While gamblers are anxiously awaiting the launch of Louisiana sports betting they can pass the time by participating in daily fantasy sports competitions.

DraftKings recently received a DFS license from the state and its daily fantasy sports competitions will be available in approved parishes in Louisiana. There are no current DFS competitions live in the state so far.

“As DraftKings continues our nationwide expansion, we welcome Louisiana to the DraftKings family, an area rich with culture, heritage, and die-hard fanbases in both professional and college sports,” said Matt Kalish, co-founder and president of DraftKings North America. “The Bayou will now have access to our world-leading Daily Fantasy Sports product as we ramp up toward the kickoff of football season.”

Louisiana daily fantasy sports soon

According to The Advocate, the Louisiana Gaming Control Board approved the operating license unanimously for the company. A DraftKings representative said the company hopes to have its services operating as soon as possible.

Of course this is just a prelude to the launch of sports betting in the state. DraftKings is expected to be a primary figure in Louisiana sports betting as an online sports betting operator.

Prelude to Louisiana sports betting

Louisiana will allow 20 sports betting licenses, one each for the the state’s 15 riverboat casinos, four racinos (horse tracks) and one land-based casino. Each license will also include two mobile licenses, which could mean a potential of 41 “skins” for Louisiana online sports betting. The one additional skin would be allotted to the Louisiana Lottery Corporation.

Each facility applying for a sports betting license will be required to construct a retail sportsbook to be eligible.

Sports betting will be legal in 55 of 64 Louisiana parishes that approved the measure in the November 2020 general election. In-person and online sports betting, as well as DFS competitions, will not be permitted for residents living in the following parishes:

  • Caldwell
  • Catahoula
  • Franklin
  • Jackson
  • LaSalle
  • Sabine
  • Union
  • West Carroll
  • Winn

Gov. John Bel Edwards signed the final bills to legalize sports betting in the state in late June.