Louisiana Senate Considers New Bill To Prohibit Micro-bets and Props

Louisiana lawmakers have introduced legislation to ban prop betting and live micro bets from the state’s sports wagering framework. 

Senate Bill 354, filed during the 2026 Regular Session, will take effect on 1 August if it gets approved. The measure was introduced by Katrina Jackson-Andrews, seeking to narrow how sports wagers are defined under state law.

Existing statutes currently define a sports wager as money risked on an uncertain outcome tied to a sporting event. The definition broadly includes prop bets as a standard offering across regulated sportsbooks.

New legal definitions proposed

The bill introduces a fresh statutory definition for prop bets as part of the amendment process. Under the proposal, a prop bet would be described as a side wager on a specific component of a sporting event unrelated to the final result.

Legislators argue that the distinction creates a clearer boundary around the types of bets that should remain permitted.

SB 354 also defines sports micro-bets within the state’s wagering framework. These are described as live prop bets placed during an event and tied to the outcome of a specific play or action.

Such wagers often revolve around real time moments in a game, including pitch outcomes, possession results, or similar play by play scenarios.

Operators would face new restrictions

Beyond redefining terminology, SB 354 expands the list of wagers that licensed operators would be barred from offering.

If adopted, Louisiana sportsbooks would be prohibited from accepting or paying out bets related to prop markets or micro-betting activity.

The measure does not propose changes to other wagering limitations already in place. Current regulations around licensing, taxation and operations would remain unchanged.

Wider push against prop bets

The proposal reflects a policy shift across several US jurisdictions. Regulators and lawmakers in multiple states have begun scrutinising prop and micro-betting formats more closely.

Though prediction markets are seeking ways to introduce them, there have been increased efforts around blocking micro-bets and props, particularly in college sports. 

In 2024, Maryland, Ohio and Vermont all enacted bans on collegiate prop bets. Legislators in Massachusetts are reviewing a similar measure under Bill S302, which must receive a hearing before 6 March to remain under consideration. Several other states are weighing related restrictions, including Kentucky, New Jersey, New York and Utah.

Sports leagues have also entered the discussion. Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred introduced a $200 cap on pitch-level prop markets last November and barred those wagers from inclusion in parlays.

Meanwhile the National Basketball Association has called for a reduction in prop betting after a series of prominent match-fixing scandals.