An anti-harassment bill to ban certain Louisiana residents from retail and online sports betting is a governor’s signature away from being enacted as state law.
On Monday, Louisiana House Speaker Rep. Phillip DeVillier signed Senate Bill 325, the last administrative step before the measure reaches Gov. Jeff Landry’s desk for a potential signature or veto. If Landry takes no action, it will become Louisiana law.
SB 325 takes direct aim at individuals who harass or threaten athletes for gambling-related purposes. The bill amends state law to add a new class of individuals “who are to be excluded from or ejected from a retail sports book and from participating in the play or operation of mobile wagering” by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB).
The legislation spells out what qualifies as harassment:
- The bill bans individuals who “threaten violence or harm” against an athlete
- The threats can be made “before, during, or after a sporting event”
- The LGCB can ban people from gambling who “pose a threat to the interest of the state”
- Individuals who are excluded are required to receive notice from the LGCB
- A person is entitled to a hearing for review of their placement on the exclusive list
Excluded persons face up to six months in prison or a fine up to $500 if they attempt to “enter the premises of a gambling establishment” without permission from the LGCB.
The bill also provides potential penalties for operators that engage in “a pattern of willful failure to exclude” individuals placed on the exclusion list. Operators that fail to meet the measure’s standards are subject to potential license and permit revocation or suspension.
Gambling-related harassment in sports
Louisiana lawmakers passed the anti-harassment bill as amateur and professional athletes across the country face gambling-related threats. According to data provided by the NCAA and Signify, last year’s March Madness tournament garnered approximately 54,096 suspicious social media posts, with 3,161 determined to be abusive.
Signify initiated 103 investigations into the messages, with 10 referred to law enforcement.
FanDuel responded to gambling-related threats made by an account holder in 2025 by banning the man after he heckled Olympic gold medalist and track star Gabby Thomas.
Earlier this year, BetMGM responded to gambling-related harassment by implementing a new policy that suspends accounts that direct abusive messages or language toward athletes.
Harassment bill’s legislative path in Louisiana
The anti-harassment bill earned unanimous support in both chambers of the state legislature.
SB 325 was introduced in February and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. The committee reported favorably for the measure, leading to its reading in the full Senate.
The chamber advanced SB 325 with amendments following a 38-0 vote, with the measure being sent to the House and referred to the Committee on Administration and Justice.
The subcommittee passed SB 365, with the full House approving the bill with a 101-0 vote.
