Louisiana Lawmakers Introduce SB 354 to Ban Prop Bets

Jonathan Rodriguez

Written by: Jonathan Rodriguez

Published: Thu Mar 05, 2026, 8:00 am ET

Read Time: 3 minutes

Louisiana Lawmakers Introduce SB 354 to Ban Prop Bets

industry

Senate Bill (SB 354) stands at the forefront of a major push by Louisiana legislators to overhaul the state's gaming landscape as the 2026 session begins. Lawmakers aim to curb the rise of niche wagering markets and unregulated platforms through this aggressive new proposal. 

This move reflects a growing national concern over the integrity of athletic competitions and the safety of players. Central to this movement is a significant crackdown on specific types of sports wagers that could fundamentally alter how residents interact with US online sportsbooks. 

Moreover, these changes highlight a broader trend in Louisiana gambling toward stricter oversight and increased consumer protection.

What is SB 354 All About?

Senator Katrina Jackson-Andrews recently introduced SB 354 to the Louisiana Senate. This pivotal bill seeks to redefine the legal boundaries of Louisiana gambling by targeting "proposition bets" and "micro-bets." 

If the legislature passes this measure, the state will remove these options from the list of authorized wagers. SB 354 specifically defines a prop bet as a side wager that does not involve the final outcome of a game.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a strict ban on "sports micro-bets." These involve lightning-fast wagers on individual plays while a game is in progress. 

For instance, bettors could no longer wager on the next pitch in a baseball game. They would also lose the ability to bet on the outcome of a single football play. 

While Louisiana previously allowed these markets, this new legislation mirrors a shift seen in other states like Colorado. If signed into law, the ban will take effect on August 1, 2026.

Why Lawmakers are Pushing for a Ban

Legislators believe these granular betting markets create unnecessary risks for both players and athletes. Specifically, the NCAA has urged states to eliminate player-specific props to reduce the harassment of student-athletes. These bets often lead to intense personal scrutiny and threats toward players from disgruntled bettors.

By removing these options, officials hope to protect the human element of the game. Additionally, banning micro-bets helps prevent match-fixing at the level of individual plays. This proactive stance ensures that the focus remains on the sport itself rather than statistical minutiae.

Strengthening State Gambling Regulations

Beyond sports betting, local officials have introduced several other bills to tighten security. For example, Representative Laurie Schlegel filed HB 883 to target the unregulated sweepstakes casino market. This bill defines dual-currency gambling platforms as illegal and empowers the Attorney General to issue cease-and-desist orders. 

Similarly, HB 53 seeks to classify the operation of such sites as a racketeering offense. This would carry severe penalties, including potential prison sentences of up to 50 years.

Additionally, Senator Mike Reese introduced SB 325 to address the safety of participants. This bill expands the state's "excluded gamblers" list to include anyone who threatens or harasses athletes. It ensures that bettors who engage in abusive behavior lose their right to use any legal sportsbook. 

Meanwhile, HB 643 and SB 119 explore the legalization of iLottery sales. These bills aim to modernize the lottery while implementing strict age-verification and geolocation protocols.

Potential Impact on the Louisiana Betting Market

The implementation of SB 354 and its companion bills will likely cause a shift in betting volume. Industry analysts expect a temporary decline in total handle as high-frequency micro-betting markets disappear. 

However, the move may foster a more sustainable and ethical gambling environment in the long run. By prioritizing athlete safety and regulatory clarity, Louisiana sets a new standard for the southern United States. 

Operators must now prepare to adjust their technology and marketing strategies to comply with these rigorous new standards.

Jonathan Rodriguez
Jonathan Rodriguez

Jonathan is an avid basketball fan, and is often looking forward to the next upcoming NBA season when not checking players' stats during games. He also likes to keep his ears on the ground for the latest rumblings in the online casino industry.

This site contains commercial content. We may be compensated for the links provided on this page. The content on this page is for informational purposes only. Betting News makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event.