Louisiana Sports Betting: Sign Up For Legal LA Sportsbooks

Louisiana sports betting is legal with eight online Louisiana sportsbooks. At LouisianaBets.com, we provide you with exclusive gambling expert reviews and industry news. 

Fact Checked by Blake Weishaar
Verified Offers Verified By Our Experts
1
Best Choice
BetMGM Sports
Best Choice
Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Must be 21+ to participate & present in LA. In partnership with Sam’s Town Shreveport Casino. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions. US promotional offers not available in NY, NV, or Puerto Rico.
Live Betting Yes
Live Support Chat Yes
Same Game Parlay Yes
Deposit To Qualify 10
Promo Code MGMLAB
2
Must be 21+ to participate & present in Louisiana. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. T&C's apply.
Live Betting Yes
Live Support Chat Yes
Same Game Parlay Yes
Deposit To Qualify 10
Promo Code Not Required
3
Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply. Play Responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-522-4700, CT (888) 789-7777, IA 1-800-BETS-OFF, MA (800)-327-5050, VA 1-888-532-3500
Live Betting Yes
Live Support Chat Yes
Same Game Parlay Yes
Deposit To Qualify 10
Promo Code N/A
4
Must be 21+ to participate. Terms and conditions apply.
Live Betting Yes
Live Support Chat Yes
Same Game Parlay Yes
Deposit To Qualify 5
Promo Code Not Required
5
Live Betting Yes
Live Support Chat Yes
Same Game Parlay Yes
Deposit To Qualify 5
Promo Code Not Required
6
Must be 21+ to participate. Terms and conditions apply.
Live Betting Yes
Live Support Chat Yes
Same Game Parlay Yes
Deposit To Qualify 10
Promo Code LABET1000
7
NEW SPORTSBOOK
ESPN BET Sportsbook
Must be 21+ and present in LA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. T&Cs Apply.
Live Betting Yes
Live Support Chat Yes
Same Game Parlay Yes
Deposit To Qualify 10
Promo Code LABETS

Louisiana Sportsbooks

Louisiana Sports Betting Updates: Quick Facts

Legal Louisiana sportsbooks officially launched on October 7, 2021 for retail and then January 28, 2022 for online sportsbooks following the passage of Senate Bill 247, along with the launch of Louisiana sports betting promos. There are currently eight sports betting operators in the state with the potential for more to be added down the line. 

✅  Is Louisiana Sports Betting Legal?Yes (Online, Mobile, Retail)
📔 Total Betting Licenses:40
🏈  Total Louisiana Sportsbooks:8
⭐️  Best LA Sportsbook:BetMGM
🔞  Legal Gambling Age:21+
🎰  Online Casinos:Not Legal
🏛️  LA Gambling Regulator:Louisiana Gaming Control Board
📞  Problem Gambling Help Line:1-877-770-STOP (7867)

The sports betting bill allows for up to 40 total operators, so you can expect to see additional Louisiana sports betting apps and sites launch this year and years following. 

Is Louisiana Sports Betting Legal?

Yes, sports betting is legal in Louisiana in 55 of 64 parishes after being signed into law in November 2020. This followed several previous attempts to bring sports wagering to the Bayou State. Retail sportsbooks went live four months prior to the launch of mobile and online sportsbooks. All aspects of wagering activity here are regulated by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board.

What Sportsbooks Are Legal in Louisiana? 

There are eight (8) legal online Louisiana sportsbooks as of October 2024: bet365, BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars Sportsbook, ClutchBet, DraftKings, ESPN BET and FanDuel. 

In addition to those online sportsbooks, there are 19 in-person sports betting facilities in Louisiana.  

What is the Legal Sports Betting Age in Louisiana?

The legal age to bet on sports in Louisiana is 21 years old. This is also the legal age to gamble at casinos across the Pelican State. 

You'll be asked to prove your identity when you are signing up for an account with a Louisiana sportsbook, and as part of that process you will need to show that you are old enough to enjoy legal sports gambling.

Latest Louisiana Sports Betting News

There is so much going on in sports betting in Louisiana – how can you be sure you are getting the very latest information? A sure-fire way of hearing about the latest developments at the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, upcoming launches, sports betting features, and more is to follow along right here.

  • 📆 April 16, 2024: Following the Pelicans' loss to the Lakers, New Orleans will have one last shot at making the postseason. The Pels will play the Kings on Friday to determine who gets the No. 8 seed in the West.
  • 📆 April 16, 2024: Louisiana sportsbooks saw $350 million in wagers, the third-highest recorded total, according to the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. 
  • 📆 April 3, 2024: The Louisiana Gaming Control Board announces that college prop bets will be banned starting on August 1, 2024
  • 📆 April 1, 2024: LSU Women's March Madness run comes to an end in the Elite 8 following a loss to Iowa.
  • 📆 March 18, 2024: The Louisiana Gaming Control Board reports that Louisiana sportsbooks generated $25 million in sports betting revenue in February while handle came in at $274.8 million in wagers. 
  • 📆 February 15, 2024: Louisiana sportsbooks generate $38.9 million in sports wagering revenue in January on $346.3 million in handle. 
  • 📆 January 30, 2024: ClutchBet launches in Louisiana, marking the eighth sports betting operator to go live in the market. 
  • 📆 January 18, 2024: Louisiana sports gambling revenue comes in at $55.8 million on $377 million in wagers in December. 
  • 📆 December 18, 2023: The Louisiana Gaming Control Board reports that LA sportsbooks generated $19.4 million in revenue on $356.5 million in sports betting handle. 
  • 📆 November 21, 2023: bet365 expands to the Louisiana sportsbook market. 
  • 📆 November 16, 2023: Louisiana sportsbooks are reported to have generated $42.5 million in revenue and $308.6 million in handle. 
  • 📆 November 14, 2023: ESPN BET debuts in several sports betting states, including Louisiana. 

Best Louisiana Sportsbooks Live Today

There may be only eight online sportsbooks in Louisiana so far, but individually and collectively they add up to an outstanding selection for Louisiana sports bettors. We ranked all eight operators in the section below with our unique LouisianaBets Ratings:

1. BetMGM Louisiana4.8 / 5 ⭐️
2. bet365 Louisiana4.7 / 5 ⭐️
3. DraftKings Louisiana4.6 / 5 ⭐️
4. Caesars Sportsbook Louisiana4.5 / 5 ⭐️
5. ClutchBet Louisiana4.4 / 5 ⭐️
6. FanDuel Louisiana4.3 / 5 ⭐️
7. BetRivers Louisiana4.2 / 5 ⭐️
8. ESPN BET Louisiana4.2 / 5 ⭐️

Use any of these for your sports betting, and you are likely to enjoy a positive experience.

BetMGM Sportsbook Louisiana

1. BetMGM Louisiana Sportsbook

If you enjoy placing sports bets on a broad range of games, you need a sportsbook that casts a wide net. One of the top operators in Bayou State, the BetMGM Louisiana Sportsbook, provides an impressive choice of markets. 

From rugby to Formula One, this sportsbook offers everything you can think of – and then some. 

Rating:4.8 / 5
🔥 New User Offer:Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Loses
📲 Promo Code:MGMLAB
💳 Payout Speed:1-3 days
Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Must be 21+ to participate & present in LA. In partnership with Sam’s Town Shreveport Casino. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions. US promotional offers not available in NY, NV, or Puerto Rico.

2. bet365 Louisiana Sportsbook

This sportsbook is one of the most-respected operators in the world, and it's no different now that bet365 Louisiana has launched in The Bayou State. The sportsbook utilizes its own, in-house oddsmakers, helping set it apart from other books that outsource that crucial part of their offering. 

Additionally, the company is offering two promos: one is first bet insurance up to $1,000, while the other secures $150 in bonus bets when you bet $5.

Rating:4.7 / 5
🔥 New User Offer:$1,000 First Bet Safety Net, OR $Bet $5, Get $150
📲 Promo Code:CLICK HERE
💳 Payout Speed:1-3 days
Must be 21+ to participate & present in Louisiana. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. T&Cs Apply.
Must be 21+ to participate & present in Louisiana. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. T&C's apply.
DraftKings Sportsbook Louisiana

3. DraftKings Louisiana Sportsbook

There are many reasons to like the DraftKings Louisiana Sportsbook, which tends to ride high in the standings for handle and revenue in all the states where it is live. 

Regular and experienced Louisiana sports bettors particularly appreciate the sportsbook for the quality of its odds. When you shop around for a slice of extra value on sports betting markets, you often will find the most competitive odds here.

Rating:4.6 / 5
🔥 New User Offer:Bet $5 Get $300 in Bonus Bets Instantly
📲 Promo Code:CLICK HERE
💳 Payout Speed:1-3 days
Caesars Louisiana Sportsbook

4. Caesars Louisiana Sportsbook

All Louisiana sportsbook should welcome you as a customer with an appealing sign-up bonus – but the promo offered by the Caesars Sportsbook Louisiana is strikingly generous. 

The offer will match your first bet up to $1,000, if your first wager loses, making this one of the best values in the state. 

Rating:4.5 / 5
🔥 New User Offer:$1,000 First Bet
📲 Promo Code:LABET1000
💳 Payout Speed:1-3 days
Must be 21+ to participate. Terms and conditions apply.
Clutchbet sportsbook LA

5. ClutchBet Louisiana Sportsbook

ClutchBet Louisiana joined the ranks of the best Louisiana sports betting sites when it went live in January 2024. This is the third state, after Colorado and Iowa, where the Australian-owned operator is now live. 

It brings a superlative user experience and innovative features like its HyperLive micro-betting offering, and ClutchClash, which enables Louisiana sports bettors to set up match markets between players in different games.

Rating:4.4 / 5
🔥 New User Offer:Up to $250 in bonus bets over your first five weeks
📲 Promo Code:CLUTCH250
💳 Payout Speed:1-5 days
Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Must be 21+ to participate & present in LA. In partnership with Sam’s Town Shreveport Casino. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions. US promotional offers not available in NY, NV, or Puerto Rico.
FanDuel Sportsbook Louisiana

6. FanDuel Louisiana Sportsbook

By the sheer quality of the overall experience of placing sports bets, FanDuel Louisiana Sportsbook is usually the biggest name for handle and revenue wherever it operates. 

Its range of markets is excellent, there are plenty of bonuses to enjoy, and the user experience among Louisiana sports betting sites and betting apps is second to none.

Rating:4.3 / 5
🔥 New User Offer:Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins
📲 Promo Code:CLICK HERE
💳 Payout Speed:1-3 days
Must be 21+ to participate. Terms and conditions apply.
BetRivers Louisiana Sportsbook

7. BetRivers Louisiana Sportsbook

On the BetRivers Louisiana app, it's easy to regularly find a bunch of odds boosts targeting props, parlays and events. 

These boost potential profits, increasing payouts past what they should be based on the odds. Boosts are short-lived, usually for less than 24 hours, but the sportsbooks keeps pumping them out. Some odds boosts are tied in to specific wagers.

Rating:4.2 / 5
🔥 New User Offer:Second-Chance Bet Up to $500
📲 Promo Code:SPORTS
💳 Payout Speed:1-3 days
Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Must be 21+ to participate & present in LA. In partnership with Sam’s Town Shreveport Casino. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions. US promotional offers not available in NY, NV, or Puerto Rico.
ESPN BET Louisiana

8. ESPN BET Louisiana Sportsbook

The most recognizable sports media brand has entered the sports betting market. ESPN BET Louisiana launched Nov. 14 and already has the best welcome promo for new bettors in the game. 

The new sportsbook, which was formerly Barstool Sportsbook, should offer plenty of new features and offer a unique user experience that will tie in with the company's world-famous brand. 

Rating:4.9 / 5
🔥 New User Offer:Bet $5, Get $150
📲 Promo Code:LABETS
💳 Payout Speed:1-3 days
NEW SPORTSBOOK
ESPN BET Sportsbook
Must be 21+ and present in LA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. T&Cs Apply.

What are the New and Upcoming Sportsbooks in Louisiana?

The ranks of Louisiana sports betting sites were swelled in November 2023 by the arrival of ESPN BET, and the launch two months later of ClutchBet. The former brings a high profile and the latter an innovative approach that will serve both well in the duel for new customers with established brands like the FanDuel sportsbook and Caesars sportsbook. 

There are now eight Louisiana betting sites and, with up to 40 online sports wagering licenses available, operators such as Betfred and Betway will be weighing up a move into this exciting market place.

There are also big sportsbooks on the way. Fanatics, a popular sports apparel brand that has expanded into sports betting, is on the radar to release Fanatics Sportsbook Louisiana in the spring.

Additionally, SuperBook, the name behind the legendary SuperBook Sportsbook at Westgate Las Vegas, is on its way to the Pelican State as well. 

Can You Sports Bet in Louisiana?

Yes, you can sports bet in Louisiana. Mobile betting was legalized in January 2020, and there are eight different operators that bettors can choose to wager with. 

Who Regulates Louisiana Sports Betting?

Legal online sports betting, like all forms of gambling in the state, is regulated by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. The board was responsible for creating the framework under which the sports betting industry operates here. It is the body that issues licenses to online sportsbooks that launch in the Pelican State, and monitors the ongoing operation of sports wagering in Louisiana.

Louisiana Sports Betting Licenses

A total of 20 locations are allowed to hold a sports betting license. Fifteen of these are riverboat casinos, one is a land-based establishment, and the other four are racetracks.

Each of these locations is allowed to operate a retail sportsbook – and to have up to two online skins, which can be used by a partner online betting operator.

That means technically there could be as many as 40 Louisiana online sportsbooks. As things stand, there are currently eight digital operations active in the Pelican State. They include big names like the FanDuel sportsbook, Caesars sportsbook, and DraftKings sportsbook.

Is Online Sports Betting in Louisiana Legal?

Louisiana online sports betting has been permitted since the mobile market launched in the Pelican State in January 2022. All leading digital Louisiana sportsbooks make it easy for their customers to wager through a mobile device by offering state-of-the-art Louisiana sports betting apps. This is a logistical operation that faces the added complexity of blocking services in the nine parishes where Louisiana sportsbooks are not allowed to operate.

And remember that with mobile sportsbooks in Louisiana, that also brings the possibility of Louisiana online casinos if they are legalized. 

Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Must be 21+ to participate & present in LA. In partnership with Sam’s Town Shreveport Casino. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions. US promotional offers not available in NY, NV, or Puerto Rico.

How Do I Sign Up For An Online Sportsbook In Louisiana?

If you are interested gambling at legal Louisiana sports betting sites, follow these simple steps to register for an account:

  1. ✅ Use the links on our pages to go to the LA sportsbooks you want to try.
  2. ✅ If you don't get to the registration page, click "Join" or equivalent (usually top right).
  3. ✅ Complete registration; personal details verify age and identity.
  4. ✅ Choose screen name, password and security questions.
  5. ✅ Read (and check box) indicating that you have read the terms & conditions.
  6. ✅ If we list promo codes for your sportsbooks, enter in the space provided.
  7. ✅ Read the responsible gaming section; consider setting limits for deposits/betting.
  8. ✅ Make a deposit at the cashier and place your first bet.

However, please be aware that different operators may operate different processes. For more information, see our collection of reviews of our top sports betting sportsbooks in Louisiana.

How Many Legal Louisiana Sportsbooks Are There? 

Currently, there are eight online sportsbooks legal in Louisiana. The number could grow higher, as the Louisiana sports betting law allows for up to 20 online sportsbook licenses to be awarded. 

What Parishes Allow Sports Betting in Louisiana?

The decision to legalize sports betting in Louisiana was put to a public vote in November 2020. In 55 out of the state’s 64 parishes, voters elected to approve sports betting. However, the authorities respected the verdict in the other nine parishes to block its legalization. As a result, you won't be able to place bets in the following nine parishes:

  • Caldwell
  • Catahoula
  • Franklin
  • Jackson
  • La Salle
  • Sabine
  • Union
  • West Carroll
  • Winn

When Did Louisiana Sports Betting Become Legal?

There had been a strong groundswell in favor of legalized sports betting in Louisiana following the US Supreme Court’s 2018 decision to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act. It took two years before the legalization of sports wagering was put to a public vote, in November 2020. The first retail sportsbooks went live on October 7, 2021, with online sportsbook operations commencing in January 2022.

Do Louisiana Sportsbooks Offer Mobile Apps?

Yes. At the heart of the successful launch of the online Louisiana sports betting market is the ability to bet on Lousiana sports betting apps. 

The ease and convenience of being able to enjoy sports wagering without having to use a Louisiana sports betting site on a desktop, or visit retail sportsbooks, cannot be overstated.

Despite the smaller screen size, your phone makes it possible for you to bet on your favorite games with minimal hassle, and to enjoy live betting and live streaming on events on some of the new sports betting brands like ESPN BET.

Why Sign Up For Multiple Louisiana Sportsbooks?

Nowhere in the state’s sports betting laws is it stipulated that you can open an account with only one Louisiana sportsbook. Indeed, there are many advantages to registering as a customer with several operators.

Get The Best Line

This is perhaps the best reason to open more than one sportsbook. By being able to view several sets of prices, you can find the odds that will give you a bigger payout.

Let’s say you want to wager on the New Orleans Saints to win their next NFL game. The moneyline price is -150 at most sportsbooks, but the Caesars LA Sportsbook has the Saints at -135. You can put your bet on there buoyed by the knowledge that you are getting the best price available.

Get Many Welcome Bonuses

The point of welcome bonuses is to encourage you to sign up as a customer and continue doing all your sports betting in the same place. But if you open several accounts, you can sample various sportsbooks by using all their sign-up offers to fund your initial wagering.

Again, there is nothing to prevent you enjoying a deposit match in one place and a no-sweat first bet in another. The extra funds and bonus bets you generate might help you decide where you want to become a regular customer.

Have More Bet Offerings

Many bettors settle on a style of wager that suits them and are happy to play in the same way whenever they stake money on their favorite sports. However, you may want to try out different methods of placing bets.

If you enjoy FanDuel Louisiana Sportsbook, for instance, you may place most of your wagers there. But you might be tempted to try Points Betting at the PointsBet New Orleans as an occasional alternative.

So You Can Test Them Out

Ultimately, like any consumer decision, the choice of your favorite sportsbook will be an entirely personal one. And the reason behind your final pick may be less obvious than you expect.

You may like the design of a site, or the fun way a sportsbook presents its offers. Only by trying out several brands and, like a new hat, seeing which fits you best can you be completely sure that you are in exactly the right place for you.

Get The Best Sportsbook Rules

It’s always advisable to check out a sportsbook’s rules, because there can be small but significant variations between operators.

For instance, the minimum number of legs in a parlay to qualify for insurance may be three or four. The minimum odds at which you place a no-sweat first bet may be -200 – or there may be no lower limit at all.

Do some research so that you can be sure which set of rules you want to follow.  

Retail Sportsbooks in Louisiana

In addition to online sportsbooks in Louisiana, there are also 20 retail locations for sports betting in the Pelican State. 

Here are the available retail sportsbooks in Louisiana as of October 2024:

CasinoSportsbookAddressPhone
Amelia BelleFanDuel Sportsbook500 Lake Palourde Road, Amelia, LA 70380(985) 631-1777
Bally's ShreveportBally Bet Sportsbook 451 Clyde Fant Parkway, Shreveport, LA 71101(877) 613-0711
Boomtown Bossier CityThe Sportsbook at Boomtown Bossier City (ESPN BET)300 Riverside Drive, Bossier City, LA 71111(318) 746-0711
Boomtown New OrleansThe Sportsbook at Boomtown New Orleans (ESPN BET)4132 Peters Road, Harvey, LA 70058(504) 366-7711
Coushatta CasinoThe Rez Sportsbook777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder, LA 70648(800) 584-7263
Delta DownsFanDuel Sportsbook2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton, LA 70668(800) 589-7441
Evangeline Downs Racetrack & CasinoFanDuel Sportsbook2235 Creswell Lane Extension, Opelousas, LA 70570(866) 472-2466
Fair Grounds Race Course & SlotsFair Grounds Sportsbook1751 Gentilly Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70119(504) 944-5515
Golden Nugget Lake CharlesDraftKings Sportsbook Bar & Grill2550 Golden Nugget Blvd, Lake Charles, LA 70601(337) 508-7777
Harrah’s New OrleansCaesars Sportsbook228 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70130(800) 427-7247
Horseshoe Bossier CityCaesars Sportsbook711 Horseshoe Boulevard, Bossier City, LA 71111(337) 430-2300
Horseshoe Casino Lake CharlesCaesars Sportsbook100 Westlake Ave, Westlake, LA, 70669(337) 430-2300
L’Auberge Casino Lake CharlesThe Sportsbook at L'Auberge Lake Charles777 Ave L’Auberge, Lake Charles, LA 70601(337) 395-7777
L’Auberge Casino Baton RougeThe Sportsbook at L'Auberge Baton Rouge777 L’Auberge Ave, Baton Rouge, LA 70820(225) 215-7777
Louisiana DownsSportsbook at Louisiana Downs8000 East Texas Street, Bossier City, LA 71111(318) 742-5555
Margaritaville Resort CasinoThe Sportsbook at Margaritaville777 Margaritaville Way, Bossier City, LA 71111(855) 346-2489
Paragon Casino ResortThe Draft Room (Betfred)711 Paragon Place, Marksville, LA 71351(800) 946-1946
The Queen Baton RougeDraftKings Sportsbook1717 River Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70802(225) 709-7777
Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino ShreveportFanDuel Sportsbook315 Clyde Fant Pkwy, Shreveport, LA 71101(318) 424-7777
Treasure Chest CasinoFanDuel Sportsbook5050 Williams Boulevard, Kenner, LA 70065(504) 443-8000

Louisiana Sports To Bet On

Louisiana is a hotbed of great sporting action, and there is always plenty to look forward to for sports bettors in the state who want to wager on major sports leagues and college action.

Football

NFL Betting In Louisiana

Football is the biggest sport in the nation, both in terms of the numbers of fans who follow it and the amount of betting interest it attracts.

Sadly, the New Orleans Saints fell short of the playoffs this season, but their legions of fans will undoubtedly still have a keen eye on the road to the Super Bowl.

Fans will begin looking forward to the NFL schedule release in May when they know Saints opponents and days they can begin betting on the NFL.

Basketball

NBA Betting In Louisiana

Basketball is another sport with a massive following across the United States – and Louisiana hoops fans have an outstanding team to root for in the New Orleans Pelicans.  

After drafting Zion Williamson, the Pelicans Championship odds are a favorite perennial futures bet. Check out bets on the Pelicans today!

College sports

College Sports Betting In Louisiana Is Legal

Some may wonder if betting on college sports is legal in Louisiana and we're here to tell you yes, it is legal. The fact that the licenses issued by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board impose no restrictions on betting on college football and basketball is, therefore, a major plus for Louisiana bettors.

The LSU Tigers regularly compete in college bowl games, so Louisiana bettors can look forward to betting on LSU from September to January each year. 

On the basketball side of things, nobody made more noise in Louisiana than the LSU Tigers' women's basketball team, who defeated the Iowa Hawkeyes for the National Championship in April. With Louisville transfer Hailey Van Lith transferring to LSU's basketball team, fans will surely be treated to another run for a second-consecutive College Basketball National Championship.

Louisiana Teams to Bet On

Many sports bettors like to follow the fortunes of local sports outfits. There are a couple of Louisiana professional sports teams that enjoy solid support in the state, as well as NCAA sides that spark plenty of interest among college sports betting enthusiasts.  

  • New Orleans Saints The Saints have commanded a loyal following among Louisiana football fans since joining the NFL in 1967. Never has that devotion been stronger than at the end of the 2009 season, when their Super Bowl victory was seen as a reflection of their home city’s resurgence following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Despite several divisional championships in the years since, they have not scaled those heights again. But the popularity of football as a sport – and as a vehicle for a host of pre-game and live betting options – ensures the Saints will always have a high profile among NFL followers in the state.
  • New Orleans Pelicans Basketball fans in New Orleans have been able to cheer the Pelicans since 2013, following more than a decade of life as the Hornets. The team attract a solid level of support to their games at the Smoothie King Center. For sports bettors, meanwhile, the NBA is one of the most popular sports on the coupon. Basketball lends itself to a host of exciting betting opportunities, which ensures that there will always be keen interest whenever the Pelicans take to the court.
  • LSU Tigers The Tigers represent Louisiana State University, and have one of the most illustrious records in college sports across the USA. They were the first SEC school to win at least 10 championships in each of the big three sports – football, basketball, and baseball. The Tigers’ football team is a regular fixture in – and winner of – annual bowl games, while the school's baseball team won the national championship as recently as 2023. The rules laid down by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board permit wagering on college games in the state, which ensures the huge popularity of the Tigers can be reflected in wagering interest in their games whenever they play. For Tigers fans, check out the LSU March Madness odds.
  • Tulane Green Wave The Green Wave have proudly represented Tulane University, in New Orleans, for more than a century. They have delivered a host of championships in a range of sports in that time. The program’s football team won huge recognition for the extraordinary 46-45 victory over USC Trojans in the 2023 Cotton Bowl Classic. The Green Wave attract plenty of support from across the state whenever they roll into action, and the ability to wager on college sports here ensures a high level of betting interest too.

Louisiana Sports Betting Launch Timeline

The road to legalizing sports betting took many twists and turns before the way was cleared to make it legal in most of Louisiana.

  • 📅 2022 - Legal online sports betting launch on January 28. More than $238 million was taken in bets in February, a number boosted by New Orleans hosting the Super Bowl. By the end of November, more than $36 million had been raised in state taxes – more than the $30 million annual figure estimated by state legislators during the legalization campaign. 
  • 📅 2021 - The Louisiana Gaming Control Board constructed a regulatory framework that enables retail sportsbooks to launch in October. The first legal sports bet is placed at the Paragon Casino Resort.
  • 📅 2020 - After several false starts, a question over the desirability of legal sports betting was put to voters on the November ballot. In 55 of the state's 64 parishes, sports betting was legalized.
  • 📅 2019 - The first efforts to open the door for legal sports betting were foiled on the final day of the legislative session in the state.
  • 📅 2018 - The US Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act. This decision effectively cleared the way for states to legalize sports betting if they wish.

Louisiana has been home to a highly successful launch of online sports betting sites, apps and retail sportsbooks, and it will be fascinating to see how the market develops in the months and years to come.

Available Sports Wagers At Legal Louisiana Sportsbooks

While there may be subtle variations between online betting sites, there are certain types of bets that should always be available. Additionally, our "how to bet on sports" guide will go through the details on reading odds and more.

Other Louisiana Betting Options

As well as the opportunity to enjoy mainstream sports betting in Louisiana, there are other ways to gamble on sports and related activities in the Bayou State.

  • Daily Fantasy Sports In most states, Daily Fantasy Sports is all people had to play before legal online sports betting came along. However, DFS remains popular and leading operators such as FanDuel and DraftKings continue to offer games. Like sports betting, DFS is legal in Louisiana – but not everywhere. In a 2018 vote, the residents of 47 out of the state’s 64 parishes voted in favor of legalization, so check that you are in one of those parishes before you start to pick your fantasy team.
  • Horse Racing Louisiana is a state that loves its horse racing, and the people of the Bayou State enjoy betting on it too. There are four racetracks across the state where you can place wagers at sports betting kiosks, and you can also invest on races that are taking place elsewhere. Online horse race betting is also available through sites such as TVG, while other operators, including the FanDuel Louisiana, also offer racebooks.
  • Elections In the countdown to elections, you may find certain sportsbooks offering odds on which candidate or party is going to win. However, these odds are purely conversational and are designed to show which way the vote looks like going. Taking bets on any form of political event, including elections, is strictly forbidden under federal law. That means you cannot place a wager with a legal sportsbook on any local, national or international election.
  • Pop Culture Ceremonies There are certain non-sporting events that lend themselves to betting. One example is the Academy Awards. Louisiana became only the fourth state to allow wagering on the Oscars, a step it took in 2022. Not all states allow such wagering on pop culture events such as TV reality shows and awards ceremonies. But if you believe you know who is going to win Best Picture or Best Director, you will be able to back your fancy in Louisiana.
  • E-sports E-sports has long been a controversial topic in the world of sports betting, not least because of the relative youth of the competitors and many of the vast online audiences and followings they command. Under Louisiana’s sports betting legislation, wagering on e-sports is legal, but with restrictions. Sportsbooks need to ask the regulators for permission to take bets on particular events, and each such request is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Louisiana Sports Betting Revenue

The Louisiana sports betting market has delivered greater revenues – and tax returns to the state - than projected before it launched. The initial projections were for an annual tax benefit of $30 million, but over $40 million in sports betting taxes was generated in 2023. 

In the same year, Louisiana sportsbooks reported a total handle of $2.644 billion – up more than a quarter on the previous year. It will be fascinating to see what impact the arrival of a brand with the profile and marketing heft of ESPN BET has on those numbers in 2024 and beyond.

Check out our Louisiana revenue report for a month-by-month breakdown. 

Do I Pay Tax On My Gambling Winnings In Louisiana?

The IRS has long made it clear that it regards all forms of gambling winnings as taxable income. As a result, you should expect to pay tax on any major wins – and should keep a close record of your wins and losses to ensure your annual tax return is accurate. Sportsbooks should keep back a percentage of particularly large wins for this purpose, which adds to the need to maintain your own ongoing records of your sports wagers.

For those interested, we provide a Louisiana gambling winnings tax calculator.

Legal Louisiana Online Sports Betting Tax Rate

Retail sports betting operators in Louisiana must hand over 10 per cent of their revenues in taxes. For an online sportsbook, however, the rate is 15 per cent. The money raised is allocated to a range of causes across the state, with one-quarter going to childhood programs. 

How Our Experts Ranked the Best Louisiana Sportsbooks

Choosing where you should open an online sports betting account is not easy in a state like Louisiana, which is home to several leading brands. In trying to identify the best Louisiana online sportsbook for you, we apply a range of factors. We can then compare the various operators and conclude which is the best place to bet online.

Welcome Bonuses

All of the best online betting sites in Louisiana and beyond attempt to attract your attention – and loyalty – by offering a mouth-watering welcome bonus. This can come in various forms; it may be a deposit match bonus, which doubles your wagering power from the start. 

Perhaps it will offer the chance to receive a set of bonus bets in return for a small initial wager. You could be able to use a first-bet safety net, which returns your stake as a bonus bet if your opening wager loses. We look at the promos and the terms and conditions which can make a difference to how valuable and enjoyable these sign up offers are.  

UX & Customer Service

The standard of the user interface through which you access your favorite sports betting markets is key to the quality of the experience you enjoy at any sportsbook. An operator’s desktop and online sports betting proposition should be as smooth as butter, allowing you to find the bets you want, and place them, quickly and easily. 

There’s a lot of information to squeeze in, particularly for mobile wagering purposes. So a platform needs to be well designed, with a balance between markets and promotional materials. And, in the event that you need to contact the customer support team to ask a question or report a problem, the service you receive should be speedy and effective.  

Available Sports Betting Markets

You would expect Louisiana online sports betting operators to deliver a host of ways to wager on the top pro sports in North America. However, what if you want more breadth than that, and also enjoy wagering on less mainstream sports, both in this country and across the world? We look in detail at the number of sports you can bet on, but we also dive deep to see how extensive the choice of bet types is. 

We look for a solid live betting offering, ideally with streaming too, and there should be a rich swathe of prop bets and parlays, including same-game parlays. There’s even more kudos if an operator offers genuinely innovative bet types, such as micro-betting, fantasy-style match wagers, or offers based on the opinions of expert pundits.

User Reviews

All of the online betting sites in Louisiana are also available in other states. Some operators, such as ClutchBet and bet365, are live in relatively few, while the FanDuel sportsbook and Caesars sportsbook are familiar names in dozens of states. 

In all cases, however, many visitors have used their services, and shared their experiences and opinions in a host of respected online destinations. It’s useful to take the temperature of these online reviews and get a feeling for the things bettors like about an operator that runs a Louisiana sportsbook. It’s equally handy to read the less positive reviews to see if there are certain issues around a certain brand that are identified on a regular basis by visitors to its platforms.  

Odds Pricing

While we strive to identify the best Louisiana sportsbook, we also remind you that there is nothing preventing you from opening several accounts with top operators. One reason to do this is so that you can compare the odds being offered about particular outcomes. 

Competitive odds are a key factor for experienced sports bettors, who set great store by finding the best value on any market so that they can maximize their potential return. The best Louisiana sports betting companies will get their odds from different sources, and it can be fascinating to watch how the odds vary – and which operators offer prices sooner than their rivals so that you can get an early picture of the market as it forms.

Retail Sports Betting vs Mobile Sports Betting

Many people enjoy the thrill of traveling to an establishment such as the Golden Nugget Lake Charles, or the Coushatta Casino Resort, to place wagers on their favorite sports in a place where they are surrounded by other sports bettors.

There are 19 such locations across Louisiana where you can take part in retail sports betting. For residents of the nine parishes where online sports betting is not permitted, this is the only way to gamble on sports.

However, vast numbers of Louisiana bettors appreciate the ease and convenience of mobile betting. The ability to place a wager wherever you are, and the quality of the best Louisiana sportsbook mobile offerings, make this a compelling choice for large numbers of sports bettors.


LouisianaBets.com is an independent sports betting comparison website with affiliate links. What that means is if you click on one of our links that directs to an operator and you make a deposit, we’ll receive commission payment at no extra cost to you. Our operator reviews and recommendations for Louisiana sports betting apps and more are impartial as our editorial standards are commercially independent and follow a professional methodology.


Responsible Gambling

Louisiana sportsbooks licensed by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board have a commitment to ensuring that their players are betting responsibly at all times.

You should find a Responsible Gambling section at every sports betting site and app. This will include extensive advice about how to keep your wagering under control, and the warning signs that show you may be developing a gambling problem.

There should also be links to resources such as the Louisiana Problem Gamblers Helpline and the Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling, where you can find expert help and practical assistance.

Louisiana Sports Betting FAQ

Author

Martin Booth

Award-winning contributor covering sports betting and casino gaming around the world for decades, Martin Booth is one of the most trusted voices in online gambling. From delivering Louisiana legislative updates to breaking down the top betting apps in LA, Booth blankets LouisianaBets.com.

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