Louisiana Sports Betting

Louisiana Legal Sports Betting Overview

Louisiana Sports Betting Summary

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards signed SB 142 and SB 247 to legalize sports betting in the state on June 21, 2021. However, Louisiana has unique sports betting laws, meaning you can only wager in 55 of the Pelican State’s 64 parishes. Following a ballot vote in November 2020, you can’t bet in Caldwell, Catahoula, Franklin, Jackson, La Salle, Sabine, Union, West Carroll, and Winn.

While Louisiana legalized land-based and online sports betting simultaneously, retail sportsbooks first launched in October 2021. Louisiana now has 17 retail sportsbooks, all of which must partner with a land-based casino. However, sports betting is also permitted in licensed bars and restaurants through kiosks. Online sportsbooks went live in January 2022, and seven out of a maximum 20 online sportsbooks have launched since. They include BetMGM, Caesars, and DraftKings.

Louisiana Online Sportsbooks Compared

Lousiana may be one of the newest states to launch a legal online sports betting market, but you can still find seven of the biggest US online sportsbook brands available in the state. To help you choose the best Louisiana sportsbook for you, we've assessed the state’s top bookmakers across several important categories:

• Best Mobile App – DraftKings

DraftKings provides its mobile sportsbook app in 17 states, and that experience has made it one of the best mobile platforms for LA bettors. Available on Apple and Android devices, you can quickly pick up the app with its easy navigation. The platform’s live markets are some of the fastest available. There are also mobile-exclusive features like live streaming and event notifications.

Claim your DraftKings Sportsbook promo code for Sep 2024.

• Best Welcome Bonus – BetMGM

BetMGM has one of the best welcome bonuses for Louisiana bettors – a risk-free bet up to $1,000. If your first wager within this value wins, you get to keep your profits. If you lose, the sportsbook will give you free bets equal to the value of your first wager. If your first stake was above $50, you’ll get five identical free bets of 20% of the value. There are no wagering requirements on profits, but you won’t get your free bet credits in your winnings.

Get your BetMGM Sportsbook promo code for Sep 2024.

• Best for Competitive Odds – BetMGM

US sportsbooks all offer similar betting odds, but BetMGM beats the competition with its wide range of boosted odds. Every day, the betting site will increase the profit you can make on selected markets. For example, BetMGM’s partnerships with major leagues like the MLB, NBA, and NHL let it provide better odds than other sites. It also partners with the PGA Tour with exclusive offers and betting lines.

• Best for Market Coverage – Caesars

Caesars offers a wide range of sports and markets, including the NBA, NFL, and MLB. While most sportsbooks provide similar sports in line with Louisiana Gaming Control Board regulations, Caesars also offers a wide variety of bet types on those options. For example, on MLB games you can find bets for singles, doubles, and total bases that you can’t find at other sites. Many of these wagers can also be combined into same-game parlays. You can also find niche sports like MMA, golf, and Aussie Rules on Caesars Sportsbook.

Claim your Caesars Sportsbook promo code for Sep 2024.

• Best for Beginner Bettors – BetRivers

BetRivers boasts a simple website design with no distractions, making it perfect for beginner bettors. The website displays odds in an easy-to-read way, while the bet slip makes it simple to understand American odds. Also, make sure to check out the sportsbook's promotions page because it features generous offers which are not advertised often.

Get your BetRivers Sportsbook promo code for Sep 2024.

• Best for Payout Speed ­– FanDuel

Most LA sportsbooks process payments within 48 hours, but many FanDuel Sportsbook withdrawal requests hit your account instantly. However, if your payment requires further checks, this process may be slower, especially in the case of first withdrawals. In addition, if you pick a payment option like bank transfers, it is unlikely to be processed instantly.

Get your FanDuel Sportsbook promo code for Sep 2024.

How to Place a Bet in Louisiana

Online sports betting is new to Louisiana, so many sports fans may not have placed their first wagers. Follow our easy step-by-step guide below to register with a sportsbook and start betting in minutes:

1. Pick from the seven online Louisiana sportsbooks which are now available in the Pelican State.

2. You can either use the sportsbook’s website or download the native mobile app from their site. You can also download the app from the Android and Apple app stores. To bet from the mobile website or app, you must enable your mobile device’s location services to verify you are in a Louisiana parish that permits online sports betting.

3. Complete the sign-up process by entering your full name, address, date of birth, email, gender, and last four digits of your Social Security number. You will also need to create a password.

4. Visit the sportsbook’s cashier, select a payment method and deposit amount, and follow the instructions to make your first deposit. Many welcome bonuses require a deposit, so make sure you deposit the minimum qualifying amount to unlock your welcome offer.

5. Browse your chosen sportsbook’s betting markets for your first wager. Add a market to your bet slip, choose how much to bet, and place the wager.

6. Before you can withdraw any money from your sportsbook account, you need to verify your identity. Upload copies of documents like your photo ID and utility bill to prove your identity and address.

7. If your bet is successful, visit the sportsbook’s cashier section and follow the instructions to cash out your winnings.

Who is Eligible to Bet in Louisiana?

Louisiana sportsbooks only accept wagers from bettors who are 21 or older and are in parishes where betting is legal within the state’s borders. Certain positions and circumstances also prevent you from placing sports wagers, including:

• Athletes, coaches, or members of any professional sports team.

• Referees for professional and college sports leagues.

• Individuals with the professional authority to influence players.

• Individuals employed by the leagues that create rules for sports (e.g., NBA, NCAA).

• Those employed by organizations with licensing from the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, including key staff, owners, directors, and officers.

• Individuals with a stake in a sports team.

• Individuals with non-public information about a sports team (e.g., player medical records).

• Individuals prohibited from betting on a state or federal level (e.g., due to criminal history).

• Individuals that have voluntarily excluded themselves from gambling activities.

Latest Louisiana Sports Betting Updates

Timeline for Sports Betting in Louisiana

• January 28, 2022: Online sports betting goes live in Louisiana, with DraftKings, Caesars, BetMGM, FanDuel, Barstool Sportsbook, and BetRivers all launching.

• October 31, 2021: Retail sports betting launches in Louisiana as Caesars Sportsbook takes the first bets at Harrah’s New Orleans Casino.

• August 23, 2021: Emergency sports betting rules from the Louisiana Gaming Control Board pass. The board starts licensing sportsbook operators.

• June 21, 2021: Gov. Edwards signs SB 142 and SB 247. Signing these bills legalizes online sports betting in Louisiana.

• June 4, 2021: Gov. Edwards signs HB 697.

• May 13, 2021: SB 247 is introduced to the Senate, detailing legal sports betting regulation. Senator Patrick Page Cortez, Sen. Ronnie Johns, Sen. Rick Ward, and Representative John Stefanski sponsor the bill.

• April 22, 2021: HB 697 is introduced to the House, with tax and regulations for sports betting in Louisiana. Rep. Stefanski sponsors the bill.

• April 12, 2021: SB 142 is introduced to the Senate with details on sports betting revenue from legal sports betting. Sen. Ward, Sen. Cortez, and Sen. Johns sponsor the bill.

• November 2020: Sports betting is approved in 55 out of 64 parishes in Louisiana.

• June 11, 2020: SB 130 puts sports betting in Louisiana on the November ballot. The bill is sponsored by Sen. Cameron Henry and Sen. Johns.

• May 2018: The US Supreme Court strikes down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA), letting individual US states legalize sports betting.

Louisiana Sports Betting Background

Louisiana has an extensive gambling history. It was estimated the Pelican State had the most casinos in the US at one point (an honour now held by Nevada, which has 334 casinos), but casinos outside of New Orleans were prohibited in 1813 and those in New Orleans were banned in 1866. Casinos didn’t become legal again until Gov. Edwin Edwards signed a bill to reintroduce the land-based casinos in New Orleans in 1992.

Horse racing returned to the state in the 1920s. Pari-mutuel betting became very popular, and the state still has dozens of off-track betting sites. Daily Fantasy Sports were legalized in 2019, and there was a big push to add sports wagering to this bill but it didn’t receive enough support at the time.

Future of Louisiana Sports Betting

More online sportsbooks plan to join the Louisiana betting market in the future, with BlueBet announcing its access to LA through its partnership with Louisiana Downs Casino & Racetrack. The sportsbook is expected to launch in the second quarter of 2023. We can also expect many more leading US sports betting brands to launch in the Pelican State, including Sporttrade, Bally Bet, Betfred, and Golden Nugget.

Louisiana Sports Betting Locations

In 1990, Gov. Buddy Roemer legalized riverboat casinos, and in 1992, Gov. Edwin Edwards legalized land-based casinos in New Orleans. There are now 23 land-based casinos in Louisiana, and 17 of these are partnered with sportsbook operators to provide retail sports betting.

Harrah’s New Orleans

• Address: 228 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

• Website: https://www.caesars.com/harrahs/

• Phone Number: (800) 427-7247

• Operator: Caesars

Operated by Caesars Entertainment, Harrah’s partnership with the renowned gambling brand allows the land-based casino to operate a retail Caesars sportsbook. You can place wagers at the counter or use the Caesars app while enjoying the casino’s amenities, like its bars and restaurants. Any bets placed with Caesars earn you Caesars Rewards points, which you can redeem for real-life prizes in the casino.

Horseshoe Casino

• Address: 711 Horseshoe Boulevard, Bossier City, LA 71111

• Website: https://www.caesars.com/horseshoe/

• Phone Number: (800) 895-0711

• Operator: Caesars

Horseshoe Casino is another casino brand operated by Caesars Entertainment. You can find a Caesars sportsbook in the casino with live betting and pre-game odds. Every bet contributes towards your Caesar’s Rewards points total. You can also progress up the Caesars Rewards tiers for prizes like faster withdrawals and exclusive bonuses.

Sam’s Town Shreveport

• Address: 315 Clyde Fant Parkway, Shreveport, LA 71101

• Website: https://www.samstownshreveport.com/

• Phone Number: (877) 429-0711

• Operator: FanDuel

Sam’s Town Casino in Shreveport hosts a retail sportsbook operated by FanDuel. The more bets you place at this sportsbook, the more Boyd Points and Tier Credits you receive to use at any Boyd Gaming-operated casino. However, you will not earn these points by placing wagers on the FanDuel mobile app. The casino is open 24/7 and adheres to the City of Shreveport’s smoking ban.

Louisiana Land-Based Casinos

Louisiana Lottery Locations

The Louisiana Lottery Corporation has the power to license bars and restaurants with Class A liquor licenses to operate retail sports betting kiosks. In addition, the state lottery has its own sports betting license. However, there have been no official announcements about how this license will work. Currently, you cannot place bets at lottery retailers.

Off-Track and Stadium Betting Locations

Sportsbooks must partner with a land-based casino to receive a betting license in Louisiana. Due to this regulation, there are no stadiums with retail sportsbooks. However, there are numerous off-track betting locations in the state, overseen by the Louisiana Racing Commission. Every licensed off-track betting retailer is based around one of the three horse racing tracks in LA.

Louisiana Responsible Gambling Resources

• Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling – Provides a helpline and live chat for anyone struggling. It also offers advice and training to prevent problem gambling. (877) 770-7867

• Louisiana Department of Health – Outlines the symptoms of problem gambling and provides links to organizations that can help.

• National Council on Problem Gambling – Offers links to resources, phone numbers and live chats where you can get support. It also refers to further help, including local and national organizations. (800) 270-7117

Like many US states, Louisiana has a state-wide self-exclusion policy. Bettors struggling with problem gambling can put themselves on this list which will prohibit them from accessing any betting site in the state. While you can access the form online, you must submit it in person. Louisiana gambling regulations also require sportsbooks to provide account tools like deposit limits and cool offs so bettors can gamble more responsibly.

Teams to Bet on in Louisiana

• Pro Sports

New Orleans Saints: The NFL’s New Orleans Saints have won one Super Bowl in their history in 2009, when the team was led by legendary quarterback Drew Brees. The team plays at the famous Caesars Superdome in the NFC South. While Caesars Entertainment has a partnership with the New Orleans Saints, there is no betting partnership between the sportsbook and the franchise.

New Orleans Pelicans: Playing in the NBA Western Conference, the Pelicans are one of the newest teams in the league, having been founded in 2002. Initially playing as the New Orleans Hornets, the team changed its name in 2013.

Louisiana only has two major league sports teams, so many fans turn to franchises in Texas to support while watching the MLB and NHL. You can find some of the most popular teams below:

• College Sports

Grambling State Tigers: The Grambling State University Tigers play its rivals, the Southern Jaguars, every year in the Bayou Classic football game. This game is held at the Caesars Superdome. The football program has the second most black college national championships in the US.

Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks: The University of Louisiana at Monroe Warhawks have only won one NCAA team championship in its history when its football program was crowned champions in 1987.

Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns: Playing since 1901, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns’ football program won the New Orleans Bowl in 2012, 2014, and 2021.

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs: The Louisiana Tech University Bulldogs excel at powerlifting, winning 34 national titles at varsity level.

LSU Tigers: One of the most successful schools in the US, LSU Tigers’ football program has won four national championships. The Louisiana State University Tigers have also won 44 NCAA team national championships, making it the tenth most successful program in the US.

McNeese State Cowboys: There are 14 different varsity teams at McNeese State University, including cross country, basketball, and track & field.

New Orleans Privateers: The University of New Orleans Privateers have 12 varsity teams, including beach volleyball and basketball. The baseball program has produced some MLB talent like Randy Bush and Olympic gold medalist Joe Slusarski.

Nicholls Colonels: There has been various conference wins for the Nicholls State University Colonels across baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, and football. The team currently plays in the Southland Conference.

Northwestern State Demons: The Northwestern State University Demons’ fans have a special “fork ‘em” gesture used to cheer on the team. That includes the school’s football, basketball, and soccer programs.

Southeastern Louisiana Lions: Another team with a strong identity, fans of the Southeastern Louisiana University Lions use the “Lion Up!” gesture to support the team.

Southern Jaguars: Along with playing rivals Grambling State in the Bayou Classic, the Southern University Jaguars also has a rivalry with Jackson State University Tigers, known as the BoomBox Classic.

Tulane Green Wave: The Tulane University Green Waves have only won one NCAA team championship throughout its history. Triumph came in men’s tennis in 1959.

• Women’s Sports

There are no prominent women’s sports teams in Louisiana. However, almost every college program has women’s varsity teams that compete across several sports.

How Does Louisiana Compare to Other States?

• Market Coverage

Louisiana has excellent market coverage, with all major US sports and many international events available to bet on. In addition, the state has legalized college sports betting, including on in-state teams. Many states, such as New Jersey, do not permit betting on college teams from within the regulator state. eSports events are legalized on a case-by-case basis, with sportsbooks needing to request regulation from the Louisiana Gaming Control Board for every event.

• Competitive Odds & Prices

All online sportsbooks in Louisiana are available in many other states in the US. We checked the Louisiana markets against those available elsewhere, and we found no difference in the odds. Sportsbooks also offer the same generous odds boosts and promotions as in other states. For example, BetMGM offers daily odds boosts and some of the best odds on the PGA Tour and other major league sports.

• Gambling Revenue

Louisiana charges 15% tax on all online sports bets and 10% on retail wagers. The market hasn’t been live for long, but as of April 2022 the state had a total sports betting handle of $628,289,580. From the sportsbook revenue of $53,798,568, the state had taken $7,308,341 in taxes. This number is likely to increase rapidly, with Louisiana handling over $200 million in each of the two full months since online betting went live.

• Betting Taxes

The US Federal Revenue Code states that every sportsbook must pay an excise tax of 0.25% on the sports betting handle. The Revenue Code also requires sportsbooks to pay a $50 fee for every employee involved in taking bets.

All gamblers in the US must declare their winnings to the IRS when filling out tax forms. You may need to enter your winnings on a W-2G form. If you do, your sportsbook should send you this form. Sportsbooks can hold up to 25% of your winnings for tax purposes. All of these rules apply to many states in the US, but were ratified by the Louisiana Department of Revenue in its Notice of Intent (LAC 61: I. 1525).

Who Oversees Sports Betting in Louisiana

The Louisiana Gaming Control Board oversees all sports betting activities in the Pelican State. The board was established in 1996 as a part of the Louisiana Riverboat Economic Development and Gaming Control Act. Every sportsbook that wants a license to operate in Louisiana must pass the strict regulations set out by this regulatory body. The body is also responsible for ensuring sportsbooks continue to meet these standards after being licensed, collecting fines and sportsbook taxes, and promoting responsible gambling.

Some sports betting regulation in Louisiana falls under the jurisdiction of the Louisiana Lottery Corporation. The state lottery can license restaurants and bars that hold Class A liquor licenses to provide sports betting kiosks.