Online sports betting in Louisiana has gained massive popularity since its legalization in January 2022, allowing residents to wager on their favorite sports through licensed and regulated sites. The state provides an opportunity for bettors to test their sports knowledge and potentially collect a big payout.
The easiest way to find the best Louisiana sports betting sites is by browsing our regularly updated list of operators. You can also learn about tax laws, popular sports, and bonuses at legal online sportsbooks. But before that, start by picking a platform that suits your playstyle.
Analyzing and listing Louisiana online sports betting sites isn’t a simple task, especially in the constantly evolving sports betting industry. It requires checking every detail before deciding whether an operator matches our high evaluation standards. From trustworthiness to bonuses and betting markets, we leave no stone unturned. Below, we’ll reveal and briefly describe these main attributes:
Reputation and Trustworthiness
We start by evaluating the operator’s reputation and history. Here, we examine the parent company and its experience in the betting market. We also read countless customer reviews to verify their claims of fair play and determine if they are a worthy choice.
Safety and Security
Next, we check if the operators own valid sports betting licenses issued by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. This will show us if these LA sportsbooks offer their services legally in the state. We also ensure the platforms utilize the latest 128-bit SSL encryption software to safeguard your personal information.
Bonuses & Promotions
Most online sportsbooks in Louisiana offer at least a couple of bonuses. We analyze the promotions tab for the variety and value it brings to new and returning bettors. This is where we check all the crucial details written in the T&Cs, such as the wagering requirements and validity period for bonus bets.
Sports Betting Markets
Lastly, our team examines available betting markets by accessing a variety of events from all types of sports. We list operators that feature a wide selection of wagering options, including future and prop bets, for both major and niche sports.
Sports Betting Laws and Regulations in Louisiana
With the rapid growth of sports betting in the United States, many citizens wonder, “Is sports betting legal in Louisiana?”. The answer is “Yes,” residents can freely place in-person or online bets in the state.
In November 2020, voters from 55 out of 64 Louisiana parishes supported a referendum that approved the legalization of sports betting. While land-based sportsbooks began operating on October 7th, 2021, the first online betting site went live on January 28th, 2022.
Governor John Bel Edwards endorsed House Bill 697 and Senate Bill 247 in June 2021, setting up the state’s official regulatory and taxation framework.
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board became the state’s official regulator. Its main objectives are licensing operators and overlooking online and retail sports betting markets. According to the law, there can only be up to 40 licensed sportsbooks in this jurisdiction.
Anyone over the legal betting age of 21, located within Louisiana’s 55 parishes, can join such betting platforms. They can also place bets on mobile apps developed by one of the legal operators. Here is a list of LA territories that chose not to legalize sports betting:
Caldwell
Franklin
Winn
West Carroll
Catahoula
La Salle
Union
Sabine
Jackson
It’s worth mentioning that you cannot bet on politics and entertainment award ceremonies at Louisiana sportsbooks. However, residents can bet on sports, esports, and college events.
Louisiana Sports Betting Taxation
In Louisiana, sports betting revenue is taxed differently for online and retail sportsbooks. Winnings from retail outlets are taxed at 10%, whereas profits made on Louisiana sports betting sites come with a 15% taxation.
The total Louisiana sports betting handle across all sportsbooks amounted to $235 million, with the state generating $34.2 million in tax revenue in 2022 and $44.3 million in 2023. This is a 29.5% increase, showcasing rapid growth since the state legalized sports betting.
Bonuses and Promotions at Louisiana Sportsbooks
Betting bonuses and promotions at Louisiana sports betting sites have the power to persuade potential customers while encouraging punters to stay loyal.
From additional funds to bonus bets and no deposit offers, the best sportsbooks deliver a wide selection of bonuses bettors can use to maximize their wins.
However, all types of Louisiana sports betting promos come with certain unique features. Below, we’ll briefly describe only the most common ones.
Sign Up Bonus
A welcome bonus that you can only claim when making your very first deposit. This one-time promo usually rewards a deposit match or bonus bet, and rarely both. Beginners can use the bets or bonus credits to test the platform, while regular bettors can double their deposits for bigger wins. Remember, these offers come with wagering requirements.
Risk-Free Bets
This type of bonus bet returns your initial stake if you lose a wager. It’s the perfect promo for trying out a new sport or betting market without worrying about the money you spend. Some LA betting sites offer risk-free bonus bets as sign up promos, as they are the perfect welcome gifts.
Deposit Bonus
A very popular type of promotion that requires funds upfront before crediting a reward. It comes with a percentage that matches your initial deposit. For example, a 100% match bonus on a $100 deposit would give you an additional $100 to wager. Bettors must consider the maximum bonus amount, maximum stake limit, minimum odds, validation period, and wagering requirements.
No Deposit Promo
This rare yet sought-after offer is the opposite of a deposit bonus. A no deposit offer gives out a reward without requesting a minimum deposit. However, many such promotions require a promo code and come with high wagering requirements.
Loyalty and VIP Programs
You can find loyalty and VIP programs at most LA sports betting sites. These schemes are designed to reward the most frequent customers on the platform. You collect points from betting and advance through higher levels to enter the VIP club or unlock loyalty rewards. Each tier has unique privileges, such as bonus bets, gifts, higher cashout limits, and more.
Popular Sports to Bet on at Louisiana Sportsbooks
From local favorites to international tournaments, Louisiana betting sites offer a diverse range of sports for every type of bettor. Yet, some events attract the most attention among bettors. Many of them are the most popular competitions in the US, featuring prominent professional sports teams. Here are some of the biggest options for those looking to bet on sports in Louisiana:
Football (NFL)
Football is the most popular sport in Louisiana. It attracts a lot of fans as well as bettors from all around the state. The majority are interested in its local NFL team, the New Orleans Saints, which they support week after week.
This squad hasn’t been at its best in the past few years, as its last playoff appearance was back in 2020. However, residents remain hopeful for the team’s future, placing future bets on them winning the Super Bowl. Props on local players is another popular type of wagering.
Many bettors choose to gamble at Caesars Sportsbook, the official betting partner of the Saints. It’s one of the few Louisiana sports betting sites offering special promos that involve this team.
Basketball (NBA)
Bettors who live in Louisiana are also passionate about spectating and betting on basketball games, especially when the New Orleans Pelicans are playing. Despite being promising on the court, this team is still searching for its first championship trophy.
Some bettors often place futures on them reaching the playoffs or even winning the NBA finals. These types of markets usually come with big odds. Team and player props are popular markets offering pretty good payouts.
You should know that many Pelicans fans choose to wager at BetRivers, thanks to its partnership with the team. This collaboration often results in better, more competitive odds for this local squad, especially for future bets.
Baseball (MLB)
Despite not having a major baseball team, this sport is still popular among Louisiana residents. They cheer for various MLB sides located in the nearby states. Among the most followed squads are the neighboring Texas Rangers and Houston Astros.
According to state laws, bettors can engage in live betting and place wagers on baseball events. This includes moneyline, run line, totals, futures, and props.
Hockey (NHL)
Sports bettors in Louisiana diversify their wagers by placing bets on hockey. However, it’s still less popular than the NFL, NBA, and MLB since the state has failed numerous attempts to expand ice hockey in its territory. As a result, they don’t have a single team in the NHL.
However, local fans watch hockey games regularly, especially when the best teams are playing. Most of them support the Dallas Stars, a side located in the nearby state of Texas. It’s a very good squad that’s always among the best in the NHL.
Betting enthusiasts often back the Stars to win the Stanley Cup with future wagers. Experienced gamblers even place props on their favorite players, especially the highest goal scorers.
College sports
College sports betting in Louisiana is legal and highly admired among local punters. All NCAA competitions are thrilling and enjoyable to watch, especially when your local team is playing. Many residents even engage in live betting while they cheer for them to win.
However, you cannot place player prop bets on college athletes in this state. Apart from that, you’re free to wager on the local NCAA teams. Especially when so many good sides compete in Louisiana college sports. Among those worth mentioning are the following:
Louisiana State University Tigers
Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns
Tulane Green Wave
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
Tennis
In addition to popular US-based competitions, Louisiana bettors also show interest in international sports like tennis. Residents mostly follow Grand Slam matches and some of the bigger tournaments in the country, such as the US Open.
During these tennis events, local bettors often back American players. Sadly, there aren’t any top performers from Louisiana. Ryan Harrison was a great local pro who retired back in January 2024.
As for the types of bets, residents often back their favorites with moneyline or future wagers. Some like a bit more excitement and risk, so they shift towards props. Placing bets on the first game, exact scores, and total number of aces are also common among sports bettors.
Local Sports Betting Partnerships
To promote their brands to the public, Louisiana online sportsbooks often partner with local sports teams. By understanding these partnerships, bettors can take advantage of exclusive offers and potentially even meet their favorite athletes. In the table below, we list the top sponsorship deals in LA:
Betting Site
Local Partner
Year
Description
Caesars Sportsbook
New Orleans Saints
2021
A 20-year exclusive stadium name rights
BetRivers Sportsbook
New Orleans Pelicans
2022
Brand presence on the smoothie king center, including front-row courtside seats; rebranding of the Chairman’s Club courtside ticket holders and updating it with live odds boards
Caesars Sportsbook
LSU Tigers
2021
Brand presence throughout Death Valley; naming rights for the new Caesars Sportsbook Skyline Club at Tiger Stadium
Daily Fantasy Sports in Louisiana
In a 2018 referendum, residents from 47 out of 64 parishes in Louisiana voted to legalize Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS). Nowadays, many licensed LA operators include them in their offers.
DFS is a contest where you compete against other participants by building a team of real-life players while not exceeding a certain salary cap. When the events finish, each player will get a set of points.
The site will then accumulate them and show you the total amount you’ve generated during the contest. If you manage to collect the most points, the operator will reward you with a cash prize.
Remember, these are same-day or weekly competitions organized by top Louisiana sports betting sites. They are usually available in all major leagues, such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, and the NHL. Bettors usually include the best local players, regardless of how much they cost.
Louisiana Betting Apps
Mobile sports betting and sportsbook apps are also legal in Louisiana. Using smartphones to gamble on your favorite leagues is very popular in this state. As a result, every top online sportsbook has developed a dedicated betting app, typically available for both Android and iOS mobile devices.
To use it, you must first download and install the app from Google Play Store or the App Store. Most sportsbooks will often provide a link or QR code to help you find it much faster.
Louisiana sports betting apps are convenient not only because they offer the same sports, leagues, promotions, and payment methods but also because they facilitate quicker access. Besides, operators introduce exclusive sign-up deals such as bonus bets and no-deposit offers for mobile app users.
How To Place Sports Bets With Real Money in Louisiana
Placing a sports bet using real money in Louisiana requires following some simple steps you can complete in a few minutes. Here’s our guide that will help you get started:
Pick a Louisiana sportsbook: Start by joining a top LA sportsbook from the ones listed on this page. This step requires registering and verifying a betting account.
Deposit funds: Next, go to the “Deposit” area inside your sports betting account and choose a payment method. Then, type an amount you want to transfer and confirm the transaction.
Select a sports event: Go to the “Sports” section and look for your favorite sport. Next, you should browse all available events and pick the one you want to bet on.
Select a betting market: Check out the available betting options and decide which one to use based on your analysis. Avoid betting markets you are unfamiliar with.
Place the bet: Finally, enter an amount you want to wager and conclude the sports bet. Now, you should wait for the event to end to see if you’ve managed to win a payout.
Capitalize on Sports Insights at Louisiana Sportsbooks
Sports betting is slowly becoming a tradition in Louisiana despite only being legal for a few years. Residents can wager on all major sports, including the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB, although props on college games are excluded. From generous bonuses to a wide selection of betting markets and secure payment methods, the best Louisiana sports betting sites offer plenty for both new and seasoned bettors.
With a steady surge in market growth, more platforms continue to launch in Louisiana, making it crucial to find a reliable sportsbook. We have curated a list of safe and regulated betting platforms in Louisiana to give you access to the best sports betting experience online. Check our list of top-rated operators and start wagering today!
Louisiana Sports Betting FAQs
Retail and online sports betting in Louisiana has been legal since October 2021 and January 2022, respectively. The state legislation allows you to wager on all major sports and college events.
Yes, LA sports betting apps are legal in the state of Louisiana. You can easily engage in mobile sports betting by downloading an online sportsbook app, as almost every operator has one in stock.
Yes, almost every Louisiana sportsbook offers welcome bonuses to attract new users. All you need to do is register an account and make your first deposit.
Sportsbooks in Louisiana allow you to wager on almost all college events. However, you cannot use prop bets on these games.
You must be at least 21 to engage in legal online sports betting. Also, you must be within the borders of one of the 55 of 64 parishes that approve sports betting.
The tax on winnings made on Louisiana sports betting sites is 15%. As for income generated from wagering on retail sportsbooks, you must meet a taxation of 10%.
Yes, to engage in online betting, you must live in Louisiana. More specifically, you need to be in one of the 55 parishes where sports wagering is legal.
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