Sports betting in Louisiana has been legal online/on mobile and in retail settings since October 2021. Check out the best betting sites for bettors in the Pelican State.
The Best Louisiana Sports Betting Sites – June 2024
More on Louisiana Sports Betting
- Louisiana Sports Betting
- Louisiana Sports Betting FAQs
- Top Louisiana Sports betting sites ranked
- Retail Sportsbooks in Louisiana
- History of Louisiana Sports Betting
- Louisiana Sports Teams to bet on
Louisiana Sports Betting
Online sports betting was finally made legal in Louisiana in January 2022, ending the long process of bringing internet sportsbooks to the Pelican State.
The bills legalizing sports betting were signed by Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards in June 2021, with the first retail sportsbooks coming in October 2021. The initial licenses for online sportsbooks were then granted by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board in January 2022, with the first betting apps and websites launching the same month.
| Online Sports Betting | Yes |
| Mobile Sports Betting | Yes |
| Retail Sports Betting | Yes |
| Minimum Age | 21+ |
- Read up on all the legal sports betting states
Louisiana Sports Betting FAQs
Is sports betting legal in Louisiana?
It is now completely legal to bet on sports in Louisiana thanks to the recent changes in legislation.
Governor John Bel Edwards signed the bills to legalize sports betting into law in June 2021, with the first retail sportsbooks coming in October 2021. This was then expanded in January 2022 when the first legal online sports betting apps and websites were launched to Louisiana residents.
However, there are still nine parishes who did vote to allow sports betting to take place in their jurisdiction. This means players in these areas will not find a local sportsbook or be able to place a bet online while located inside them.
Who governs sports betting in Louisiana?
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board are responsible for overseeing sports betting in the Pelican State. They handle the administrative side of granting licenses to operators, along with ensuring compliance so that sports bettors can play in a safe and fair environment.
Where can I bet on sports in Louisiana?
There are currently six licensed online sports betting apps in Louisiana, with the Louisiana State Lottery expecting to also offer online sports betting in the near future. These are available across the Pelican State, however are geo-blocked in the nine parishes who voted against allowing sports betting.
Alternatively, there are currently 15 retail sportsbooks open in the Pelican State for people who prefer to place their bets and watch the action in person. There is room for expansion here too, with some commercial and tribal casinos still without sportsbook partners.
How old do you have to be to bet in Louisiana?
The legal age to place a bet at a sportsbook in Louisiana is 21 years of old. There are no current plans to review this age restriction.
However, the state’s horse racing tracks still allow limited betting options for 18-year-old residents.
What sports can I bet on in Louisiana?
Fans are free to back their favorite teams and players from across all of the major sports leagues. College player props are legal in the state at the moment, but the Louisiana Gaming Control Board will ax the practice starting in August 2024. The ban will only apply to individual games, leaving players free to bet on season-long markets and awards like the Heisman Trophy.
Our top Louisiana Sports betting sites
- BetMGM – Top ranked sportsbook
- FanDuel – High value lines
- Caesars – Strong promotions and bonuses
- DraftKings – Statistics based approach
- ESPN BET – Tremendous welcome offers
- BetRivers – Cash out features
- bet365 – Best profit boosts
Check Out the Best Sports Betting Sites and Apps
- Check out the best sports betting sites
- Download the best sports betting apps
7. Bet365
| App | Live betting | Streaming | Same game parlay | Refer a friend bonus |
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Bet365 is the latest sportsbook to enter the LA sports betting scene. New users who sign up can unlock one of the two following offers; Get a First Bet Safety Net up to $1,000 OR Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets with bonus code NYP365. Bet365 just entered Arizona as well.
- Check out the bet365 Bonus Code
6. BetRivers
| App | Live betting | Streaming | Same game parlay | Refer a friend bonus |
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
BetRivers is a well-rounded sportsbook that will offer Louisiana residents everything they’ll need to get started now that online sports betting is legal in the Pelican State.
There are a wide variety of bonuses and promotions, along with options to either build parlay bets or take BetRivers’ own selected lines. The best feature, though, is the “Buy-Out” option, which allows players to cash out their bets early in exchange for reduced returns.
- Check out the BetRivers Bonus Code
5. ESPN BET
The worldwide leader in sports had entering the ring of sports betting and is now live in Louisiana!
ew users can score big when they sign up with the promo code NYPOST. With the promo code, new users can get a first bet reset of up to $1,000 if their initial wager loses.
Note that you must enter the promo code NYPOST to be eligible for the welcome offer.
- Learn more about the ESPN BET promo code
4. DraftKings
| App | Live betting | Streaming | Same game parlay | Refer a friend bonus |
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
DraftKings may have started out in fantasy sports, but they are now a fully-fledged sportsbook in their own right. You will find a full selection of sports and lines to bet on here, along with a comprehensive range of bet builders and special parlays.
The current DraftKings welcome offer lets new users bet and get $300 in Bonus Bets – Instantly! Use the module above to get started.
The best feature on the DraftKings sportsbook is how easy they make it to look at the statistics around a particular event. With the click of a button you can see a full stat breakdown without having to move to a new window, making it perfect for those who prefer to lead with their head over their heart.
3. Caesars
| App | Live betting | Streaming | Same game parlay | Refer a friend bonus |
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Caesars is one of the premier names in the gambling industry, forging their reputation in the heart of Las Vegas. Since purchasing British sportsbook William Hill, they have now brought their decades of experience to the world of online sports betting.
As you can expect from a brand whose history is firmly rooted in hospitality, the bonuses and promotions Caesars offer are among the best available. There will be something which fits in with the preferences of of any sports bettor.
There are also a huge number of parlay options, both pre-selected and for players to build, along with daily lines with boosted odds. Caesars also have a leading one game parlay builder, allowing you to tailor your bet to exactly how you’d want for any event.
- Claim the Caesars Promo Code
2. FanDuel
| App | Live betting | Streaming | Same game parlay | Refer a friend bonus |
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
FanDuel made its name in the fantasy sports world, however it has since successfully launched a market leading sportsbook.
What really makes FanDuel stand out from other online betting options is its value, as when compared side-by-side the lines available often give slightly better returns. They also offer a wide range of fades, parlays, and bet builders across their complete catalogue of sports, meaning that every sports bettor will be able to find the line they want.
New users on FanDuel can place a bet of $5 and get $150 in bonus bets IF your first bet wins. However, that’s not all as you’ll get a boost or bonus every day!
- Grab the FanDuel Promo Code
1. BetMGM
BetMGM Promotional Offers Not Available in Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Washington DC, Ontario, or Puerto Rico
| App | Live betting | Streaming | Same game parlay | Refer a friend bonus |
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
BetMGM have quickly become the leading online sportsbook in America, and with the legalization of online gambling in Louisiana are now able to offer their services to residents of the Pelican State.
By using the BetMGM exclusive bonus code NYP1600, BetMGM’s new customer offer lets new bettors get an exclusive 20% deposit match worth up to $1,600 in a sports bonus. This means that if you deposited $300, you would get a $60 in sports bonus, and so on up to $1,600 (meaning $8,000 is the max initial deposit for this offer). This offer also has a 10x wagering requirement.
There is a complete selection of sport from both America and around the world to bet on, with specialist lines available on most games to ensure you’ll be able to find the exact bet you want. Thanks to the great design on BetMGM’s website and app, this range of choice is never overwhelming and the markets are easy and intuitive to navigate.
There is a generous selection of promotions and bonuses available for players, along with leading tools for building parlay bets. BetMGM also offer daily special bets, with some being give the Lion’s Boost to offer even better odds.
*This offer is not available in NY, KY, & DC.
Offer not available in NY, PR, or NV
- Check out the BetMGM Bonus Code
ESPN BET: Live in Louisiana
PENN Entertainment recently handed over their betting market to ESPN, which launched with ESPN BET on November 14, 2023. Already a huge name in sports news and entertainment, ESPN BET will compete with top sportsbooks in the country. They’ve got deep pockets, and that means that the spend will extend to advertising, partnerships, and you guessed it– promo codes.
- Check out the ESPN BET promo code
Louisiana Sports Betting Promo Codes
With online sports betting becoming completely legal in Louisiana in January 2022, there are now multiple licensing options for players to sign up for. Here are the top welcome offers from the best sportsbooks that have been granted licenses to operate in the Pelican State.
Retail Sportsbooks open in Louisiana
Thanks to the large number of existing casino locations in Louisiana, it has been quick and easy for a large number of retail sportsbooks to be established since they were made legal in October 2021. Currently, there are 15 locations around the Pelican State.
| Sportsbook | Location |
| FanDuel Sportsbook | Amelia Belle Casino |
| The Rez | Coushatta Casino Resort |
| FanDuel Sportsbook | Delta Downs Racetrack |
| FanDuel Sportsbook | Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino |
| Draftkings Sportsbook | Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Harrah’s Casino New Orleans |
| Betfred Sports | Paragon Casino Resort Marksville |
| Caesars | Horseshoe Bossier City Hotel & Casino |
| FanDuel Sportsbook | Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino |
| FanDuel Sportsbook | Treasure Chest Casino |
Latest Louisiana Sports Betting News
The January 2022 launch of legal online sports betting has been an instant hit in Louisiana, with 3.6% of the adult population using an online sportsbook during the first 36 hours. This breaks the previous record for engagement, which stood at 3.3% of New Yorkers placing a bet during their opening weekend of legal online sports betting.
The 3.6% of Louisianians who used an online sportsbook during those initial 36 hours also mean the state ranks above other new markets such as Indiana, Colorado, and Tennessee.
State regulators will now wait to see how much this increases the total bet handle, and in turn revenue, for the state. In December 2021, the last month before online sports bets were introduced, retail sportsbooks handled $39.5m in bets.
The History of Louisiana Sports Betting
Gambling has long been legal in Louisiana, with the Pelican State home to 24 casinos already. These are distributed between being land-based and traditional riverboat casinos.
When the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was struck down in May 2018, opening the door for states to decide their own sports betting laws, Louisiana moved fast to introduce legislation.
The initial bills introduced in 2019 by Senator Danny Martiny struggled to gain traction, however his cause was taken up in 2020 by Senator Cameron Henry. Sen. Henry’s bill was eventually put on the ballot in November 2020, and was approved in 55 of Louisiana’s 64 parishes.
Governor John Bel Edwards signed these bills into law in June 2021, with the first retail sportsbook opening in October 2021. In January 2022, the first license holders were finally allowed to offer legal online sports betting in Louisiana.
Louisiana Sports Teams to bet on
While there are only two professional sports teams based in Louisiana, sports bettors in the Pelican State are able to bet on in-state collegiate sports. This applies for both online sports betting as well as retail sports books.
There are a number of states who do not allow in-state college betting, meaning residents miss out on backing their local college teams. There are no such restrictions in Louisiana, though, meaning you are free to back the LSU Tigers. Starting in August 2024, Louisiana bettors won’t be able to wager on college props for individual games.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints have called Louisiana home since their formation in 1967, and have occupied their Caesars Superdome home in the heart of the city since construction was completed in 1975.
The Saints originally struggled when they joined the league, taking until 1987 – a full twenty years since their debut – to make their first playoff appearance. It was an even longer wait for their first Division championship, which came in 1991.
However, the New Orleans Saints became a powerhouse after making the decision to hire the pair of head coach Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees in 2006. They brought the Saints their only Super Bowl victory in 2009 and kept the team in perpetual playoff contention throughout their time with the team.
The Saints are currently entering a new era, though, with Brees retiring in 2020 and Payton in 2021.
New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans have a complicated history, having originally been founded in 2002 when the Charlotte Hornets moved to Louisiana.
The New Orleans Hornets were then displaced in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, spending two seasons as the combined New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets between 2005 and 2007.
Despite originally being seen as a continuation of the old Charlotte Hornets, that history was returned to become the foundation of the Charlotte Bobcats, leaving New Orleans’ official formation date as 2002. This decision to return the history to the Bobcats was also behind the name change, with team becoming the New Orleans Pelicans in 2013.
With their identity now more settled, the Pelicans will look to move forward and work on bringing home their first NBA Championship.
Louisiana State University Tigers and Lady Tigers
While there are multiple Division 1 college sports programs in Louisiana, none are more revered than the mighty Louisiana State University Tigers and Lady Tigers.
Their most successful sports programs are their women’s track and field teams, which have 11 Indoor and 14 Outdoor national championships. However, by far their most beloved sports teams are by far the football and men’s basketball teams.
LSU Tigers Football
The LSU Tigers have four claimed national championships: 1958, 2003, 2007, and 2019. However, perhaps their greatest legacy is on the professional game. Current Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is one of three Tigers to be taken with the number one overall draft pick, along with being one of 39 first-rounders.
The Tigers have had 319 players drafted into the NFL in total, with six being voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The team also has ten players and five coaches in the College Football Hall of Fame, along with a sole member of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.
LSU Tigers Men’s Basketball
The LSU Tigers have only ever secured one national championship, with that success coming back in 1934. However, that does not mean that the program’s best days are behind it.
The LSU Tigers have been becoming an ever-increasing presence during March Madness, making it into the round of 32 in both 2019 and 2021. In 2019 the Tigers even made it to the Sweet Sixteen, and they will be hoping that this refound success on the national stage will start to build them back towards a second national title.