Louisiana SB 325 Advances to Gov. Landry’s Office

Jonathan Rodriguez

Written by: Jonathan Rodriguez

Published: Thu May 28, 2026, 7:00 am ET

Read Time: 4 minutes

Louisiana SB 325 Advances to Gov. Landry's Office

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Louisiana's Senate Bill 325 (SB 325) has moved closer to strengthening protections for athletes and sports officials. The legislation now awaits Governor Jeff Landry's signature after receiving unanimous bipartisan support in both legislative chambers.

Sen. Mike Reese introduced SB 325 during the current legislative session. The bill aims to prevent harassment and intimidation tied to sports betting activity. Specifically, the proposal targets bettors who threaten athletes, coaches, referees, and sports personnel over wagering outcomes.

The Louisiana Senate passed the measure with a unanimous 38-0 vote. Shortly afterward, the House approved the bill by a 101-0 margin, highlighting the complete lack of political opposition.

The proposal now heads to Gov. Landry's desk for final approval before becoming law. If signed, SB 325 will take effect on August 1, 2026. The timing is significant because the law would arrive just before the start of the college football and NFL betting seasons.

The latest development reflects growing concern throughout the US online sportsbooks industry. Regulators and lawmakers continue addressing the rise of abusive behavior linked to legalized sports wagering.

Moreover, the discussion also arrives as Louisiana gambling markets continue expanding across retail and digital platforms.

SB 325 Would Expand Louisiana's Sports Betting Enforcement Powers

SB 325 would give the Louisiana Gaming Control Board broader authority to discipline abusive bettors. Under the proposal, regulators could place individuals on an exclusion list if they threaten violence or engage in harassment related to sports betting activity.

The bill covers conduct occurring before, during, or after sporting events. Moreover, the restrictions would apply to both physical sportsbooks and mobile betting platforms operating statewide.

If regulators add someone to the exclusion list, that person could lose access to licensed sports wagering operations. The penalties would impact bettors using US online sportsbooks in Louisiana and retail casino sportsbooks.

The bill also carries criminal penalties for violators who attempt to bypass the restrictions. If an excluded bettor enters a retail sportsbook after receiving a ban, that person could face up to six months in prison and fines reaching $500.

The proposal also includes procedural protections. Individuals placed on the list would receive notice and an opportunity to challenge the decision through a hearing process.

Although Louisiana does not currently regulate statewide US online casinos, lawmakers continue monitoring broader gambling expansion discussions. Consequently, SB 325 may influence future conversations involving digital gaming oversight and consumer protections.

Lawmakers Cite Growing Abuse Against Student-Athletes

Lawmakers pushed for SB 325 as concerns surrounding athlete harassment intensified nationwide. College athletes have increasingly reported receiving abusive messages from angry bettors after games and player prop outcomes.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association has repeatedly warned about the issue. NCAA officials previously highlighted how sports betting expansion created new pressure on student-athletes, especially through social media platforms.

Louisiana lawmakers referenced those concerns while advancing the legislation. They argued that athletes should not face intimidation because of betting losses tied to Louisiana gambling activity.

The issue has become more visible as legal wagering markets continue growing across the country. Louisiana currently operates one of the more active sports betting markets in the southern United States. Mobile sportsbooks remain widely accessible throughout the state, increasing betting participation and public engagement.

Louisiana Joins Broader National Push Against Gambling Harassment

Louisiana's proposal also fits within a wider national movement targeting gambling-related abuse. Several states have recently introduced policies aimed at protecting athletes and preserving sports integrity.

States including Ohio, West Virginia, and Wyoming have explored similar measures tied to sports wagering conduct. Regulators across the country continue examining how legalized betting affects athletes, officials, and collegiate programs.

At the same time, sports leagues and universities have increased lobbying efforts for stricter protections. Many stakeholders now support stronger enforcement tools against threatening behavior connected to gambling activity.

The broader industry also faces mounting pressure to improve responsible gaming standards. Operators tied to US online sportsbooks increasingly emphasize consumer safeguards, account monitoring, and responsible betting messaging.

If Gov. Landry signs SB 325 into law, Louisiana would become one of the latest states to formally address sports betting-related harassment through legislation. 

The measure could also encourage additional states to pursue similar enforcement frameworks as legal wagering markets continue evolving nationwide.

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.

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