Senator from Metairie voices support for fantasy sports betting ballot

A question on the Nov. 6 ballot could mean that some fantasy sports betting will be allowed in some parishes but not others. One state lawmaker said if voters pass this measure, it could benefit the entire state.

When football season rolls around, it’s also time for fantasy football for Phabion Woodard. He said it’s a fun way for his friends to bond around a sport they all love and follow.

“I think it’s interesting and a fun way to interact with multiple people, especially if you put it online. It can’t just be your friends, it can be a lot of people,” said Woodard.

The question "Shall fantasy sports contests be permitted?” will be on all Louisiana midterm ballots. Several apps like FanDuel and DraftKing already provide a platform for fantasy sports betting in other states, but Louisiana voters will vote yes or no on the question on a parish-by-parish basis.

“You can only play, do the fantasy sports in that parish when you’re in that parish. It’s what they call geofencing. So what happens when you leave that parish? The app will kick you off so you won’t bet,” said Sen. Daniel Martiny, R-Metairie.

Martiny said he’s overall in favor of the measure. He said gambling, gaming and betting are all activities that Louisianans take part in, so why not regulate the revenue?

“It’s naive to think that we’re suppressing gaming. You can get on your phone right now and place a bet offshore, or you can call a bookie, and we get no revenue from it, but it’s here. It’s here and it’s something that should be regulated, and we should benefit financially from it,” said Martiny.

Martiny tried to introduce legislation to legalize sports betting statewide before it was voted down. He said he plans to introduce another sports-betting bill in the future, considering that Mississippi accepts sports bids, the Supreme Court ruled on the issue, and now some parishes could allow betting on fantasy sports.

“People talk about the ills of gaming. We’ll still have those same ills, but we won’t have any money to deal with it, so anyone with a problem gambling - they’ll go to Mississippi,” said Martiny.

Woodard said if he can keep indulging his favorite football hobby while the state also benefits, he’s all for it.

“I don’t feel like this will make a big difference when you have a lot of stuff you’re betting on. If anything, it will bring in more money if the state regulates it that way,” said Martiny.