Sports betting parlors are expected to open up in Shreveport and Bossier City is a few weeks. But we don't yet have a specific target date for the final approval.

Erin McCarty
Erin McCarty
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Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns tells KEEL News 13 of the state's 20 casinos have filed all of the paperwork to kick off sports betting. But he would not give us any details about which casinos are first in line. He did tell us some of those early applicants did come from the Shreveport Bossier market.

He does expect to get applications from all of the casinos across the state. The deadline is January 1. Johns says he is hoping to sign off on the applications and get these betting parlors open as soon as possible.

One of the sticking points right now is the final ok from the State Police inspectors of the betting parlors. Casinos must set up an area that is restricted to folks age 21 and older. State Police must also check out the security procedures.

KEEL News asked Johns if Louisiana gamblers will be able to bet via an app once sports betting is a go and he says that will not be approved in this first phase. He says the first wave will be betting parlors at the casinos.

Several casinos are putting in high dollar sports betting lounges with luxury seating and big screen tv's. Others are putting in temporary betting parlors with plans to upgrade down the road.

Sports betting will be allowed in 55 of Louisiana's 64 parishes. Those parishes that opted out will be cordoned off using geofencing so bets can not be made in those parishes once online betting moves forward.

Sports betting kiosks will eventually be approved for some bars and restaurants that serve alcohol. But that will not be approved during phase one.

Your bets at the casino parlors will be taxed at 10%. But if you place bets on your cellphone or on a website, you will pay a 15% tax.

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