DraftKings has become the first operator to obtain a daily fantasy sports (DFS) license in Louisiana and is set to go live later today (Friday).
DraftKings’ launch comes almost three years after voters in nearly three-quarters of the state’s parishes agreed to legalize DFS, with lawmakers since creating the framework by which it will be run.
The operator’s application was approved unanimously by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) and it is now able to offer its games via mobile and online to consumers within those parishes which approved its legalisation.
Louisiana – the home of the National Football League’s New Orleans Saints and National Basketball Association’s New Orleans Pelicans – becomes the 44th state in which DraftKings offers its DFS services, with sports betting set to become legal later this year.
“As DraftKings continues our nationwide expansion, we welcome Louisiana to the DraftKings family, an area rich with culture, heritage, and die-hard fanbases in both professional and college sports,” said Matt Kalish, co-founder and president of DraftKings North America.
“The Bayou will now have access to our world-leading Daily Fantasy Sports product as we ramp up toward the kick-off of the football season.”
DraftKings submitted its DFS licensing request in February, when the LGCB opened the application period. The agency said DraftKings estimated it would generate $15.5m in net revenue for the current budget year, generating nearly $1.3m in tax.
Participants in Louisiana’s fantasy sports competitions must be at least 21 years old. While games will only be permitted in parishes where voters authorized it, anybody will be able to log into the online sites if they travel to those parishes.
Regulated sportsbooks could launch in Louisiana by the fall after Governor John Bel Edwards signed two bills into law in June.
Senate Bill 247, sponsored by Senate President Patrick Page Cortez, and SB142, from Senator Rick Ward III, pave the way for as many as 41 sportsbooks to launch in the state. It has been reported that the market will be open in time for the start of the new NFL season in September.