Sorry everyone. There is no truth to the rumor that Louisiana online sports betting will launch next week.

Several excited readers shared notifications they received that Louisiana online sports betting was set to launch next week. The only problem is, according to Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns, they aren’t true.

“No truth to that at all. We will roll out multiple licenses in late January,” Johns told Saturday Down South last night.

Most of the notifications were sent out to Yahoo Fantasy Sports users including information about an offer from the BetMGM brand.

While Louisiana is close to its online sports betting launch, it’s not “next week” close.

Applicant properties need to be inspected by the Louisiana State Police prior to receiving an online sports betting licenses. Additionally, internal controls need to be verified and compliance inquiries need to be made before licenses can be approved.

Johns said the the state is still attempting to complete some final compliance issues before the licenses can be awarded.

Until then, Louisiana sports bettors will have to place bets in-person.

Louisiana in-person sports betting going well

The state currently has 13 entities licensed to offer in-person sports betting in their facilities. The rollout has been smooth and the numbers have been impressive, Johns said.

According to Louisiana State Police Gaming Enforcement’s November revenue report, the eight operational casinos accepted $27.6 million in sports bets from Oct. 31 through November. The net proceeds reported by casinos were nearly $5.7 million over that period of time.

An additional six facilities have applied for a license. Only one of the original 20 entities listed in the Louisiana sports betting bill has not yet applied for a license and must do so by the end of the year to be eligible.

All of the facilities are running sportsbook out of temporary facilities, but several have already started their permanent buildouts, as was required by the original bill.

In addition to the 20 brick-and-mortar sports betting licenses, the state 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.