Louisiana explores expansion in sports wagering and iGaming
Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) Chairman Christopher Hebert said the US state is assessing opportunities for wider sports wagering and potential online casino gaming, with regulators preparing for future legislative movement on iGaming, in an exclusive interview with SiGMA World.
Hebert, appointed Chairman in July 2024 by Governor Jeff Landry, said the Board is focused on preparing frameworks that support new forms of digital wagering. “Growth opportunities include expanded sports wagering—retail and mobile—with strong frameworks already in place for licensing, technology, and consumer protections,” he said.
He added that the LGCB is closely monitoring national trends related to online casino platforms. “The Board also recognises the potential of iGaming (online casinos). Although online casino gaming (iGaming) is currently not legalised in Louisiana, the Board is monitoring national developments, studying industry impact, and maintaining an open dialogue with policymakers about the benefits of a regulated, legal iGaming market,” he stated.
Hebert said studies indicate that iGaming could widen employment, enhance safety measures, increase consumer protection, and add new tax revenue as policymakers examine future budget needs. “The LGCB stands ready to support responsible iGaming legislation should lawmakers move toward legalisation in the future,” he said.
The Chairman, who co-created the state’s Problem Gambling Resource Services (PGRS) programme during his long tenure at the Louisiana Department of Justice, said responsible gambling remains central to any expansion.
Ensuring compliance across Louisiana’s gaming sectors
Louisiana’s gaming market spans casinos, sports betting, video poker, and fantasy sports. Hebert said the Board ensures uniform regulation using “standardised regulatory frameworks that apply to all authorised gaming sectors—including casinos, video poker, sports betting, and fantasy sports.”
He explained that the agency coordinates with multiple enforcement bodies. “The Board works closely with the Gaming Enforcement Division of the Louisiana State Police, the Attorney General’s Office, and other state agencies to audit, monitor, and investigate gaming sites, ensuring compliance with state laws and internal controls,” he said.
According to Hebert, Louisiana’s statutory licensing rules, central monitoring systems, and joint investigations with law enforcement create “a transparent and consistent regulatory environment across all gaming operations.”
Economic output and responsible oversight
Gaming generates more than $3.4 billion annually in Louisiana, supporting jobs and contributing to sectors including education and health. Hebert said the agency balances these contributions with public responsibilities.
“In addition to the economic focus, the Board is committed to responsible growth—requiring rigorous licensing, soliciting stakeholder and feedback, mandating allocation of gaming revenues to fund programmes like education and problem gambling support, meeting with state agencies responsible for educating the public about potential ills of gaming and upholding public confidence through strict, impartial oversight,” he said.
Leadership vision and regulatory approach
Hebert said his leadership at the LGCB is grounded in public protection and consistent communication. “The core leadership principles which guide my approach include integrity, collaboration, modernisation, transparency, and open communication,” he stated.
He said that regulatory decisions are designed to ensure fairness and trust. “Our regulatory decisions focus on protecting the public, ensuring fair play, and building stakeholder trust.”
Hebert said he hopes to support “an industry marked by responsible management, national leadership in responsible gambling, sustainable economic growth, and robust protections for Louisiana residents.”
Be part of the conversation shaping safer play. Subscribe HERE to SiGMA’s Top 10 News countdown for stories shaping iGaming’s future, exclusive interviews, and industry insights delivered straight to your inbox. Don’t just read the news, stay ahead of it.
