Louisiana Sports Betting: Best Legal LA Sportsbooks in 2024
Louisiana sports betting continues to grow, with bettors from 55 Louisiana parishes able to sign up and claim Louisiana sportsbook promos and bonuses from eight of the top sports betting sites in the U.S. Read on to learn everything about the best Louisiana sportsbooks in 2024.
Best Louisiana sports betting sites
2 days
- BetMGM Benefits
- User-friendly mobile app
- Over a dozen deposit options
- Offers same-game parlays
- BetMGM Review
Within 24 hours
- bet365 Benefits
- Best prices
- Gold standard layout
- World-class live betting
- bet365 Review
Within 24 hours
- Caesars Benefits
- Best customer support
- Top-tier rewards program
- NFL live streaming
- Caesars Review
Within 24 hours
- FanDuel Benefits
- Best user experience
- World-class mobile app
- Best for live betting
- FanDuel Review
Within 24 hours
- Fanatics Sportsbook Benefits
- NFL live streaming
- Flexible FanCash Rewards
- Improved app performance
- Fanatics Sportsbook Review
Within 24 hours
- DraftKings Benefits
- Best mobile app
- Supreme navigation
- Best for grading winners
- DraftKings Review
- Online and retail sports betting is now live
- Legal age for sports betting is 21
- 8 legal online sportsbooks active
- Exclusive welcome offers below
Top 6 Louisiana sports betting sites
The best sportsbooks feature snappy mobile apps, generous welcome bonuses, and competitive odds. Don't hesitate to sign up with any of the sportsbooks below. Here are our top six Louisiana betting sites:
1. BetMGM Louisiana
$1,500 in Bonus Bets
Bonus bets expire in 7 days. One new customer offer per user. Additional terms apply. 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. CVRBONUS1500
With its slick sports betting app and lucrative welcome offer, BetMGM burst onto the Louisiana sports betting scene in early 2022. The BetMGM sportsbook app is one of Covers' preferred options for first-time bettors due to its ease of use and competitive odds. BetMGM is one of the more trusted brands in the sports betting industry, and the operator is proving its worth in Louisiana.
Read more about BetMGM Louisiana in our BetMGM Sportsbook review.
- App Store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.3 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: $1,500 in bonus bets
- Payout speed: 2 days
2. FanDuel Louisiana
Bet $5, Get $150 if You Win
New customers only. Deposit min. $5. Place first bet of min $5 and get $150 in bonus bets if your bet wins. FanDuel Louisiana, in partnership with Boyd Gaming, continues to impress us and Bayou State bettors. FanDuel's current welcome offer gives new customers a guaranteed boost to their fledgling bankroll. Plus, the operator boasts one of the top sports betting apps in the nation, especially when it comes to live sports betting.
Check out our FanDuel Review for an expert breakdown of everything the sportsbook has to offer.
- App Store rating: 4.5 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, Get $150 if You Win
- Payout speed: Within 24 hours
3. bet365 Louisiana
Bet $5, Get $150
Code: COVERS
$1,000 First Bet Safety Net
Code: COVERS
Louisiana marks the seventh U.S. state in which bet365 now legally operates, and Bayou State bettors should be excited. The internationally renowned online sportsbook excels in every area you'd want an online sports betting site to excel in — from niche market coverage to an exceptional mobile app to an array of live streaming opportunities — bet365 offers the complete package. Add in its 'Choose: $150 or $1,000 Bonus' welcome offer, which requires the bet365 bonus code 'COVERS' to claim, and there's no reason that LA bettors shouldn't add bet365 to their rotation today.
Refer to our bet365 Review for more expert analysis.
- App Store rating: 4.7 (iOS), 3.4 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, get $150 or $1,000 First Bet Safety Net
- Payout speed: Within 24 hours
4. Caesars Louisiana
Bet $1, Get 100% Boost on Next 10 Bets
New customers only. Must register using eligible promo code. Wager $1 to earn a profit boost on your next 10 bets. Max. winnings of $2,500 for each boost which expire 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. COVERSBONUSDYW
The first sportsbook to take a legal online bet in the Pelican State, Caesars Sportsbook Louisiana has the largest welcome bonus for new users. Louisiana bettors can receive up to 10 100% profit boosts by using Caesars Sportsbook promo code 'COVERSBONUSDYW.' Caesars offers a user-friendly mobile sportsbook with phenomenal customer support making it one of our best Louisiana sports betting sites.
Read our Caesars Sportsbook Review for more on Louisiana's best sportsbook.
- App Store rating: 4.6 (iOS), 4.1 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: Bet $1, Get 100% Boost on Next 10 Bets
- Payout speed: Within 24 hours
5. DraftKings Louisiana
Bet $5, Get $150 if You Win
New customers only. Deposit min. $5. Place first bet of min. $5 and get $150 in bonus bets. The DraftKings mobile betting app is an essential download for any Louisiana sports bettor, ranking as one of the country's best football betting apps. The sportsbook features an intuitive layout, responsive buttons, quick and secure banking, and much more. DraftKings Louisiana also has an extensive and well-organized collection of sports, generous odds boosts, and plenty of unique promos.
Our DraftKings Review digs deeper into key features, supported banking methods, and more.
- App Store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.5 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, Get $150 if You Win
- Payout speed: Within 24 hours
6. Fanatics Sportsbook Louisiana
$1,000 in No Sweat Bets
Ends: Dec. 31, 2024
Fanatics Sportsbook went live in the Bayou State on Aug. 20, 2024, and now Lousiana sports bettors have access to one of the best emerging operators in 2024. Once known as strictly a sports merchandiser, Fanatics Sportsbook offers top-notch sports markets, a fantastic live betting experience, and a great rewards program for loyal bettors.
Browse our in-depth Fanatics Sportsbook review to learn more.
- App Store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 3.7 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: $1,000 in No Sweat Bets
- Payout speed: Within 24 hours
Best Louisiana sports betting offers and bonuses
With mobile betting now live, Louisiana sportsbooks are putting their best foot forward to capture the attention of sports bettors in the Pelican State.
Below are the top Louisiana sports betting bonuses for 2024:
BetMGM - $1,500 back in bonus bets: Those who sign up with BetMGM Louisiana will be eligible for a first bet offer of up to $1,500 paid back in bonus bets. If a bettor loses their initial wager, the stake will be returned in equal denominations of 20% of the total amount of the qualifying bet, up to five $300 bonus bets. Use BetMGM bonus code 'CVRBONUS1500' to redeem this offer, which expires on Dec. 31, 2024.
FanDuel - Bet $5, Get $150 if You Win: New FanDuel customers get $150 in bonus bets if your initial bet wins. All it takes is a $5 deposit and a $5 wager on any sports market. No FanDuel promo code is required to obtain the offer, which expires on Dec. 22, 2024.
bet365 - Bet $5, get $150: Use bet365 bonus code 'COVERSBONUS' and turn a $5 bet into $150 in bonus bets. Make a minimum $10 initial deposit and place a qualifying wager on odds of -500 or greater that settles within 30 days of opening their account to activate this offer. Alternatively: New users can choose to claim up to a '$1,000 First Bet Safety Net' offer that applies to their initial wager instead. Both offers must be claimed via the bet365 Sportsbook app and are valid until Jan. 7, 2025, at 6:59 a.m. ET.
Caesars Sportsbook - Bet $1, Get 100% Boost on Next 10 Bets: Caesars has a solid offer for new bettors in the Pelican State. Simply place a real money wager of $1 within your first 30 days using the platform, and you will receive 10 100% profit boosts. Use the Caesars Sportsbook promo code 'COVERSBONUSDYW' at sign-up. This offer is good for 14 days from issuance and expires at 11:59 a.m. ET on Jan. 27, 2025.
DraftKings - Bet $5, Get $150 if You Win: New DraftKings LA users can make a $5 minimum deposit and winning $5 wager to secure $150 in bonus bets (six $25 bonus bets). No DraftKings promo code is required to claim this offer, which is available until Jan. 5, 2025.
Fanatics Sportsbook - $1,000 in No Sweat Bets: No Fanatics Sportsbook promo code is required to score the operator's latest LA welcome bonus — up to $1,000 in no sweat bonus bets. Just make an initial $5 deposit and place a daily $1 wager on a market with -500 odds or longer. If the wager loses, you'll get one (1) bonus bet equal to the amount of the wager, up to $100. Place this wager for 10 consecutive days to earn up to $1,000 in bonus bets. This offer is valid until Dec. 31, 2024.
Terms and conditions apply to all bonuses and promotional offers.
Louisiana sports betting updates
Louisiana sports betting was officially legalized on June 22, 2021, when Gov. John Bel Edwards signed the state’s two final pieces of sports betting legislation into law.
Here’s a summary of Louisiana’s sports betting journey to date:
Dec. 12, 2024: Louisiana lawmakers are considering how to tax unregulated iGaming operators, which still earn revenue dispute the state's legal market.
Nov. 25, 2024: Mobile sportsbook operators in Louisiana compiled a $368.3M betting handle in October, up 33.3% year-over-year.
Nov. 13, 2024: Local lawmakers temporarily shelf a Louisiana online sportsbook tax increase. The proposed bill would raise the state's tax rate on gross gaming wins from 15% to 51%.
Oct. 21, 2024: Louisiana's handle rises above $350 million in September, which is a 30.9% year-over-year sports betting increase.
Sept. 26, 2024: Louisiana sports betting handle jumps 27% in August, making it over 35% more revenue compared to August 2023.
Aug. 31, 2024: Australian-owned ClutchBet announces exit from all U.S. markets, including Louisiana, on Sept. 16, 2024.
Aug. 27, 2024: Louisiana regulators issue Bovada with a cease-and-desist order, joining the growing the list of states cracking down on the unlicensed gambling operator.
Aug. 20, 2024: Louisiana's sports betting handle hits an 11-month low after dropping again in July.
Aug. 15, 2024: Fanatics Sportsbook officially launches in Louisiana, making nine operators now available in the Bayou State.
July 24, 2024: Louisiana's sports betting handle falls below $200 million in June and had a 17% drop compared to May's number.
July 17, 2024: Louisiana authorities drop charges against Kayshon Boutte for gambling and fraud charges while at LSU.
May 22, 2024: Louisiana sports betting revenue continues to climb in April, exceeding $40 million in gross sports betting revenue.
May 10, 2024: Ronnie Johns retires as the chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board after three years in the position.
April 19, 2024: Louisiana sports betting soars with $350 million handle in March, continuing profitable 2024.
April 3, 2024: Louisiana to ban college player prop betting on August 1, 2024, joining 29 other U.S. states to prohibit the bet type.
March 25, 2024: The Louisiana Gaming Control Board announces a 20% month-over-month decline in February sports betting handle. Louisiana's handle falls below $300 million for the first time in five months.
March 1, 2024: Louisiana House Bill — HB. 473 — proposes bump to sports betting promotions deduction limit to increase overall taxable revenue.
Feb. 22, 2024: Louisiana's sports betting handle and revenue falls in January by over $30 million despite increased spending on betting promotion.
Jan. 30, 2024: ClutchBet launches its Louisiana online sportsbook.
Jan. 26, 2024: bet365 launches free-to-play fantasy contest in five states, including Louisiana, ahead of NFL Championship Weekend, offering a $25,000 prize pool for each game.
Jan. 23, 2024: Louisiana's betting handle hits a record high in December, bringing in $377 million in bets, which was a 5.7% increase from November's handle.
Dec. 21, 2023: Louisiana accepts $356.4 million in sports wagers in November, a 15.4% increase month-over-month.
Nov. 21, 2023: bet365 enters the legal Louisiana sports betting market. There are now eight online sportsbooks live in the Bayou State.
Nov. 14, 2023: ESPN BET goes live with online and mobile sports betting, launching in Louisiana and 16 other states.
Nov. 2, 2023: ESPN BET plans to launch on Nov. 14, 2023, with online sports betting going live in 17 U.S. states, including Louisiana.
Aug. 11, 2023: WynnBet — the legal sports betting and iGaming platform for Wynn Resorts — closes operations in six jurisdictions, including Louisiana.
June 2, 2023: LSU terminates its partnership with Caesars amid college and university sportsbook sponsorship scrutiny.
March 17, 2023: Louisiana's sports betting handle falls 30% in February due to a lack of NFL action.
Feb. 20, 2023: Louisiana reports a record monthly sports betting handle to start 2023, hauling in $282.2 million in January.
Nov. 21, 2022: Sports betting in Louisiana hits a record high in October as the state records its largest handle — $255.5 million — to date.
Sept. 22, 2022: PointsBet launches in Louisiana, making it an even dozen states where U.S. players can access its online sportsbook.
Sept. 7, 2022: Ribbon-cutting ceremonies were held to inaugurate the opening of two new Louisiana Caesars retail sportsbooks: Caesars retail sportsbooks: Harrah's New Orleans and Horseshoe Bossier City Hotel & Casino.
July 11, 2022: Caesars announces the opening of a new sportsbook at Harrah's New Orleans this fall, in addition to an all-new World Series of Poker Room as part of a $325-million conversion of the space, soon to be renamed Caesars New Orleans.
April 25, 2022: BlueBet Holdings Ltd reaches a 10-year market access agreement with Louisiana Downs in Bossier City. BlueBet will operate a new online sportsbook in Louisiana under its U.S. brand, ClutchBet.
March 14, 2022: In its first full month with legal mobile wagering (February), Louisiana brought in a record $238 million in sports betting handle. Nearly 90% of that amount was due to online and mobile wagering.
Feb. 14, 2022: Payments platform Paysafe begins processing mobile sports betting deposits in Louisiana.
Feb. 10, 2022: Fubo Gaming reveals it has gained market access for Fubo Sportsbook in Louisiana via Caesars Entertainment, Inc.
Feb. 9, 2022: WynnBET launches online operations in Louisiana. BetRivers Sportsbook becomes the official betting partner of the New Orleans Pelicans.
Jan. 28, 2022: Louisiana officially launches legal online and mobile sports betting in 55 parishes, with six operators going live.
Jan. 26, 2022: Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns announces that LA will launch online wagering on Jan. 28, 2022, in the 55 parishes that voted in favor of sports gambling.
Jan. 25, 2022: WynnBET announces its pre-registration offer is now live in Louisiana. Bettors can make a deposit of $10 — followed by a $10 wager when the sportsbook launches — to receive $250 in free bets.
Jan. 20, 2022: A Louisiana Gaming Control Board meeting concludes with no mention of a launch date for mobile sports betting.
Jan. 12, 2022: Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chair Ronnie Johns tells Covers, "We are getting close to the rollout of mobile betting. I cannot give you a definitive date, but the Gaming Division at LA State Police is working overtime to get through the compliance and suitability issues with the vendors." Johns also highlights geofencing technology as something the state needs to perfect. Nine LA parishes chose not to approve sports betting in November 2020.
Jan. 5, 2022: Boyd Gaming announces plans to begin construction of a 47,000-square-foot replacement for Treasure Chest Casino. The new land-based project is expected to get underway this summer in Kenner, LA, with the hopes of opening its doors late in 2023.
Dec. 9, 2021: After soft launches a day earlier, FanDuel officially opens two retail sportsbooks in Louisiana casinos — Treasure Chest Casino and Delta Downs. Three more FanDuel locations are expected to open their doors in the coming weeks.
Nov. 16, 2021: Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns reiterates the state's focus on getting all 20 retail sportsbooks up and running in Louisiana. With eight locations operational and five licenses to be handed out in the coming weeks, LA will soon be left with seven properties that have yet to submit applications. Online and mobile sports betting will be next on the agenda.
Nov. 11, 2021: A ribbon-cutting ceremony marks the opening of the DraftKings Sportsbook at Golden Nugget Casino Lake Charles, while the Penn National Gaming run Sportsbook at L’Auberge opens its doors, too.
Nov. 8, 2021: DraftKings announces plans for a new retail sportsbook at Golden Nugget Casino Lake Charles, pending regulatory approvals.
Oct. 31, 2021: Caesars Sportsbook goes live at Harrah's New Orleans and Horseshoe Bossier City Casino. The two retail locations are the first to offer legal sports betting at a Louisiana commercial casino.
Oct. 6, 2021: Louisiana sports betting is live as Paragon Casino Resort launches a Betfred Sportsbook — the first retail sportsbook in the state.
Sept. 30, 2021: WynnBET gained market access in Louisiana, which marked the 17th U.S. jurisdiction in which its platform has secured a footprint.
June 22, 2021: Gov. John Bel Edwards signs SB 142 and SB 247 into law. Edwards had signed a third piece of sports betting legislation, HB 697, on June 7.
May 2021: HB 697 and SB 247 move through the Senate. These bills outline sports betting tax rates — 10% and 15% on in-person and online bets, respectively — and the number of licenses (20) that will be made available.
Nov. 3, 2020: Voters in 55 of Louisiana’s 64 parishes agree to welcome sports betting into their communities.
May 14, 2018: SCOTUS (The Supreme Court of the United States) strikes down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). This sets the stage for legal sports betting in the United States and allows individual states to set their own rules and regulations.
Is sports betting legal in Louisiana?
Yes, sports betting in Louisiana is legal and regulated. Voters in 55 out of 64 parishes supported a referendum to legalize Louisiana sports betting in November 2020.
In June 2021, Governor John Bel Edwards endorsed Senate Bill 247 and House Bill 697, establishing the official framework for regulating and taxing both land-based and online sports wagering in the state.
What sportsbooks are legal in Louisiana?
Louisiana is home to eight online sportsbooks in 2024, including FanDuel, Caesars BetMGM, and bet365.
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board has approved the following online operators:
- BetMGM - Best for banking
- FanDuel - Best sportsbook
- Caesars - Large bonus
- bet365 - Live streaming
- Fanatics Sportsbook - NFL live streaming
- DraftKings - Intuitive menus
- BetRivers - Best for new bettors
- ESPN BET - Lots of markets
Legal sportsbooks in Louisiana
Editor's Note (Aug. 31, 2024): ClutchBet exited all U.S. markets and stopped accepting wagers on Sept. 16, 2024. We will continue to share pertinent updates as the situation unfolds.
Mobile sports betting launched in Louisiana on Jan. 28, 2022. Several mobile sportsbook operators have already received a sports betting license and have tapped into the LA market, offering sign-up bonuses to state residents.
Online and mobile Louisiana sportsbooks
| Online sportsbook | Mobile app | Odds provider | Online casino | Retail partner | Launch date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| bet365 | Yes | bet365 | No | N/A | Nov. 21, 2023 |
| BetMGM | Yes | BetMGM | No | Boyd Gaming | Jan. 28, 2022 |
| BetRivers | Yes | Kambi | No | Coushatta Casino Resort | Jan. 28, 2022 |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Yes | Caesars | No | Harrah’s New Orleans and Horseshoe Bossier City | Jan. 28, 2022 |
| DraftKings | Yes | SBTech | No | Golden Nugget Casino Lake Charles | Jan. 28, 2022 |
| ESPN BET | Yes | PENN | No | N/A | Nov. 14, 2023 |
| Fanatics Sportsbook | Yes | Amelco | No | Boomtown Casino and Hotel | Aug. 15, 2024 |
| FanDuel | Yes | Flutter | No | Boyd Gaming | Jan. 28, 2022 |
Land-based Louisiana sportsbooks
Retail sports betting locations are opening at a rapid pace throughout Southwest Louisiana, marking the state’s largest gaming expansion in decades.
| Sportsbook | Venue | Address | Phone number | Odds provider |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caesars Sportsbook | Harrah’s New Orleans | 228 Poydras St., New Orleans, LA 70130 | 504-533-6000 | Caesars |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Horseshoe Bossier City | 711 Horseshoe Blvd, Bossier City, LA 71111 | 800-895-0711 | Caesars |
| DraftKings Sportsbook | Golden Nugget Casino Lake Charles | 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd, Lake Charles, LA 70601 | 337-508-7777 | SBTech |
|
FanDuel Sportsbook |
Amelia Belle Casino | 500 Lake Palourde Rd, Amelia, LA 70340 | 985-631-1777 | Flutter |
|
FanDuel Sportsbook |
Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino | 2235 Creswell Ln, Opelousas, LA 70570 | 866-472-2466 | Flutter |
|
FanDuel Sportsbook |
Delta Downs | 2717 Delta Downs Dr, Vinton, LA 70668 | 800-589-7441 | Flutter |
|
FanDuel Sportsbook |
Sam's Town Hotel & Casino | 315 Clyde Fant Pkwy, Shreveport, LA 71101 | 877-429-0711 | Flutter |
|
FanDuel Sportsbook |
Treasure Chest Casino | 5050 Williams Blvd, Kenner, LA 70065 | 504-443-8000 | Flutter |
| The Sportsbook at Bossier City (Penn National Gaming) | Boomtown Casino Hotel | 300 Riverside Dr, Bossier City, LA 71111 | 318-746-0711 | Kambi |
| The Sportsbook at Boomtown New Orleans (Penn National Gaming) | Boomtown Casino New Orleans | 4132 Peters Rd, Harvey, LA 70058, | 504-366-7711 | Kambi |
| The Sportsbook (Penn National Gaming) | L’Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge | 777 L’Auberge Ave, Baton Rouge, LA 70820 | 225-215-7777 | Kambi |
| The Sportsbook at L'Auberge (Penn National Gaming) | L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles | 777 Ave L'Auberge, Lake Charles, LA 70601 | 337-395-7777 | Kambi |
| The Sportsbook at Margaritaville | Margaritaville Resort Casino | 777 Margaritaville Way, Bossier City, LA 71111 | 855-346-2489 | Kambi |
Online sports betting: How does it work in Louisiana?
Louisiana has taken a unique approach to the legalization of sports betting. The Pelican State is the first U.S. state to allow its parishes (similar to counties) to decide the fate of the best sports betting sites in each of their communities.
Legal mobile wagering debuted on Jan. 28, 2022, and immediately saw six operators launch their respective mobile sportsbooks. Caesars Sportsbook was the first to take a bet — an $80 wager on the Cincinnati Bengals moneyline at +285 for a potential win of $228. The state's first retail sportsbook — Betfred Sports at Paragon Casino Resort — debuted on Oct. 6, 2021.
Expect to see up to 20 brick-and-mortar sportsbooks and 41 Louisiana sports betting sites.
Interact with our U.S. legal tracker for updates on the states with legal sports betting and those on the path to legalized sports betting.
Latest Louisiana sports betting news
Who can bet on sports in Louisiana?
Sports betting is live in Louisiana, as the first retail and online sportsbooks have opened their physical and virtual doors to the public. Adults 21 and over are permitted to place legal sports bets in the Pelican State.
However, nine of the 64 parishes in Louisiana voted not to allow sports betting within their borders. Hence, both retail sports betting and mobile wagering remains illegal and licenses have been awarded in the following locations: Caldwell, Catahoula, Franklin, Jackson, LaSalle, Sabine, Union, West Carroll, and Winn.
Here's a quick breakdown of everything you'll need to know before you place your first LA sports bet.
Legal age
Louisiana sports betting is available to adults 21 and over.
Mobile betting
As of Jan. 28, 2022, Louisianans are able to use mobile sportsbooks to place bets from anywhere within the 55 parishes that have approved legalized sports betting. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board regulates mobile betting.
Remote registration
Sports bettors can register with Louisiana sportsbooks from anywhere in the 55 parishes that have approved sports betting.
Within state borders
With mobile sports betting now live, players are required to not only have both feet on the ground in Louisiana but the 55 parishes that have voted in favor of sports gambling.
Retail sports betting is found exclusively in these parishes, while online sportsbooks use geofencing to confirm that sports bettors aren’t wandering into unregulated territory.
Retail sportsbooks
Louisiana is home to 12 retail sportsbooks. Additional commercial locations will be located in Louisiana state-operated casinos and racinos. Twenty such facilities will be eligible to apply for a license to offer in-person betting.
Taxable winnings
Like all gambling income in the United States, sports bet winnings in the Pelican State are subject to a 25% federal tax. But that’s not all — the state of Louisiana takes a cut of your earnings as well. Make sure to earmark 5% of your winnings for state tax purposes.
The pros and cons of Louisiana sports betting
Louisiana projects to be a highly competitive sports betting market — and this is great news for sports bettors. As Louisiana sportsbooks compete for your business, you’ll be offered plenty of sign-up bonuses as you prepare to place your first sports wagers in the Pelican State.
Now that online sports betting is available in Louisiana, the state is on the fast track to realizing its full potential.
College prop bets are not allowedRestricted esports bettingHow to start betting in Louisiana
LA sports bettors can place wagers at home with Louisiana sports betting sites or visit brick-and-mortar locations to get in on the action in person. With remote registration in the cards, betting on sports in the Pelican State is as convenient as it is enjoyable.
Select a sportsbook
Time will tell how quickly Louisiana's sportsbook licenses will be awarded, but up to 41 online sportsbooks could be available in the not-too-distant future. For now, there are eight Louisiana sports betting sites to choose from.
While checking out some of the sportsbook reviews that filter in, bettors will also be advised to carefully evaluate betting lines, promotions, and the customer support of each online platform. Perusing terms and conditions pages should be a part of the selection process as well.
Register online
Louisiana sportsbooks have made online registration a breeze. Sports bettors can simply enter some personal information via a mobile device or computer, verify their location, and confirm their identity with a driver’s license or SSN to create an online sports betting account.
Claim a bonus
The Louisiana sports betting market is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in the United States. As online providers battle it out, they should offer attractive bonuses to convince bettors to choose their betting platforms.
Look for popular bonuses like second chance bets and 'bet to get' offers.
Deposit funds
Louisiana sportsbooks allow you to fund your account in a variety of ways. Popular methods include PayPal, bank transfers, credit/debit, PayNearMe, and more.
Be sure to keep an eye on any relevant terms and conditions to avoid unexpected transaction fees.
Choose your bet types
All of the types of wagers you’d find in other states should be available in the Pelican State as well. These include moneylines, Over/Unders (totals), point spreads, parlays, prop bets, and futures.
Start betting
Once the most advantageous betting line has been identified, it’ll be time to place your first Louisiana sports bet. Take your time, shop around, and ensure you’re 100% comfortable before confirming your wager.
Withdraw funds
When accessing your bankroll, expect Louisiana’s sportsbooks to take a bit longer to process your withdrawals. Deposits may show up in your account immediately, but it may take a day or two when funds are traveling in the other direction.
Reading the odds
American odds are the go-to option for Louisiana betting sites. These odds are displayed by listing a minus sign (-) or plus sign (+) to identify favorites and underdogs, respectively.
The number next to a favorite will show you the amount you’ll need to wager to win $100. For example, -130 odds tell you that a $130 bet will earn you $100.
Underdogs are riskier bets — but the payouts are much more substantial. The number listed next to the plus sign represents the amount you stand to win when placing a $100 wager. For example, +220 odds indicate a winning $100 bet would net you $220 in profit.
If you’d like to view odds as fractions or decimals, check out our odds calculator.
What you can't bet on in Louisiana
Although Louisiana bettors are now permitted to legally place online wagers on sports, there are still numerous other types of events — such as esports — that remain off-limits.
NFL Draft
Louisiana was one of the few states where it was legal to bet on the 2024 NFL Draft, as bettors sweated football props for all seven rounds.
College sports
Louisianans can bet on any college game in the nation. While many other states have deemed in-state college teams off-limits, Louisiana will put no such limitations in place and bettors are free to wager on the LSU Tigers or any other local team. Unfortunately, Louisiana banned legal sportsbooks from offering college player prop betting markets on August 1, 2024.
Politics
Louisiana gamblers are not permitted to gamble on any political event.
Entertainment award ceremonies
Louisianans are not expected to be able to bet on celebrity and pop-culture events, such as the Academy Awards.
esports
Esports betting sites are legal in Louisiana, but the virtual events available must meet the requirements set forth by eSports Integrity Commission (ESIC) and are approved on a case-by-case basis.
Louisiana sports betting handle
Thirteen of Louisiana's 20 brick-and-mortar casinos have been formally authorized to open sportsbooks to accommodate in-person betting.
The Paragon Casino Resort — owned by the state's Tunica-Biloxi Tribe — accepted the state's first legal retail wager. However, the Louisiana Gaming Control Board doesn't have regulatory control over tribal establishments.
Louisiana's sports betting earnings will be documented here:
Yearly breakdown
| Year | Total handle | Revenue | Hold percentage | Tax revenue |
| 2024 | - | - | - | - |
| 2023 | $2.91B | $367M | 12.6% | $35.9M |
| 2022 | $2.3B | $189.1M | 8.2% | $33.9M |
| 2021 | $67.1M | $10.1M | 15% | $1M |
Monthly handle
| Year | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Total |
| 2024 | $346.3M | $274.7M | $350M | $283.1M | $$256.7M | $212.1M | $184.5M | $234.5M | $351.7M | $401.8M | - | - | |
| 2023 | $282.2M | $197.6M | $249.3M | $209.7M | $193.6M | $160.1M | $134.8M | $153.9M | $280.1M | $308.6M | $356.5M | $377M | $2.91B |
| 2022 | $89.7M | $238M | $232.7M | $208.2M | $171.1M | $132.4M | $118.3M | $128.3M | $207.5M | $255.5M | $268.6M | $254.3M | $2.3B |
| 2021 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $27.6M | $39.5M | $67.1M |
Home team advantage: Louisiana sports
Now that sports betting has fully arrived in the Pelican State, fans will be tempted to back their home team squads with their bankroll. The truth is, this could be a costly mistake.
Don’t let your hometown pride cloud your judgment, and always be sure to do your due diligence before betting on any team in any league.
Check out our how to bet guides for basic tips and advanced strategies.
Although no scheduled fights are coming to the Bayou State, the best UFC betting sites and top boxing betting sites allow you to easily browse the markets and back fighters you can cheer on as passionately as your hometown teams.
Louisiana sports betting law
Louisiana ushered in legal sports betting, including retail and online wagering, courtesy of HB 697 in June 2021. Take a closer look at the highlights of Louisiana sports betting:
- Customers must be at least 21 years of age.
- The Louisiana Gaming Control Board regulates land-based and online Louisiana sports betting.
- Up to 20 licenses to operate a sportsbook may be issued, and each licensee can acquire up to two providers or “skins.”
- Eight legal sportsbooks currently operate in Louisiana.
- College sports betting, including on in-state teams, is allowed in Louisiana.
- Wagering on esports is permitted under the legislation.
- Online betting revenue is taxed at 15%, with retail wagering revenue taxed at 10%.
Other types of gambling
The Pelican State has a rich gambling history that dates back to the 18th century. Today, you can find 15 riverboat casinos, four racetracks, and one land-based casino in Louisiana.
On Monday, July 11, 2022, Caesars announced the opening of a new sportsbook at Harrah's New Orleans, plus a new World Series of Poker Room. The upgrades to the existing space are part of a $325-million transformation, which will soon change its name to Caesars New Orleans.
While mobile sports wagering is no longer off-limits in Louisiana, there are still limitations when it comes to other forms of online gambling. Failing to adhere to any state rules concerning online gambling can lead to some severe penalties, so it’s best to stay away from unregulated offshore websites.
Casino
Each of Louisiana’s casinos offers classic games such as blackjack, roulette, and craps. You can also find slots, pai gow, and live poker at many of these locations.
As mentioned, there are no real money online casinos in Louisiana. The only alternative is sweepstakes casinos. These websites operate under U.S. sweepstakes laws and do not require a purchase to play.
Poker
You can find live poker at a number of casinos in Louisiana. There are nearly a dozen poker rooms in the state. Additionally, video poker can be found at numerous bars and truck stops across the state.
Online poker is strictly forbidden in Louisiana. Avoid any website claiming to be legal in the Pelican State.
Global Poker, a sweepstakes website, is the only option for online poker players in Louisiana.
Horse racing
Louisiana is home to four racetracks and 17 off-track betting (OTB) locations. Bettors can wager on live races or enjoy a simulcast and bet on local or national races.
Bettors are free to use the best horse racing betting sites — like TVG and TwinSpires — to place wagers from home or OTB sites.
Daily fantasy sports
Daily fantasy sports was legalized in 47 of Louisiana’s 64 parishes in 2018. DraftKings received the first daily fantasy sports license in July 2021.
Quick facts: Louisiana sports betting
Louisiana's sports betting market is steadily growing and will eclipsed nearly three billion in total handle for 2023.
Consult this table for the most crucial LA sports betting facts:
| Launch date | October 6, 2021 |
| Legal age for betting | 21 |
| Online sports betting | Yes ✅ |
| Number of betting licenses | 20 |
| Number of betting sites | 8 |
| Remote registration | Yes ✅ |
| Retail sportsbooks | Yes ✅ |
| Online casino sites | No ❌ |
| Online poker | No ❌ |
| Retail casinos | Yes ✅ |
| Betting on college sports | Yes ✅ |
| Betting on esports | No ❌ |
| State population | 4.57 million |
| Total handle (2023) | $2.91 billion |
| Tax rate | 15% (online); 10% (retail) |
| State regulator | Louisiana Gaming Control Board |
| Last Verified | Dec. 21, 2024 ✅ |
Responsible gaming in Louisiana
Problem gambling exists in every state. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available to Louisianans who feel they’re in over their heads. The Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling aims to educate, prevent, and treat problem gambling via a series of helplines and recovery centers.
Individuals may also voluntarily exclude themselves from all betting activity by joining a self-exclusion program. Sportsbooks will also provide players with tools to limit their betting activity. The option to set deposit, wager and loss limits will allow players to bet responsibly.
Legal U.S. sports betting markets
Louisiana isn't the first U.S. state to legalize and regulate sports betting. The following jurisdictions have also introduced sports gambling laws:
Recent legal U.S. sports betting launches
North Carolina sports betting went live on March 11, 2024, at 12 p.m., meaning users can access offers from several sportsbooks, including DraftKings, FanDuel, and bet365.
Legal Vermont sports betting kicked off the new year, launching online operations on Jan. 11, 2024, via FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics Sportsbook.
Maine sports betting was the next domino to fall, launching online sports betting within the state on Nov. 3, 2023, via DraftKings and Caesars Sportsbook.
Kentucky sports betting launched into the legal landscape on Sept. 7, 2023, when retail operations went live. Online sports betting hit the Bluegrass State on Sept. 28, 2023.
Potential legal U.S. sports betting markets
Numerous states moving toward legal sports betting have yet to get legislation across the finish line. These are the ones with the potential to offer legal sports gambling soon:
Louisiana sports betting history
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board facilitated legal Louisiana sports betting, currently encompassing eight of the best betting sites while allowing for as many as 20.
2023: Louisiana registers record handle to start 2023, with $282.2 million taken in wagers.
2022: Six betting sites came online on January 28 to kickstart legal online sports betting.
2021: Louisiana's first retail sportsbook — Betfred Sports at Paragon Casino Resort — opened on October 6.
2020: The November referendum sees voters from 55 of Louisiana’s 64 parishes approve legal Louisiana sports betting.
2019: Efforts to legalize sports betting in Louisiana fall short on the last day of the legislative session despite strong support from advocates.
2018: The US Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in May.
List of Louisiana sports betting resources
Consult the following resources to gather further details about legal sports betting in Louisiana:
- Louisiana Gaming Control Board: Louisiana regulating authority
- Louisiana Problem Gamblers Help Line: 1-877-770-7867 (toll-free)
- Louisiana sports betting law: HB 697
- Louisiana sports wagering catalog: Rule and regulations reference guide
Louisiana sports betting conclusion
Louisiana sports betting is set to explode as the number of sites currently live sits at eight, with numerous more planning to launch. Louisiana sportsbooks do not come without their limitations — bettors cannot access college player props, e-sports, or online casino sites.
Between the launch of several retail sportsbooks and Lousiana betting sites, we expect the total handle to increase rapidly. Louisiana is a competitive and high-upside state that is just scratching the surface of its sports betting potential.
Sportsbooks to avoid in Louisiana
See all blacklisted sportsbooks 
Offshore sportsbooks may sometimes prove tempting, but these websites are illegal, and you'll have no legal recourse should you have trouble accessing your bankroll from these accounts. It's strongly recommended you avoid these sportsbooks and stick to betting with legal Louisiana betting sites.
- Allegations of withdrawal issues
- No license information available on site
- Poor customer service
- Multiple reports of slow payments
- Allegations of non-payments
- Risk of account closure simply for winning bets
- Reports of confiscated winnings
- Slow customer support response times
Louisiana sports betting FAQ
Yes, sports betting is legal in 55 of 64 parishes in Louisiana. The first retail sportsbook opened on Oct. 6, 2021, while six Louisiana sports betting sites went live on Jan. 28, 2022.
Louisiana bettors can gamble on sports online or in person at a retail sportsbook. There are currently eight online sportsbooks live in Louisiana.
All of the popular types of sports bets are available In LA. What's more, Louisiana bettors can now confirm these wagers from any parish that voted "yes" to sports betting.
There are eight online sportsbooks in Louisiana: bet365, BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics Sportsbook, and FanDuel.
Yes, but you can only place mobile wagers if you are physically located in one of the 55 parishes that have legalized sports betting.
Yes. Louisiana sportsbooks set their odds based on a sportsbook located in Las Vegas.
You must be 21 to gamble in Louisiana. However, you may place a pari-mutuel horse race bet if you are 18 years old.
Yes, bet365 earned a license to operate in Louisiana on Nov. 21, 2023, and now offers online sports betting services to eligible bettors within the Bayou State.
You can bet on sports from your mobile device if you are in one of Louisiana's 55 parishes that voted "Yes" to sports betting. Alternatively, you can visit one of several retail sportsbooks to place a wager in person.
Yes, Louisiana bettors can place wagers on all professional and college teams based in Louisiana.
No. Louisiana’s sports betting law states that players must be physically located within the borders of one of the 55 parishes that have legalized sports gambling. This means that anyone living in or visiting these areas can gamble on sports online.
Louisiana generated $367 million in sports betting revenue in 2023.
We expect New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport to lead the way now that sports betting has launched in Louisiana.
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