Sports betting operator Betfred Sports has announced a partnership with Paragon Casino Resort to bring retail sports betting to the state of Louisiana from today (6 October).
Betfred will operate a sportsbook in Paragon Casino’s Draft Room, comprised of traditional betting counters and kiosks.
The Resort itself, owned by the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe, offers a 64,000 square foot gaming area featuring 1000 Vegas-style slot machines. As the resort is a tribal casino, it was able to receive approval to launch seperately from other gaming facilities in the state.
Mark Stebbings, Betfred Group chief operating officer, said: “Louisiana is an exciting opportunity for Betfred Sports to continue its expansion in the U.S. after successful launches in Iowa, Colorado and Pennsylvania.
“We look forward to utilizing our 50 years of bookmaking experience with our fantastic partner, Paragon Casino Resort, to bring the best sports betting experience to bettors in the state.”
Sports betting was legalized within Louisiana following a parish-by-parish referendum that took place in 2020. The market launch was delayed until 2021, however, due to Louisiana only permitting the passing of a new tax in an odd-numbered year, meaning the state had to wait to pass laws taxing the vertical.
These laws were eventually signed into law in June, setting the launch in motion.
Paragon Casino general manager Marshall Sampson Sr added: “Our partnership with Betfred Sports marks a new chapter for Paragon – which has always been a source of pride for Marksville and the people of Louisiana.
“With this new partnership, I hope visitors from across the region will have the chance to experience it for themselves. Together, we are offering a first-class sports betting platform and venue that will make Paragon Casino Resort the place to bet and watch games in Louisiana.”