a policy to suspend accounts that send abusive messages or language towards athletes.