Protecting College Athletes: Louisiana Gaming Control Board Bans Prop Betting on Players

Following the NCAA’s call for more states to ban player prop bets in college sports, the Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) has issued an order to its licensed sports betting operators prohibiting the practice starting on Aug. 1. The order clarifies that operators may honor any outstanding prop bets, but identifying which players are included in this notification may present challenges. The LGCB urged operators to make every effort to comply with the new rule, according to the order issued by the LGCB.

The LGCB chairman Ronnie Johns stated in a statement that the control board had been working on the order “weeks ago, well ahead of the NCAA’s call for action on college proposition bets.” He added that the intention behind the order is to protect the integrity of sports betting and ensure the safety and integrity of college athletes. “We feel that this order accomplishes that goal,” Johns stated.

The NCAA has been collaborating with states to address integrity issues and player harassment in recent months, leading to bans on college prop bets in Louisiana, Maryland, Ohio, and Vermont. Other states have imposed restrictions on player prop betting, with some only allowing such bets on college teams located outside of the state. States like New Jersey, Kansas, and Wyoming are reportedly considering banning college player prop bets after hearing Baker’s call to action. Wyoming plans to discuss the ban at a meeting on May 9.

The growing concerns over the integrity of sports betting and the safety of college athletes have prompted many states to take action and implement new regulations regarding player prop bets.