Louisiana Rep files bill proposing sports betting tax hike to 51%

The Representative in the state of Louisiana, Roger Wilder, has filed a bill which proposes a huge increase to sports betting tax.

The House Bill 22 was filed on Sunday (November 10) which focuses on increasing the state’s tax rate on sports betting. Currently, the state levies a 15% tax on revenue, but the new proposal would see this rise to 51% on gross gaming revenue for sports betting operators.

If passed, this increase would see the state be alongside New York as areas with the highest rates.

The bill also suggests a further change, with present law authorizing promotional play in sports wagering. This bill suggests the proposed law would repel that authorization.

The proposed changes were introduced during a tax reform session which was called by Gov Jeff Landry at the end of October. The special session began on November 6th and will end on November 25th, with over 23 items to be discussed.

Speaking about the session, Governor Jeff Landry said: “This special session fulfills the promise we made to the people of Louisiana to rebuild our economy and make Louisiana a place where people want to raise a family and create jobs.”

“Throughout this special session, we have the opportunity to give teachers a permanent pay raise, put more money in every worker’s pocket, eliminate the tax on prescription drugs, and provide much needed tax relief for seniors.

“I am eager to enact this new playbook and finally make Louisiana a beacon of hope—inviting families and businesses back home. It’s time we move Louisiana Forward.”

The state is just the latest in a string of areas who are dealing with tax reforms, with a new budget plan having been signed in Illinois which sees operators being taxed on a sliding scale based on their adjusted gross revenue.

Lawmakers in New Jersey are also considering a tax rate for sports betting and iGaming, with this proposed to increase to 20% in Bill S3064.

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