Sports Betting Starts in Louisiana; First Bets Placed At Tribal Casinos sherlock 10. October 2021 | UPDATED ON: 10. October 2021 Post Views: 53 In the state of Louisiana, legalized sports betting has started with the first wagering parlor being opened at a tribal casino in the state. The state is bracing itself for an expansion in gambling for the first time in decades. The Draft Room The News-Star reported that a partnership has also been declared between The Paragon Casino Resort and Betfred Sports. They have partnered to open a sportsbook called The Draft Room. It features a custom video wall, theater seating as well as kiosks, and betting counters. Marshall Sampson Sr., General Manager of Paragon Casino has commented that the sports bar that connects with The Draft Room has remained open since April 2021. He further commented that there have been inquiries from the guests as regards the opening of the sportsbook. Paragon is operated by the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe from the state of Louisiana. It is not regulated by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. However, reports from the News-Star stated that it would require obtaining a gaming license in order to open its sportsbook. Currently, gamblers will be able to place bets only in person. However, the company has stated that a mobile app is in the offing and will be released soon. Betting picks up in the state of Louisiana Other casino operators who are licensed in the state are expected to follow the lead of Paragon in a few weeks according to a statement by Ronnie Johns, Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. Ronnie Johns further went on to say that he has never witnessed this level of interest in any other activity that has been seen in sports betting. Joe Horn retired New Orleans Saints star who is a favorite with fans made his first official bet on Wednesday. He bet on a long-odds, seven-team parlay in which players have to pick all seven winners in order to win. Horn commented that he bets a little and wins a lot. Much like The Draft Room, other licensed racetracks and casinos in the state will currently offer on-site sportsbooks for in-person bets. Johns stated it would take a few more months for sports gaming applications to be online. About sherlock Sherlock Gomes loves to write and express his views on anything related to Gaming, Gambling, & Casino. He has been covering Gaming for more than two years now. View all posts by sherlock →