Louisiana Announces College Prop Betting to Be Banned Starting in August

Louisana did not waste time responding to an NCAA request to ban college player props. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) announced Wednesday that they will be granting the NCAA’s request. Starting on August 1, sportsbooks in the state will no longer be able to offer college prop bets.

The LGCB's decision comes after the NCAA requested states eliminate the controversial bet type. There has been a spike in harassment of college athletes by disgruntled bettors since sports betting became legal in the US. While some states have already prohibited college play prop betting, many still allow some form of it.

"It is the intention of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board to protect the integrity of sports betting as well as the safety and integrity of college athletes. We feel that this order accomplishes that goal," LGCB Chairman Ronnie Johns said of the decision.

Starting in August, Louisiana bettors will no longer be able to place any bet involving the individual performances of college athletes. Betting on team or game outcomes is still allowed, but nothing involving a single player will be allowed.

Any college player prop bets placed before August will still be paid out, even after the ban goes into effect. 

More States Could Follow Louisiana’s Example

While Louisiana was the first state to respond to the NCAA’s request, they likely won’t be the last. Many other states have signaled they are willing to consider similar measures but require the NCAA to reach out directly before starting the process. Several states currently allowing college player props restrict it to out-of-state teams, but that could soon change.

While there is strong support for banning these college player props, the opposition is pushing to keep it legal. One argument is that player harassment will continue as long as any college betting is allowed, meaning a ban would only cost the states in tax revenue.