Louisiana Legal Sports Betting

Louisiana has always been known for its love of excitement, from Mardi Gras to its famous riverboat casinos. It’s no surprise that sports betting fits right into the state’s culture of fun entertainment. Louisiana embraced sports betting in both online and retail forms — far earlier than most of its Southern counterparts did. Now it offers one of the most robust betting markets in the country.

We’re here to give you a full breakdown of the current betting scene in Louisiana, from legal sportsbooks to other types of betting. This is your ultimate guide to gambling in the Bayou State!

Is Sports Betting Legal In Louisiana?

Absolutely! Sports betting was signed into law in mid 2021 before launching online the following January. Louisiana took a unique approach to legalization, however. They let the individual counties (“parishes” as they call them) decide for themselves to allow or not allow betting. Ultimately, 55 of 64 parishes legalized giving the vast majority of folks access to sports wagering.

Today, there are nine betting apps that are perfectly legal to use in Louisiana. It’s a perfect number — enough to instill competition for players (you see this most in promotional offers), but not an overwhelming amount to pick from either.  Speaking of which, we want to offer some guidance on picking the best sportsbooks. The next few sections are dedicated to doing so:

International Online Sportsbooks Available In Louisiana

Louisiana has embraced legal sports betting, offering residents a range of wagering opportunities. However, state-regulated sportsbooks come with specific restrictions that bettors should be aware of. In Louisiana, you cannot place wagers on political events or entertainment props, and there are limitations on betting involving in-state college teams, such as Louisiana State University (LSU) and Tulane University. These regulations can frustrate local fans looking to support their teams or engage with unique events.

International sportsbooks present an appealing alternative for bettors in Louisiana. These offshore platforms allow for a wider variety of betting options, including wagers on political outcomes and a full range of college sports without the limitations imposed by local sportsbooks. With the flexibility to engage in unique markets and place bets on local college teams, international sportsbooks cater to those seeking a more diverse betting experience.

Concerns about the safety and reliability of offshore betting are valid, but the international sportsbooks we recommend have been rigorously vetted for security and trustworthiness. Our team has used these platforms for years, ensuring they provide quick payouts, fair odds, and responsive customer support. By opting for these trusted operators, Louisiana bettors can confidently expand their options while enjoying peace of mind regarding the safety of their funds and personal information.

Legal Online Sportsbooks Available In Louisiana

Louisiana Online Sportsbook Comparison

We’ll stop short of saying any one Louisiana sportsbook is the best. However, what we will say is there’s sportsbooks that are the best for certain features. That’s how we’ve come up with the list of recommendations below:

Best sportsbook for bonuses: We should preface by saying this answer changes from time to time because sportsbooks are constantly updating their offers. Some get aggressive, then dial it back, which creates volatility here. But as of writing this, BetMGM is ahead of the pack in Louisiana. They are currently offering new players a risk-free bet of up to a whopping $1500. That’s how much you can bet and get refunded every dollar of it back if the first bet loses.

Best sportsbook for betting options: While many sportsbooks offer super similar bets and odds, FanDuel manages to distinguish itself in Louisiana. What sets them apart? They’re constantly dishing out boosted odds, giving bettors more value for their wagers. These frequent boosts help maximize your potential returns, ensuring “bang for your buck” at all times.

Best sportsbook for live betting: DraftKings takes the top spot for live betting, and it’s easy to see why. The speed of their in-play betting feature is unmatched, with live odds loading almost instantly, thanks to a sophisticated AI engine working behind the scenes. Whether you’re following the NFL, NBA, UFC, or any other sport, the odds update in near real-time (there’s a small broadcast delay but that’s not DraftKings’ fault), giving you the best chance to react quickly and place strategic bets. After all, every second counts with in-play betting.

Best sportsbook for rewards: Fanatics gets the nod from us here because they bring a real-life component to rewards that other bookies simply can’t. Obviously, Fanatics is an absolute powerhouse in the sports merchandising world. This means every bet placed on the Fanatics sportsbook earns you FanCash, which can be redeemed for some of that fan merch. FanCash can also be used to cash in free play, but having the ability to snag licensed sports gear is only something they offer.

Best sportsbook for user experience: Not only does Caesar’s sponsor the Superdome stadium where the New Orleans Saints play, but they also provide a killer user experience for NFL bettors specifically. That’s because they offer free NFL game streaming directly within the app. Local-area games and TV prime-time matchups can be watched right on the Caesars app without the need for a TV subscription. Pretty sweet, huh?

Louisiana Quick Facts

What You Can’t Bet On In Louisiana?

Louisiana is mostly flexible with its sports betting rules. However, it does crack the whip on a few things. Here’s what’s not allowed to be wagered on freely in-state:

College player props: You can NOT bet on individual player props in college sports. This applies to all college programs, not just LSU either. It’s a blanket bank nationally.

Online gaming: Despite Louisiana having plenty of physical casinos, online casino games are strictly off-limits. Many states have been slow to embrace iGaming, including Louisiana.

Non-Sports Events: Betting on non-sporting events, such as political outcomes or award shows, is prohibited on Louisiana’s legal sportsbooks.

If you’re looking to bet on those restricted markets while in Louisiana, offshore sportsbooks can be an alternative option — and a good one at that. Although they aren’t licensed within the state, they still work just fine. Being they’re based away from U.S. jurisdiction, they tend to have fewer restrictions on what bettors can wager on and even payment types (offshore sites freely accept crypto).

Who Can Legally Bet In Louisiana?

So you can’t put money on college player props, big whoop. There are still way more things you can do in Louisiana betting-wise that totally make up for it:

Legal age: In Louisiana, you must be 21 years old to legally engage in any form of gambling, including sports betting, which aligns with the majority of states across the U.S.

Mobile betting: Yes, mobile betting is fully legal and active in Louisiana. It's a primary way that residents and visitors place bets. Thanks to it, you can drop bets at work, the bar, or even at the stadium watching the game.

Remote registration: Louisiana allows remote registration for online sports betting, meaning you can sign up for a sportsbook account entirely online without the need to visit a physical location. All online everything!

Taxable winnings: Any money earned through betting in Louisiana is considered taxable income. While the state does not have an income tax, your gambling winnings must still be reported to the federal government, which will take its share. Uncle Sam remains undefeated.

Latest Louisiana Betting News

Jul 2, 2024 12:13 AM

Louisiana Sports Betting to Ban College Player Props Beginning in August 2024

Jun 8, 2023 07:34 PM

Caesars Terminates Partnership with LSU Amid Louisiana Sports Betting Concerns

Jan 28, 2022 07:20 AM

Legal Mobile Sports Betting is Officially Live in Louisiana

Dec 12, 2024 05:33 AM

Details of 2025 Missouri Sports Betting Launch are Starting to Trickle Out

Louisiana Sportsbooks & Casinos

Casinos are a big part of the Louisiana culture. Big part, especially the riverboat ones, which technically aren't in Louisiana. These riverboats work by floating offshore, thus playing by their own rules. But when you factor those riverboats, there's about 24 casinos accessible to Louisiana bettors. Of those, the following have sportsbooks inside of them:

• Harrah’s New Orleans (Caesars Sportsbook)
• L'Auberge Casino Resort (ESPN Bet)
• Golden Nugget Casino (DraftKings Sportsbook)
• Boomtown Casino (ESPN Bet)
• Horseshoe Casino (Caesars Sportsbook)
• L'Auberge Casino & Hotel (ESPN Bet)
• Margaritaville Resort Casino (FanDuel Sportsbook)
• Coushatta Casino Resort (Rez Sportsbook by the Coushatta Tribe)
• Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino (FanDuel Sportsbook)

Louisiana Sports Betting Timeline

Louisiana took a long time to get there, with plenty of conflicts along the way. But finally, in 2021, the state decided to legalize sports betting. Let's take a look at how we got there.

2018-2019: Frustrations And Little Progress

Sports betting legalization has a strong ally in Lousiana, and his name is Senator Dany Martiny. In March 2018, he introduced SB 266 to legalize sports betting in the state.

Neither this bill, nor the very similar bill that he introduced in 2019 got very far. A few committees and then done. Even though in 2019, the bill passed the Senate, it did not make it out of the House.

2020-2021: A New Path Towards Legalization

The route to letting the legislature decide to legalize sports betting did not seem to be working. It was time to get creative. In June 2020, the Governor signed Act No. 215 into law.

Rather than directly legalizing sports betting, it allowed for a voter referendum on the subject. A whopping 55 of 64 parishes decided to give sports betting the green light.

It is not up to the legislature to decide on the details of the legalization. This should be done in the 2021 session, so expect licenses to be going out soon!

Latest Louisiana Legal Betting Updates

Nov 21, 2024 08:46 AM

ClutchBet goes live in Louisiana, expanding its presence to a third state, with a total of eight active sportsbooks now operating in the state.

A Brief Timeline of the Legality of Louisiana Sports Betting

How To Bet On Sports In Louisiana?

Louisiana bettors will have access to betting markets far and wide. Licensed sportsbooks pretty much offer it all. Still, we have a feeling you’ll be gravitating toward these specific sports more than anything else:

How To Bet On Football In Louisiana?

In Louisiana (and much of the Deep South), football is religion — and there are zero close seconds. That means the NFL and college football seasons, running from fall to winter, attract the highest volume of wagers, with bettors eager to place bets on everything from moneylines to props. Spreads, moneyline, over/unders, props — you’ll get all of it for every single matchup on the gridiron.

How To Bet On Basketball In Louisiana?

Betting is a far distant second to football in betting interest. However, there is one event that creates a frenzy in Louisiana, and that’s the March Madness tournament. This time of year, you’ll see sportsbooks release their best promos, all in an attempt to attract local-area bettors to their platform during the three-week NCAA tourney. Just make sure you’re betting finances are in text since this tournament comes fast after the Super Bowl.

How To Bet On Baseball In Louisiana?

Although Louisiana doesn’t have its own MLB team, baseball still attracts plenty of attention. With 162 regular-season games per team, MLB offers more betting opportunities than any other sport. Bettors in Louisiana can capitalize on the sheer number of games to find favorable odds and prop bets throughout the season.

How To Bet On Fighting In Louisiana?

Fights are going on almost every weekend, and this goes for MMA or boxing. UFC cards attract the most consistent attention but don’t overlook smaller events from boxing, Bellator, PFL, or even the newer Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. There's so many gems hidden in these cards — gems bettors can exploit if they just put in the time to find them.

Betting On Louisiana Teams

New Orleans is a city you just have to go to. Not only for the mishmash of culture and food, but the sports too. Two professional teams call the city home and attract fans and bettors in droves:

Betting On Louisiana NFL Team

The New Orleans Saints are the heart and soul of city — ever since they won a Super Bowl shortly after Hurricane Katrina. This remains the case even though that era is long gone and Drew Brees is retired. You better believe the Saints are easy to bet on across Louisiana-based bookies.

Betting On Louisiana NBA Team

While football might dominate the sports conversation in Louisiana, the New Orleans Pelicans also offer great betting opportunities. The team features a budding superstar in Zion Williamson — if he can stay in shape and on the court. Word of advice: give Pelican live betting a stab. Due to the high scoring and momentum-based nature of the games, it makes for a perfect in-play environment.

Betting On Louisiana College Teams

The state’s most popular team by far? The LSU Tigers, no questions asked. Every single time they play football, especially if it’s at their stadium in Baton Rouge, it’s an event — and a must-bet one at that. There’s just quite nothing like SEC football. However, the Tigers have pretty solid basketball and baseball programs too. They just get lost in the hoopla of college football.

Louisiana Betting Revenue Statistics

Given the state’s love of sports, it’s zero surprise that bettors are beefing up the state’s budget through tax dollars. Matter of fact, Louisiana experienced one of the biggest jumps in betting tax revenue from 2022 to 2023.

There was a national study conducted by LendingTree on the matter. Per their findings, Louisiana saw a 29.5% increase in sports betting tax revenue between the years — the 10th largest increase in the U.S (most the states ahead of it have higher populations too). The number went from $34.2 million to $44.3 million which the state got to keep for themselves.

Other Types Of Betting In Louisiana

Gambling goes far beyond sports in Louisiana. Casino gaming is still a core component of the state’s gambling culture. Yes, there’s the famous riverboat, but there are also massive locations on land. Between both, Louisiana bettors have full access to the same games you’d find in Las Vegas.

Horse racing is another staple in the Louisiana betting scene. The state has several racetracks, such as the Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans, where pari-mutuel betting is legal. You can also place wagers on horse races through off-track betting locations or online platforms.

Lastly, there's also the Louisiana Lottery. The lottery offers traditional games like scratch-offs, as well as multi-state draws like Powerball and Mega Millions. This provides residents with the opportunity to win life-changing sums of money from small-ticket purchases. Low-risk, high-reward, as they say.

Sports Betting Rules In Each State

We’ve written in-depth state guides far beyond just Louisiana. Here’s a complete directory of all 50 states, plus some specific cities too:

Responsible Gaming In Louisiana

Setting a betting budget is essential for every bettor in Louisiana. We’ve seen far too many bettors lose grips on it because they have zero budget, or deeper than that, any self-control to create one. You see, betting has its risks and if you’re not careful, it can lead to serious consequences — financial hardship, damaged relationships, and even addiction. A budget helps maintain control and ensures that betting remains a manageable hobby.

To set a budget, start by deciding how much money you’re willing to lose — meaning, disposable income that won’t interfere with your daily needs. Once you have a figure, break it down into smaller limits, either daily or weekly. Here's the hard part: sticking to those smaller limits once it’s been hit. This is mission-critical so you stay within your means.

Just know, if your limits aren’t enough to corral you, resources are available, especially stateside. Here’s some for your convenience:

The Louisiana Problem Gamblers Helpline (https://www.helpforgambling.org)

Offers confidential support 24/7. Call 1-877-770-STOP to access resources and counseling services

Gamblers Anonymous Louisiana (http://www.gamblersanonymous.org)

Hosts peer-led meetings throughout the state, offering a safe space to share experiences and seek help.

Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling (https://www.helpforgambling.org/)

Offers free treatment for gambling problems to Louisiana residents.

Even more national resources exist. Here are a few of our favorites:

Gamble Aware (https://www.gambleaware.org/)

A non-profit organization providing resources and support for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.

International Center for Responsible Gaming (https://www.icrg.org/)

The International Center for Responsible Gaming (CRG) is a research institution dedicated to promoting safe gambling practices and addressing gambling-related issues.

24/7 Gambling Support Line (https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/about-the-national-problem-gambling-helpline/)

A round-the-clock helpline offering immediate assistance and guidance for those experiencing gambling-related problems.