As a recent LSU graduate and lifelong Louisiana resident, I want to be able to continue one of my favorite pastimes -— sports betting.

But now the Legislature is targeting sports betting as a source of additional revenue and bettors like me will be paying the price.

You might not ever place a bet and disagree with those of us who do. But just five years ago, the majority of Louisiana voters in 55 parishes voted for the freedom to place bets legally, with the understanding that this vote would result in a safer, well-regulated environment to enjoy this activity.

Sports betting might seem like an easy target, with slick commercials and big-time sports partnerships. But you don’t need an economics degree to understand how this would impact consumers like me. Sportsbooks don’t simply absorb these costs, they are forced to pass them on to bettors through worse odds, fewer promotions and less competitive offerings. This means that people who bet legally will get less value for their dollar, and consumers will do what they’ve always done — seek out cheaper alternatives. In this case, that means turning to illegal, unregulated offshore betting sites only a Google search away. Not only do these offshore operators lack consumer and underage protections, but the state collects zero revenue from them.

Overtaxing sports betting is a bad bet for Louisiana. It targets those of us who just want to enjoy this legal activity that already brings in a lot of revenue for the state. We don’t need more taxes — these kinds of policy moves make young professionals like me wonder if the smart money is on Louisiana.

HANK HENRY

Baton Rouge