Louisiana Sports Betting: Best LA Online Sportsbook Sites Nov. 2024
Louisiana sports betting launched statewide on Jan. 28, 2022, and sports fans in LA have access to eight of the best sportsbooks in the U.S. These sports betting sites, like DraftKings, FanDuel, bet365, Fanatics, and Caesars, have $7,450 in Louisiana sportsbook promos for new customers.
Louisiana sportsbooks
Up To $1,500 Back In Bonus Bets
Bonus bets will expire in 7 days. One new customer offer only. Additional terms and conditions apply.
Features
- Some of the best live-betting odds.
- Great deposit options.
- Earn MGM Rewards from betting activity.
BetMGM Review
BetMGM is one of the top-rated sportsbooks in the U.S. offering some of the best live betting odds in the industry. They’re also the largest iGaming operator across the U.S.
Features
Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets
Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Features
- Extensive live betting options.
- More markets than any other sportsbook.
- One of the best apps in the industry.
bet365 Review
Terms and conditions: Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.
bet365 is one of the largest and most popular sportsbooks globally. With a well-received mobile app, popular same-game parlays, and a wide variety of sports leagues to bet on it’s no wonder 80 million sports bettors worldwide continue to use bet365.
Features
$1,000 First Bet on Caesars
New users only. Register using eligible promo code. First bet to settle must lose to qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1K. Expires in 14 days. Void where prohibited. Full terms.
Features
- Earn Caesars Rewards from betting activity.
- Live streaming of NFL games.
- User-friendly mobile app.
Caesars Sportsbook Review
Caesars is proving to be one of the most aggressively expanding brands in sports betting. Unfortunately, like all major U.S. sportsbooks, they are quick to limit you if you go on a tear and their odds boost promos offer low maximum bet limits.
Features
Bet $5, Win $150 in Bonus Bets
Terms and conditions apply.
Features
- Lots of promos and odds boosts.
- Wide range of sports and bet types.
- Seamless integration with DFS.
DraftKings Review
DraftKings had a solid reputation as the leading DFS provider in the country, so the shift to legal sports betting felt natural. They offer one of the most voluminous collections of ongoing promos and odds boosts in the industry as they cater to the beginner crowd.
Features
Win $150 + NBA League Pass 🏀
New customers only. Deposit min. $5. Place first bet of $5+ and win $150 in Bonus Bets (within 72 hours).
Features
- Top-tier app experience.
- Same Game Parlays and SGP+.
- Extensive promos and odds boosts.
FanDuel Review
FanDuel reigns supreme right now as the No. 1 betting site in America. And it has largely earned that spot on the strength of superior brand recognition, an easy-to-use product, an overwhelming number of markets for North America’s most popular sports, and representation in every state in which it is permitted to offer legal sports betting.
Features
Quick links On this page
- Louisiana sportsbooks
- Louisiana betting promos and bonuses
- Top Louisiana betting sites
- LA sports betting key developments and updates
- Louisiana sports betting quick facts
- How we rate and review Louisiana sportsbooks
- How to bet on sports in Louisiana
- Louisiana sports betting handle
- Louisiana sports leagues and teams to bet on
- Legal sports betting and regulations in Louisiana
- Responsible sports betting in Louisiana
- Sportsbooks to avoid in Louisiana
- Growth of sports betting 📈
- Louisiana sports betting FAQs
Louisiana betting promos and bonuses
Eight great LA online sports betting operators are available to sports bettors in Louisiana. They all have enticing welcome offers encouraging you to try their online sportsbooks and mobile apps. We’ve compiled a list of all the top Louisana sportsbook promos they provide today, and make sure to check out the rest of the best sportsbook promos.
| Online LA sportsbook 🏆 | Welcome bonus 💰 | Promo code ✅ |
|---|---|---|
| ⭐BetMGM | Up to $1,500 in bonus bets | SBRBONUS |
| ⭐FanDuel | Bet $5, win $150 in bonus bets | No code required |
| ⭐bet365 | Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets or $1,000 first bet | SBRBONUS |
| ⭐Caesars | $1,000 first bet on Caesars | SBRBONUS1000 |
| ⭐Fanatics | Up to $1,000 in bonuses | No code required |
| ⭐DraftKings | Bet $5, win $150 in bonus bets | No code required |
| ⭐BetRivers | Up to a $500 bonus bet | No code required |
| ⭐ESPN BET | Up to $2,000 in bonuses | No code required |
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Top Louisiana betting sites
All Louisiana betting sites covered on this page are legal, regulated, and trustworthy options for bettors across the state. These sportsbooks in Louisiana all have perks and welcome bonuses that make them worth considering if you plan to do some sports gambling in LA. And best of all, there is no limit to the number of Louisiana sportsbooks you can sign up for. Below is a list of features for which each of these LA online sports betting sites is best known.
| Online sportsbook and sports betting app | Best known for |
|---|---|
| bet365 | Superb live betting |
| BetMGM | User interface |
| BetRivers | Customer friendly |
| Caesars | Caesars Rewards tie-in |
| DraftKings | Mobile app features |
| ESPN BET | Unique personality-driven promos |
| Fanatics | FanCash Rewards program |
| FanDuel | Bonus variety |
Why Caesars is the best sportsbook in Louisiana 🏛
New users only. Register using eligible promo code. First bet to settle must lose to qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1K. Expires in 14 days. Void where prohibited. Full terms.
Caesars Entertainment was founded in 1996 and is one of the country’s most recognizable hotel and casino brands. Caesars operates popular hotel casinos in Las Vegas, including Caesars Palace, Paris, and Planet Hollywood, and also has a strong retail presence across Louisiana with Harrah’s New Orleans and Horseshoe Bossier City. The company acquired sports betting company William Hill in 2021 to further bolster its reputation as one of the top online sportsbooks in Louisiana and the whole country.
New players have access to one of the most generous first bet insurance welcome offers available in Louisiana when they use Caesars Sportsbook promo code SBRBONUS1000 — a $1,000 first bet promo. You can also earn credits by betting at the Caesars Sportsbook LA and using them for hotel stays, dining, entertainment, and more comps.
When it comes to LA sports betting, it doesn’t get much cleaner and easier to use than Caesars’ attractive web design and one of the best mobile sports betting apps and live betting sites. Caesars Sportsbook offers quick and easy banking methods, a great user experience, and around-the-clock customer service. This sportsbook is one in Louisiana that all sports bettors in LA should have in their arsenal. Check out our Caesars review for more info.
Other Louisiana online sportsbooks
Though Caesars Sportsbook earned the top spot among our best-rated LA online sports betting operators, a handful of other great online sportsbooks in Louisiana could also make their case as the best sportsbook available. These four Louisiana sportsbooks also cracked our top five list for the great features and bonuses they offer.
FanDuel Louisiana 🔵
New customers only. Deposit min. $5. Place first bet of $5+ and win $150 in Bonus Bets (within 72 hours).
FanDuel had already established itself as a household name across the United States as a daily fantasy sports provider before it entered the sports betting industry in 2018. Backed by sports betting powerhouse Flutter Entertainment, FanDuel is one of the best Louisiana sports betting apps and websites available today. You will never have trouble finding great promotions at FanDuel Sportsbook LA, such as the bet $5, win $150 bonus available now. You'll never need a FanDuel promo code, either.
- App Store ratings: 4.8 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, win $150 in bonus bets
- Payout speed: Within 24 hours
Where to bet on sports in Louisiana: FanDuel review
DraftKings Louisiana 👑
Terms and conditions apply.
Like FanDuel, DraftKings was originally a daily fantasy sports provider nationwide before successfully transitioning into online sportsbook with more traditional betting markets. DraftKings does everything right, from an industry-leading welcome bonus — no DraftKings promo code required — to many games to bet on, including live betting and odds boosts. All to say, this operator is another sports betting option that Louisiana residents won’t want to miss out on.
- App Store ratings: 4.8 (iOS), 4.6 (Android)
- Sign up bonus: Bet $5, win $150 in bonus bets
- Payout speed: Within 24 hours
Where to bet on sports in Louisiana: DraftKings review.
See how DraftKings compare to the top recommended sportsbook: FanDuel vs. DraftKings.
BetMGM Louisiana 🦁
Bonus bets will expire in 7 days. One new customer offer only. Additional terms and conditions apply.
The MGM brand is best known for its famous Las Vegas hotel-casinos, including the Bellagio, Aria, and MGM Grand. But in more recent years, BetMGM has also established itself as a significant player in the sports betting market around the United States. The BetMGM sportsbook in Louisiana has a clean interface on its website and mobile app and plenty of other great features that will keep LA residents returning for more. Just be sure to enter the BetMGM bonus code SBRBONUS to redeem the welcome offer.
- App Store ratings: 4.8 (iOS), 4.3 (Android)
- Sign up bonus: Up to $1,500 in bonus bets
- Payout speed: 1-2 business days
Where to bet on sports in Louisiana: BetMGM review
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Fanatics Louisiana 🧢
Terms and conditions apply.
Fanatics didn't launch its online sportsbook until the second half of 2023, lagging behind many of the previously established big brands in the industry. However, Fanatics has made up ground quickly. It is now available in 22 states, plus Washington, DC, bringing a terrific product to compete the DraftKings and FanDuels of the world.
Fanatics launched in Louisiana in September 2024 with its excellent new customer welcome bonus: up to $1,000 in bonus bets via ten days of No Sweat Bets. Bonus bets will be awarded based on the amount wagered and lost. You won't need a Fanatics Sportsbook promo code to qualify for this deal, but you do have to opt in daily after Day One.
- App Store ratings: 4.8 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
- Sign up bonus: Up to $1,000 in bonus bets
- Payout speed: Within 48 hours
Where to bet on sports in Louisiana: Fanatics review
Louisiana sportsbooks honorable mentions
There are so many great options for sports betting in Louisiana that these three high-quality books didn’t make the top five. They are still well worth considering, especially with the current welcome offers. Click on any link below to learn more about these Louisiana sportsbooks.
If DFS is more your speed, Daily Fantasy Sports contests are legal in The Bayou State (though Pick 'Em is not permitted). For a more in-depth breakdown, check out our guide to the best DFS sites.
LA sports betting key developments and updates
Aug. 19, 2024: Louisiana sportsbooks report a July 2024 betting handle of $172.2 million, a 13% drop from the previous month but more than 40% more than the same month in 2023. A strong win-rate of 13.6% pushed revenues way up for the month.
July 29, 2024: FanDuel releases a new welcome offer, allowing customers to bet $5 and score $150 in bonuses if the bet wins.
June 10, 2024: Betway announces it will exit the entire U.S. online sports betting market, including the state of Louisiana.
May 22, 2024: The state of Louisiana reports $283.1 million in sports betting handle for April. This drop was expected as a strong March was propelled by March Madness betting, but it still represents a 35% year-over-year increase.
Jan. 30, 2024: A ninth online sportsbook launches in Louisiana, as ClutchBet officially opens its doors in the Pelican State.
Nov. 21, 2023: bet365 officially launches its online sportsbook in LA, becoming the state's eighth active platform.
Aug. 11, 2023: WynnBET announces they are shutting down operations in Louisiana, plus five other states.
January 2022: Louisiana launches legal online sports betting in 55 parishes, and six operators go live.
October 2021: Legal Louisiana sports betting goes live, and the first retail sportsbook — Betfred — opens at Paragon Casino Resort.
June 2021: Gov. John Bel Edwards signs two bills — SB 142 and SB 247 — into law, meaning that legal Louisiana sports betting is imminent.
Louisiana sports betting summary
Sports gambling in Louisiana generated only $67.1 million worth of bets in the final three months of 2021 when only retail sports betting was legal. That number climbed considerably when online sports betting launched in January 2022. Here are some more quick facts about sports betting in Louisiana.
| 🚀 Launch Date | January 2022 |
| ➡️ Legal betting age | 21 |
| 🔔 LA regulator | Louisiana Gaming Control Board |
| ▶️ Total betting sites | 8 |
| 📱 Online sports betting | Yes |
| 🎰 Retail sports betting | Yes |
| 🖥️ Online Casino | No |
| 🃏 Online poker | No |
| 🏆 Sports betting apps | 8 |
| ✈ Remote registration accepted | Yes |
| 🏈 College sports betting | Yes |
| 🎮 eSports betting | No |
| 🌎 2022 population (est.) | 4.57 million |
| 💵 2023 betting handle | $2.91 billion |
| 💸 Tax rate | 15% online, 10% retail |
How we rate and review Louisiana sportsbooks
The sports betting professionals here at SBR carefully critique and independently review all of Louisiana’s legal online sportsbooks. Choosing the best operator for sports betting in Louisiana can be overwhelming for new players; thus, our team of experts considers each of the following factors before sharing our findings with you in our SBR expert reviews.
Welcome bonuses and promotions
Louisiana sports bettors have plenty of solid sportsbooks to choose from, and all of them should get the job done when it comes to placing bets on your favorite teams and sports. However, one critical factor separating these LA sports betting providers is their bonuses and promotions. Whether you are a new customer looking for a great welcome bonus or a regular looking for daily and weekly promotions, this category will be necessary.
User experience
Some bettors place most of their bets at home from their desktop, while others prefer the convenience of using their favorite sports betting app on the go. No matter how you visit your top Louisiana sportsbooks, you will want a positive user experience from start to finish that includes a smooth interface that allows you to place bets easily, check your bet slip, visit the cashier, and whatever else need. Our sportsbook experts at SBR test each format of every LA online sportsbook to rate the quality of the experience.
Sports bet variety
Sports fans who primarily stick to the most popular sports like football, basketball, and baseball and don’t bet on much besides spreads, moneylines, and totals won’t have any issues finding what they need from any of the LA online sports betting sites featured on this page. But bettors looking for more variety in their betting options, including niche sports, prop bets, and live betting, may find some lines available at one sportsbook that isn’t available at another. This is what makes sports bet variety a pivotal factor to consider.
Banking options
Since sports betting has been legalized in Louisiana, making deposits and withdrawals at your preferred online sportsbook is quick and easy. All Louisiana sportsbooks usually accept standard deposit options like PayPal and credit cards. Still, there are differences from book to book as you go down the deposit and payment options list. Check to see if your preferred banking method is available before signing up for an account.
Payout speed
As mentioned above, the deposit and withdrawal process is fast and easy at all Louisiana legal sports gambling sites. Most payment options process within 24-72 hours, but payment speeds vary depending on your banking method and the individual sportsbooks’ processing speeds. We know bettors want access to their winnings as soon as possible, so we monitor each LA sportsbook’s payout speeds for our reviews.
Security and customer support
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board officially licenses all eight legal online sportsbooks offering sports betting in Louisiana. Each has security measures to ensure the safety of your personal information and the funds in your account.
How to bet on sports in Louisiana
Sports fans in Louisiana signing up for their first online sportsbook may need help figuring out where to start. Fortunately, signing up for an LA online sports betting account is relatively straightforward with the proper guidance. We’ve covered all the steps you’ll need to take covered in-depth below.
1. Select a sportsbook licensed in Louisiana
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board has awarded licenses to eight legal online sportsbooks in Louisiana. Read through the information provided on this page and the thorough sportsbook reviews here on SBR until you decide on an LA sports betting provider that you are interested in trying. Picking one with a generous welcome bonus and your preferred banking options can be an excellent place to start.
Every regulated online sportsbook available in Louisiana allows you to access their sportsbook through their website or by downloading their mobile app. Access the sportsbook in whichever format you are most comfortable with on the sportsbook you have chosen to start the process.
2. Register online
To sign up for a new online account at the Louisiana sportsbook of your choice, follow the sign-up process provided by the sportsbook after you click or tap “Sign Up.” You must fill out a form with personal information such as your name, date of birth, address, contact information, and social security number. This information will all be secure if you have chosen one of the legal and regulated online sportsbooks listed on this page.
After entering your information, you will be prompted to choose a username and password. Make sure to select a password that is secure but still one that you will be able to remember.
3. Deposit and claim a bonus
Once you have entered all the necessary information and signed up for an account, you can access sports betting in Louisiana through the app or website you chose and click around to see betting odds, promotions, and more. When you are ready to make your first bet with the sportsbook, you will need to tap or click “Deposit” in the cashier section to fund your account.
Select the banking option you want to use and provide the necessary information. Your first deposit will also be where you opt-in for any sign-up bonus the sportsbook offers. Be sure to understand this process and type in your bonus code if necessary before finalizing your deposit. Don’t hesitate to contact customer service if you have questions about your deposit or welcome promotion.
4. Select and finalize your bet
Now that you are all signed up for an account and have added money to it using your preferred banking method, you are officially ready to begin sports gambling in Louisiana. Check out the website or sportsbook mobile app to get comfortable with the interface. Sports fans new to sports betting should research how to read odds and different bet types before making wagers to confirm that they are betting on the right things.
Keep your welcome bonus in mind when making your first bet. Many welcome bonuses apply to your first bet with the sportsbook, so make sure you make the most of it. When you are ready, select the bet you want to make, and it will pop up on a separate bet slip. Please go over the wager before hitting submit to make it official.
5. Win and withdraw your payout
Your first withdrawal may come after you grind out a small profit through many bets, or you might hit a big parlay or future bet that delivers a massive payout. When you are ready to celebrate your victory with a withdrawal, return to the cashier section, where you made your first deposit.
Select the “Withdrawal” button, and you can pick the amount you want to take out of your LA online sports betting account and the payment method you would like to use. After you have made your choices, you will receive your first payout via most digital withdrawal options between 24-48 hours.
Louisiana sports betting handle
The sports betting handle is the industry term for the total money bet on sports over a certain period. LA sports betting generated a $2.3 billion handle in 2022 across both online sports betting and retail sports betting. The handle slightly rose in 2023, totaling $2.9 billion, and looks well on track to surpass that total in 2024. Through the first four months of this year, the overall handle has reached an encouraging $1.25 billion.
2024 LA handle
| Month | Handle |
|---|---|
| January | $346.3 million |
| February | $274.7 million |
| March | $350 million |
| April | $283.1 million |
| May | $256.7 million |
| June | $212.1 million |
| July | $184.5 million |
| Annual Total | $1.90 billion |
2023 LA handle
| Month | Handle |
|---|---|
| January | $282.2 million |
| February | $197.6 million |
| March | $223.1 million |
| April | $190 million |
| May | $177.8 million |
| June | $145.7 million |
| July | $134.8 million |
| August | $153.9 million |
| September | $280.1 million |
| October | $308.6 million |
| November | $356.5 million |
| December | $377 million |
| Annual Total | $2.91 billion |
Louisiana sports leagues and teams to bet on
Many sports bettors lean heavily on their favorite teams when they are first getting started. It’s worth noting, though, that most successful sports bettors are the ones who look for value up and down the betting board, not just on their favorite teams. There’s nothing wrong with betting on the home team while you root them on, but it’s a good idea to do your due diligence before placing any bet, including those on your local favorites. Louisiana bettors can bet on all teams from the NFL, MLB, NHL, and NBA plus PGA events, UFC, and European soccer.
| NFL 🏈 | NBA 🏀 |
|---|---|
| New Orleans Saints | New Orleans Pelicans |
While the Saints and Pelicans have passionate fan bases, Louisiana sports fans also have a lot of passion for college football and the LSU Tigers. Other Division I college teams in the state include the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns, Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks, and Tulane Green Wave.
Sports bettors can check out the top sportsbooks for specific sports, leagues, playoffs, and categories:
Legal sports betting and regulations in Louisiana
Sports betting in Louisiana launched online on Jan. 28, 2022. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board allowed land-based retail sportsbooks to start allowing sports betting on Oct. 6, 2021, just a few months before the beginning of sports gambling in Louisiana online.
There are currently eight active online sportsbooks in Louisiana. Each of those online sportsbooks partners with a retail location in the state that provides in-person sports betting at state-licensed casinos in Louisiana.
Louisiana’s online and mobile sportsbooks
| Online sportsbook and sports betting app | Launch date |
|---|---|
| bet365 | Nov. 21, 2023 |
| BetMGM | Jan. 28, 2022 |
| BetRivers | Jan. 28, 2022 |
| Caesars | Jan. 28, 2022 |
| DraftKings | Jan. 28, 2022 |
| ESPN BET | Nov. 14, 2023 |
| Fanatics | Sept. 1, 2024 |
| FanDuel | Jan. 28, 2022 |
Land-based Louisiana sportsbooks
| Land-based retail partner | Online sportsbook and sports betting app |
|---|---|
| L’Auberge Casino Lake Charles | Barstool Sportsbook |
| L’Auberge Casino Baton Rouge | Barstool Sportsbook |
| Boomtown Casino New Orleans | Barstool Sportsbook |
| Boomtown Casino Hotel | Barstool Sportsbook |
| Margaritaville Resort Casino | Barstool Sportsbook |
| Paragon Casino Resort | Betfred |
| Harrah’s New Orleans | Caesars |
| Horseshoe Bossier City | Caesars |
| Golden Nugget Casino Lake Charles | DraftKings |
| Amelia Belle Casino | FanDuel |
| Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino | FanDuel |
| Delta Downs | FanDuel |
| Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino | FanDuel |
| Treasure Chest Casino | FanDuel |
Who can bet on sports in Louisiana?
Players must be 21 years or older to make a bet on sports in Louisiana at both retail and online sportsbooks under all circumstances. Here are some more details in regard to the legality of sports betting in Louisiana:
Legal age 🎂
Louisiana does not allow anyone under the age of 21 to partake in sports betting or any other casino gaming, and it is even one of the few states in the USA that requires you to be at least 21 years old to play the state lottery. Horse racing and bingo are the exceptions in LA that allow players 18 or older to participate.
Mobile betting 📱
Mobile sports gambling in Louisiana is legal using a computer or mobile device. Each of the eight online sportsbooks operating legally in Louisiana offers mobile betting online through their websites and sports betting apps.
Remote registration 💻
Sports fans interested in LA sports betting can sign up for an account, bet on sports, and make deposits and withdrawals remotely. You do not need to visit an in-person retail location to participate in LA sports betting online.
Within state borders 🌎
You must be physically located within the state’s borders to use any of Louisiana’s online sportsbooks to bet on sports online. All Louisiana sportsbooks use geolocating technology to verify that you are physically in LA before you can access your account through the website or betting app.
You do not have to be a resident of Louisiana to place online bets in the state. Louisiana residents visiting another state cannot access their LA online sports betting accounts. Residents of other states visiting LA can use an online sportsbook in Louisiana to place a bet since they are within state borders.
Retail sportsbooks 🏢
Louisiana has a handful of retail locations with casino gaming, including riverboat casinos, tribal, land-based, and racinos (race tracks with casinos). Currently, 12 retail gambling locations also have legal sportsbooks in LA.
Taxable winnings 💸
Winnings on sports betting in Louisiana are taxed as income, with winning players required to pay 25% of their winnings to the IRS and an additional 5% in state tax.
What you can and can't bet on in Louisiana
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board was pretty strict in regards to its rules on non-sports related gambling. Each state has the right to make its own laws in regards to what it allows to be legal for wagering, and the LGCB made the following decisions for its retail locations and LA online sports betting operators:
Politics ❌
Like in many states, Louisiana residents are not allowed to bet on political outcomes. As the 2024 United States Presidential Election keeps getting closer, bettors in LA cannot wager on their hunches.
Entertainment award ceremonies ❌
Betting on entertainment awards such as the Acadamy Awards and Grammy Awards are some of the most popular entertainment props in states where they are allowed. Unfortunately for film and music fans in Louisiana, betting on entertainment award ceremonies is not permitted in LA.
eSports ❌
eSports are another controversial sports betting topic nationwide as some states allow betting on popular video games like Fortnite, Call of Duty, and DOTA 2, while others do not. Louisiana opted not to allow LA sports betting providers to allow esports betting.
What about Louisiana college sports? 🎓
With fan interest in LSU almost certainly leading the way on this decision, Louisiana did legalize gambling on collegiate teams, including in-state ones like the Louisana State Tigers. There are some limitations, though, as player prop bets on college players are not currently available.
Responsible sports betting in Louisiana
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board provides resources to help individuals who struggle with problem gambling get the help they need. The official LGCB website has information on contacting the Office of Behavioral Health and a toll-free Louisiana Problem Gamblers Help Line available 24/7 at 1-877-770-7867.
Bettors who struggle with a gambling addiction that need to take things further can also apply for self-exclusion. This voluntary program allows LA residents to add themselves to a list preventing them from entering retail gambling locations and accessing their online sports betting accounts.
National U.S. gambling helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER
Sportsbooks to avoid in Louisiana
Before sports betting was legalized in Louisiana, sports fans that wanted to partake in sports gambling in Louisiana online could only use illegal sportsbooks that were operating internationally in countries that do allow online sports betting. Even though legal options like those mentioned on this page now exist, those offshore-based books are still out there.
Using one of these unregulated sportsbooks isn’t worth the risk. The eight legal and regulated Louisiana sportsbooks that offer online betting have all of the same features and betting odds as those illegal sportsbooks. And you can bet with confidence knowing that your financial transactions are safe, secure, and regulated. Avoid offshore books and stick to those regulated by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board.
Here’s a quick look at some of the more notorious offshore sportsbooks we’ve blacklisted:
| Carbon Gaming ❌ | 1LuckyGambler ❌ | BetOnSports ❌ |
|---|---|---|
| Ignored user complaints | Blacklisted in 2008 | Shut down in 2006 |
| Payout issues | Slow payouts | Indicted CEO |
| Complicated cash out process | $16 million owed |
Growth of sports betting 📈
When the U.S. Supreme Court repealed PASPA in 2018, the growth of legal sports betting in the United States skyrocketed. Close to three dozen states have since legalized some form of sports betting, with the most common legislation including the licensing of online sportsbooks and mobile betting apps. Check our legal sports betting tracker to find out more about any state you're interested in.
Over the past few years, large states like Ohio and Massachusetts have enjoyed massively successful online betting launches. Sports fans get an extra way to engage with their favorite teams, and the states earn plenty of much-needed revenue from licensing fees and taxes.
More recently, legal North Carolina sports betting arrived on March 11, 2024, bringing eight of the best sportsbooks in the country to the Tar Heel state. And with events like the Copa America and Euro 2024 soccer tournaments happening all Summer long, the excitement and opportunities for sports betting enthusiasts continue to grow.
Louisiana sports betting FAQs
Is sports betting legal in Louisiana?
Yes, sports betting was signed into law in Louisiana on June 22, 2021. LA began offering legal sports betting at retail locations on Oct. 6, 2021, followed by LA online sports betting launching on Jan. 28, 2022. Currently, eight online sportsbooks in Louisiana accept legal sports bets daily.
When did sports betting go live in Louisiana?
Sports betting went live in Louisiana at a handful of retail locations on Oct. 6, 2021. LA sports betting online followed shortly after launching on Jan. 28, 2022. Six of the eight current Louisiana sportsbooks operating were available that day, including Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel.
What is the minimum age to bet in Louisiana?
To bet on sports, play casino games, or play the lottery in Louisiana, you must be 21 years or older. This age limit applies to both retail locations and online betting. You can, however, bet on horse racing and play bingo in Louisiana if you are 18 years old.
Where can I bet on sports in Louisiana?
LA has 12 retail locations that accept sports bets and eight online sportsbooks that offer sports gambling in Louisiana. Some of these retail locations have designated sportsbooks with tellers that take bets, while others have smaller areas with sports betting kiosks where you can place your bets on a digital tablet.
How many online sportsbooks are there in Louisiana?
Eight legal online sportsbooks are available in Louisiana, including bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, Fanatics, and FanDuel. All of them are regulated and have been awarded licenses to operate in LA by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board.
What sportsbooks are legal in Louisiana?
Eight online sportsbooks operate legally in Louisiana: bet365, BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars, DraftKings, ESPN BET, FanDuel, and Fanatics. They have each received a license to operate in the state from the Louisiana Gaming Control Board.
Can you bet on Louisiana-based teams in Louisiana?
Yes. While some states have replaced restrictions on betting on local teams, no such rules exist in Louisiana. Sports fans can legally place bets on local favorites, including the New Orleans Saints, New Orleans Pelicans, and LSU Tigers, whenever they are in season.
Do you have to live in Louisiana to bet online?
No. Any bettors currently in the state of Louisiana can bet on sports at any of the legal online sportsbooks. Each of these sportsbooks uses geotracking technology to confirm that you are within state borders before allowing access to your account, so even Louisiana residents who travel out of state won’t be able to get back to sports betting in Louisiana until they physically return.
How do you place a sports bet in Louisiana?
Placing a sports bet online is pretty straightforward. After you have signed up for one of the legal sportsbooks mentioned on this page and funded your account, use your computer or mobile device to browse the game or event you are interested in betting on. When you click on something, a bet slip will pop up that allows you to choose how much you want to bet, and the bet will be locked in once you confirm it. Some sportsbooks allow a cash out, usually at a reduced rate.
Are sports betting apps legal in Louisiana?
It’s a virtual certainty that more online sportsbooks will be making their Louisiana debuts before long. With a whopping 40 licenses available, there’s still plenty of room for the next wave of providers – a list that will likely include major players like Bally Bet, among others.
