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PLAYLOUISIANA.COM: LOUISIANA SPORTSBOOKS TO DRAW MORE THAN $2.5 BILLION IN ANNUAL WAGERING ONCE MARKET MATURES
State’s sportsbooks will benefit from tourism, geography, fueling industry that could generate as much as $30 million in annual taxes for the state
Louisiana will open the doors to a sports betting industry that will use rich natural advantages to one day turn the state into a market that will attract more than $2.5 billion in annual sports wagers and more than $200 million in operator revenue, according to estimates by PlayLouisiana, which tracks the state’s regulated online gaming and sports betting market.
“Louisiana should be able to outperform its relatively small population,” said Eric Ramsey, analyst for the PlayUSA.com network, which includes PlayLouisiana.com. “In fact, as a market Louisiana shares many of the same attributes that have made New Jersey and Nevada sports betting meccas. The state has long been home to a thriving casino industry, New Orleans itself can draw tourists from all over the country, and Louisiana is not bordered by another state that offers both retail and online sports betting.”
Gov. John Bel Edwards is expected to sign the bill that will legalize retail and mobile sports betting across the state. Currently, 21 states and Washington D.C. have an active legal sports betting industry in some form, and Louisiana would be joining nine other states that have approved sports betting in some form and are preparing for launch later this year or next.
With a population of more than 4.6 million people, Louisiana should generate $2.5 billion in retail and online sports wagering by the market’s third year, according to PlayLouisiana projections. Assuming an approximate 8% “hold,” which is the percentage sportsbooks keep after paying out winning bets, those wagers would produce $200 million in operator revenue. The bill calls for a 15% levy on online bets and 10% rate on retail betting. At that rate, online and retail sports betting would yield as much as $30 million in taxes annually.
Among states with an active sports betting industry, Louisiana most closely compares to Colorado, which is home to 5.8 million people. Colorado launched its industry under difficult circumstances in May 2020, but still managed $2.3 billion in wagers and $147.4 million in gross gaming revenue in its first year.
Louisiana is a smaller state, but it has the potential to drive significantly more wagering than its population might suggest. One of those attributes includes the unique structure of Louisiana’s sports betting bill, which will allow sports wagering kiosks to be placed at thousands of bars, restaurants and truck stops across most of the state. Its balanced tax rates will be appealing to operators, too, which will make it more likely that there will be enough demand to reach the state’s ceiling of 41 sports betting apps.
“The basic framework will be appealing for sportsbook operators, and that will help the state reach its potential,” said Dustin Gouker, lead analyst at PlayUSA.com. “Even more, Louisiana set up a relatively open and competitive market, which benefits consumers while making the industry a reliable revenue producer for the state for years to come.”
Louisiana will also benefit from an already large in-flow of tourists, particularly to New Orleans. Also, New Orleans is particularly appealing as a sports tourism market with fans regularly traveling from all over the country for special events such as college bowl games, the Super Bowl, and the NCAA Tournament, in addition to regular season games. In addition, Louisiana’s neighbors — including in Texas — will regularly travel across the border to place a bet.
Plus, the local sports scene is robust, with an NFL and NBA franchise, five major college football programs, and 12 NCAA Division I men’s basketball programs calling Louisiana home.
“New Orleans is one of the most popular tourism destinations in the U.S., and the regular flow of tourists from neighboring large cities like Houston, and even a legal betting state such as retail-only Mississippi, should be a boon initially,” Ramsey said. “Also, the state is home to passionate local fanbases, which is a help for any market. The bottom line is that most markets in the U.S. are without Louisiana’s collection of positive attributes.”
High Roller Technologies, operator of the premium online casino brands High Roller and Fruta, announced the submission of its Internet Gaming Operator license application in Ontario, Canada, targeting the launch of its flagship brand HighRoller.com in the second half of 2025.
“The submission of our licensing application to access Ontario’s regulated online gambling market is an important milestone in our Company’s journey. Once our application is approved, we anticipate that we will have the opportunity to launch our online casino product into the market later this year,” said Ben Clemes, Chief Executive Officer at High Roller.
Ontario is one of the largest regulated online gambling markets in the world as measured by gross gaming revenue. In 2024, regulated online gambling operators within the province generated approximately $2.3B in gross gaming revenue, and growth continues to be recorded in the first half of 2025. Recently, the province of Alberta passed enabling legislation to establish a regulatory framework for online gambling. Once available, the Company also intends to pursue licensure in Alberta to expand its regulated market footprint in Canada.
“Ontario is missing an elegant brand like High Roller. We’re excited to roll out the red carpet for our new customers, and we’re looking forward to showcasing our tremendous product,” said Clemes.
The post High Roller Submits Gaming License Application in Ontario appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
The International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) has released the program for its upcoming annual conference, to be held in Toronto from 20-23 October.
With the theme ‘Resilient regulation: Exploring what works, why and what’s next’, the event brings together global regulators and thought leaders to examine how regulatory frameworks can evolve to meet today’s challenges.
The four-day program explores timely issues, including the rise of AI and behavioural analytics, the impact of converging technologies, cross-border collaboration and the continued push to strengthen responsible gambling policies.
IAGR President Ben Haden said the program offers a strong preview of the content and conversations delegates can expect in Toronto.
‘This year’s program showcases the breadth and complexity of the challenges facing gambling regulators worldwide, from protecting player wellbeing to tackling illegal markets and understanding new technologies,’ Haden said.
‘I encourage regulators, researchers and policy professionals from around the world to join us in Toronto. The conference is a space to learn, share experience, challenge assumptions and shape the future of effective, collaborative regulation.’
Confirmed speakers and panellists include:
- Andrew Rhodes, CEO, Gambling Commission, Great Britain
- Anders Dorph, Director, Danish Gambling Authority, Denmark
- Dr Karin Schnarr, CEO and Registrar, Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, Canada
- Mark Vander Linden, Director of Research and Responsible Gaming and Carrie Torrisi, Chief of Sports Wagering Division, Massachusetts Gaming Commission, United States
- Bashir Are, CEO, Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, Nigeria
- Teo Chun Ching, Chief Executive, Gambling Regulatory Authority, Singapore
- Ladipo Abiose Akolade, Founder, GamblePause Initiative Africa, Nigeria
- Rasmus Kjaergaard, CEO, Mindway AI, Denmark
- Tracy Parker, Senior Vice President, Accreditation, Advisory and Insights, Responsible Gambling Council, Canada
- Pedro Romero, Chief of Safer Gambling Partnerships, BetBlocker, Gibraltar
- Sonia Wasowska, Head of Supervision, General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, United Arab Emirates
- Steven Blackburn, Partner, Ashurst Risk Advisory, Australia
The event will be held at The Westin Harbour Castle on Toronto’s waterfront.
The post IAGR announces program for IAGR2025 conference in Toronto appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Home field advantage has a new name, as the Edmonton Elks announced that Play Alberta Field at Commonwealth Stadium is now the home of the Elks.
The field naming rights are part of a broader multi-year agreement between Play Alberta and the EE, making Play Alberta the official sports betting partner of the Club.
“We couldn’t be more excited to expand our partnership with Play Alberta. This partnership is about more than just putting a name on the field – it’s about building something meaningful for our fans and our community. Play Alberta is an Alberta-based organization that shares our values and our commitment to giving back. Together, we’re creating new ways for fans to connect with our team and experience the game day atmosphere in a whole new way,” said Elks President and CEO Chris Morris.
The expanded relationship between the Elks and Play Alberta will allow the game day experience to continue to grow. Fans can look forward to unique activations and promotions around the stadium, including the chance to win game tickets and memorabilia.
“Since Play Alberta’s launch five years ago, our team has made it a priority to connect with the communities where our players live and work. We are very excited to join the Edmonton Elks on the field on game days during upcoming CFL seasons. Play Alberta Field at Commonwealth Stadium allows us to partner with the Elks and showcase two brands built for Albertans in a historic Edmonton location,” said Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Chief Executive Officer Kandice Machado.
The Elks open their 76th season on Saturday, June 7 in Vancouver when they take on the B.C. Lions. Edmonton’s home opener at Play Alberta Field at Commonwealth Stadium is slated for Thursday, June 19 against the Montreal Alouettes.
The post Edmonton Elks, Play Alberta Connect on New Partnership appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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