Louisiana bettors pulled back slightly in July, closing out the summer stretch with a lower handle than June. Louisiana sports betting remained a steady contributor to the state's gaming economy even as the numbers cooled off from the previous month. Here is a closer look at what the Louisiana Gaming Control Board's July report actually shows.
What the July Report Covers
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board releases a monthly breakdown of statewide wagering activity, covering both online and retail sportsbooks. July's report reflects a market still working through the gap between football seasons, when baseball and offseason storylines carry most of the betting volume. It also aligns with the state's broader casino revenue report, providing a full picture of how gaming performed across the board.
Total Handle and Monthly Comparison
Louisiana bettors wagered $280 million in July, down from $306 million in June. Despite the handle drop, sportsbook revenue held nearly flat at $36 million, essentially matching June's total. That combination points to a slightly higher hold rate for operators in July, meaning books kept a larger share of every dollar wagered even though fewer dollars came through the door.
Revenue Breakdown and Where the Money Came From
Online wagering continues to make up the overwhelming majority of Louisiana's sports betting activity, with retail sportsbooks accounting for only a small slice of the state's total handle. Louisiana does not break out revenue figures by individual operator. Still, the market's eight licensed online sportsbooks, including FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, BetMGM, and bet365, all compete for the same bettor base across the 55 parishes where wagering is legal. With no major single-sport event dominating July, revenue was likely spread evenly across baseball, offseason football markets, and ongoing parlay activity, which has driven a large share of Louisiana's wins throughout 2026.
Comparing July 2026 to July 2025
Year over year, Louisiana's sports betting market continues to trend upward. The state's $36 million in July revenue marked a 10 percent increase compared to July 2025, even with the tax rate on online wagering having climbed from 15 percent to 21.5 percent since last summer. That growth suggests bettor interest has continued to expand faster than the higher tax burden has slowed operator margins, a trend that has held steady across most of 2026.
What Comes Next for Louisiana Sports Betting
With football season approaching fast, Louisiana's numbers are set to climb again. NFL and college football consistently produce the state's highest handle totals of the year, and the Saints' preseason schedule is already getting bettors to pay closer attention. Louisiana sports betting apps are likely to see a surge in new sign-ups and increased activity once Week 1 arrives, and the state's SPORT Fund will keep collecting a larger pool of tax revenue as wagering volume picks back up. If recent years are any indication, September and October should bring some of the biggest handle numbers Louisiana has posted all year.
