Rep. Kirk Talbot, R-River Ridge, is already facing opposition to his HB 676 to legalize fantasy gaming — think football, basketball and baseball — before the bill has even had its first hearing.
The Louisiana Family Forum has asked its members and followers to oppose the bill “in the interest of protecting Louisiana citizens from the addictive nature of online gambling and from criminal activity and especially in the interest of protecting Louisiana children.”
Rep. Joe Lopinto, R-Metairie, passed a similar bill through the House last year, but ran into trouble on the Senate side when the Louisiana Video Gaming Association voiced concerns about his proposal, and the unneeded competition it would have created.
“I think we’re only one of three states that don’t allow it and I don’t see it as an expansion of gambling,” Talbot said, adding that it may be a couple more weeks until he tries to move his legislation.
The regular session is scheduled to adjourn on June 6.