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Louisiana sports betting has been legal since January 2020. With impressive results being recorded in the Bayou State, let’s look at what the best Louisiana sportsbooks have to offer their customers.
There are now eight Louisiana sports betting sportsbooks under license with a total of 41 online operators allowed to license in the state. They include leading names in the North American sports betting industry such as BetMGM, FanDuel and DraftKings.
Many of the Louisiana sports betting promos live now are worth snagging. As new sportsbooks go live in the state more operators will pass their promotions onto you.
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. Here are the top 7.
🥇 ESPN BET Louisiana | Best overall sportsbook |
⭐ BetMGM Sportsbook Louisiana | Best for range of sports betting markets |
📊 DraftKings Sportsbook Louisiana | Best for competitive odds |
🏆 FanDuel Sportsbook Louisiana | Best for all-around online sports betting experience |
🪙 PointsBet Sportsbook Louisiana | Best for earning rewards |
🎁 Caesars Sportsbook Louisiana | Best for sports betting bonuses |
⬆️ BetRivers Sportsbook Louisiana | Best for odds boosts |
Use any of these for your sports wagering, and you are likely to enjoy a positive experience.
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 ESPN brand.
If you enjoy placing sports bets on a broad range of games, you need a sportsbook that casts its net wide. One of the top sportsbooks in Louisiana, the BetMGM Sportsbook, provides an impressive choice of markets relating to the most popular US sports. However, for sports bettors who also like to wager on more obscure events around the nation and the world, that is just part of an incredibly wide selection at BetMGM.
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 on via desktop or phone is second to none.
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 DraftKings sportsbook for the quality of its odds. When you shop around for a slice of extra value on betting markets, you often will find the most competitive odds here.
With football season here, the PointsBet Louisiana sportsbook is back with its unique PointsBetting feature. This is an awesome way to earn even more on your wager depending on how big the team you bet on wins.
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.
Your first wager of $50 or more after you open your account will bring $250 in bonus bets when it settles. Your original wager does not need to win for you to get the bonus bets. There will be five bonus bets delivered one per week as long as you follow the terms and conditions properly. That offer is followed by numerous frequent additional bonuses.
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 BetRivers keeps pumping them out. Some odds boosts are tied in to specific wagers.
Yes, Louisiana sports betting is legal as of November 2020 in 55 of 64 parishes. This followed several previous attempts to bring sports wagering to the Bayou State. However, it wasn't until January 2022 when online sports betting in Louisiana launched.
Retail Louisiana sportsbooks opened just a few months prior to online sports betting apps in October 2021. All aspects of wagering activity here are regulated by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board.
There are nine parishes in the north of Louisiana where people voted against legalized sports betting in November 2020. Some votes were incredibly close – in Jackson, for instance, legal sports betting was blocked by 50.7% to 49.3%.
Geo-location technology enforces this restriction, although highway agencies have reported an increase in traffic caused by people driving to neighboring parishes where bets can be placed.
The nine parishes where online sports betting is not legal in Louisiana are:
The road to legalizing sports betting took many twists and turns before the way was cleared to make it legal in most of Louisiana.
Louisiana has been home to a highly successful launch of online sports betting, and it will be fascinating to see how the market develops in the months and years to come.
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 right here.
Yes. At the heart of the successful launch of the online Louisiana sports betting industry is the ability of people in the parishes where the activity is allowed to bet on Louisiana sports betting apps.
The ease and convenience of being able to enjoy sports wagering without having to use a Louisiana sports betting website 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.
Competition among the sportsbooks offering sports betting in Louisiana is intense. Among the most potent weapons they have at their disposal in the battle to attract and retain customers’ loyalty are promotions and offers. There is value to be had from these bonuses, which come in a variety of forms.
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.
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.
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 free bets you generate might help you decide where you want to become a regular customer.
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.
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.
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.
The high-quality access to online sports betting in Louisiana is so common that it is difficult to choose which one – or ones – to use. There are several ways to help you decide where to bet on the Saints, Pelicans or Tigers.
All of the companies now offering Louisiana online sports betting are active in several other states. Some, such as FanDuel and DraftKings, are trading legally in virtually every state that has made online sports betting legal. These sports betting sites have been extensively reviewed by experts and sports bettors. As a result, there are plenty of reviews you can research to find out more details about the sportsbooks in question – which could help you to make your decision.
People like wagering on sports in different ways. Some prefer the moneyline, others enjoy the challenge of a point spread. You may like investing in prop bets or over/unders. Whatever your favorite form of sports bet is, at leading online sportsbooks you should find that option available. There are also some operators – such as PointsBet, which offers its own style of betting, Points Betting – that offer variations on the theme of sports wagering that may suit you down to the ground.
As you become more adept in placing sports bets, you will be increasingly aware of the importance of odds as part of that experience. Regular bettors are always seeking an extra sliver of value that comes from wagering on a team at +150 rather than +140. By comparing different Louisiana sportsbooks, and the odds they carry on certain sports and lines, you will find out if particular operators offer better prices on different events at different times – and benefit accordingly.
Once you have taken advantage of a welcome offer, such as a $1,000 risk-free bet, it may become important to you that there is plenty more where that came from. Ongoing promos, such as odds boosts, parlay insurance and offers around major sporting events, can give you a real lift as you place bets on your favorite sports. If you are a regular bettor, you also may appreciate the rewards available from a good loyalty program.
This is an incredibly important consideration. Advances in digital technology have led to giant strides in the quality of online sports betting – and particularly mobile sports betting. But finding an exceptionally good user interface can add extra enjoyment to your experience, just as struggling with a glitchy screen can seriously detract from it. Leading operators such as the FanDuel Louisiana sportsbook and Caesars NOLA score highly with their customers in part because of their excellent user interfaces.
Another factor that might not grab headlines, but that could make a real difference to the quality of your experience, is the ease with which you can deposit money into your account – and withdraw it later. It’s always worth checking the list of banking methods available at any sportsbook. Make sure that you can use your preferred method of moving money to deposit funds, and that you will be able to take cash out after a good win.
Ideally, you never want to have to contact your sportsbook when betting on sports in Louisiana. However, if you encounter a problem, or need a question answered, you want your mind put to rest as quickly and efficiently as possible. Leading Louisiana sportsbooks should offer a range of ways to get in touch. These might include a toll-free telephone number, a 24/7 live chat function, an email address, or a detailed set of Louisiana sports betting FAQs.
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 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 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.
It'll be until the fall of 2023 until Louisiana sports bettors can bet on the Pelicans again. However, with Willie Green at the helm and the talented Zion Williamson on the court, fans are surely itching to start betting on their in-state team again.
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.
Some of the Louisiana sports teams with the most passionate followings represent colleges in the state. The bowl season, at the start of 2023, brought more glory for some famous Louisiana college football teams. The LSU Tigers took the Citrus Bowl with a 63-7 victory over Purdue, and on the same day the Tulane Green Wave defeated USC 46-45 to win the Cotton Bowl.
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.
While there may be subtle variations between online betting sites, there are certain types of bets that should always be available.
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.
If you are interested gambling at legal Louisiana sites, follow these simple steps to register for an account:
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.
Under regulations drawn up by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, online sports betting operators must hand over 15 percent of their profits in taxes. For retail sportsbooks, the rate is 10 percent.
Louisiana has embraced legal betting to a greater extent than expected. Initial projections foresaw an annual tax benefit to the state of $30 million; but by the end of November 2022, sportsbooks already had handed over more than $36 million.
The IRS has long held the view that all forms of gambling represent taxable income. You should keep a close record of all your wins and losses – as should the sportsbooks you use – so you can make an accurate return and pay the right amount of state and federal taxes.
There are various banking methods that sportsbooks may allow you to use to fund your account – and to withdraw funds when you want to. They include the following:
💰 Debit & Credit Cards
💰 Bank Transfers
💰 Cash at a Partner Casino
💰 E-Wallets
💰 Pre-Paid Cards
It is always a good idea to check the banking methods available at your chosen sportsbook – as well as how long deposits and withdrawals take. There can be considerable variation between operators in terms of the range available.
All licensed and reputable online betting operators should have state-of-the-art security systems in place to protect your financial transactions.
Visa | Instant deposits | 1-5 days for withdrawals |
MasterCard | Instant deposits | No withdrawals |
American Express | Instant deposits | No withdrawals |
Venmo | Instant deposits | 2-5 days for withdrawals |
PayPal | Instant deposits | 2-7 days withdrawals |
Bank Transfer | 1-3 days for deposits | 3-7 days for withdrawals |
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 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 Louisianans 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 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.
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 website 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.
No, you do not need to be a state resident to place bets at Louisiana sportsbooks. However, you will need to be located within state lines, and in one of the 55 parishes where betting on sports is permitted. In the case of online betting, this will be enforced using geo-location technology. Visitors and tourist are welcome to bet online.
Yes, it is. There are 20 locations licensed for retail betting, and eight online books in operation. They are allowed to operate in 55 out of the state’s 64 parishes following the result of a vote by people across Louisiana in November 2020. Online betting went live in January 2022.
There are 19 establishments that can hold sports wagering licenses – 15 casinos and four horse racing tracks. Each of those can also have two online skins, while the state lottery also has a permit to take retail and online sports bets at up to 1,000 kiosks dotted around the state.
You will need to be at least 21 to place a sports bet online or in person in Louisiana. During registration, you may be asked of proof of age so that the sportsbook is reassured that you are old enough to play.
The state is home to some seriously popular teams. Many fans root for leading Louisiana professional sports teams such as the NFL’s New Orleans Saints and the New Orleans Pelicans of the NBA. College teams such as LSU, Tulane, Louisiana Monroe and Grambling State also are big draws.
The first online betting operators went live in Louisiana in January 2022. Many leading brands, such as FanDuel LA, DraftKings NOLA and Barstool sportsbook, went live instantly. They soon were followed by others, and there are now eight companies offering online sports wagers.
There are eight sportsbooks where you can play online. These include some of the most famous and respected names in online gambling in the US, including FanDuel and Caesars sportsbooks. Many state casinos also operate retail sportsbooks for in-person customers.
Yes, you can. You do not have to be a resident of the state to wager, though you must be located in licensed premises or in one of the parishes where online wagering is allowed. However, you will have to sign up for a Louisiana account to be able to place sports bets with your chosen sportsbook.
Author
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.