There’s long been a debate as to whether life imitates art or art imitates life. I mention that because I often find quotes from movies that succinctly sum up what’s going on in real life. One of my favorites comes from No Country for Old Men as spoken by Tommy Lee Jones. “If it ain’t a mess it’ll do till one gets here.” THAT, to me, succinctly sums up the state of fantasy sports betting in Louisiana.
This is a legislative-made mess. The majority of Louisiana has already voted and approved fantasy betting with sites like FanDuel and DraftKings. The voting was parish by parish so those that want it were supposed to get it, those that didn’t won’t. Geofencing allows it to begin and end at the parish line. But apparently the legislature knows better. Or the maneuvering that is part of the process has silenced the voter’s voice. This is complicated, wonky, in the weeds policy stuff; but, basically, the ante was upped when a sports betting bill was attached to the fantasy sports betting bill. As it stands now, all of the chips are in the middle of the table.
There’s still some time left in the session; but to me, the story ends with the people who voted FOR fantasy sports not getting what they want and the people not even getting to voice their support or opposition to sports gambling through a referendum. Of course if the voter’s decision on sports betting is gonna be tied up or ignored as is fantasy betting, why bother?
Fantasy betting is a reality, whether you’re for it or not. So is betting on the outcome of games. It’s already happening, so the state may as well get its share of the take. Is it just the legislative process playing out as intended or is it Louisiana politics at its worst?