Louisiana Sports Betting – Best Sportsbook Offers 2023
Lousiana sports betting is live, with seven active sportsbooks in the state. Each online sportsbook offers welcome bonuses to new and existing bettors, including deposit bonuses, odds boosts, and loyalty programs.
Top online sports betting apps in Louisiana
Contents
What’s happening in Louisiana sports betting right now
- Aug. 30, 2023 — The Queen Baton Rouge Casino, the first land-based casino in Baton Rouge, is now open to the public. The casino includes a DraftKings Sportsbook with 20 kiosks and four betting windows.
- Aug. 23, 2023 — The state announces that Louisiana sports betting handle hit $134.7 million in July, a 14% increase year-over-year. However, July’s revenue ($18.2 million) took a 13% drop year-over-year.
- Aug. 14, 2023 — WynnBET is officially offline in Louisiana. There are now seven legal online sports betting sites in the state.
- Aug. 11, 2023 — Just one day after announcing it was launching a new and improved app in some states, WynnBET announces that it will cease operations as soon as possible in Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Louisiana, New Jersey, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
- Aug. 10, 2023 — WynnBET launches a new and improved sports betting app in six states, including Louisiana. Existing WynnBET users can access the app with the same information they used previously.
- July 21, 2023 — The state announces that Louisiana sports betting handle fell to $160 million in June, down 17.3% from May. June’s total was the lowest for the state since August 2022.
- July 12, 2023 — The owner of the Belle of Baton Rouge riverboat casino is reportedly beginning the process of converting the riverboat’s land-based atrium into a hotel and casino.
Louisiana sports betting snapshot
| Is online sports betting legal in Louisiana? | Yes. Online sports betting has been legal in 55 of the 64 parishes in Louisiana since January 2022. The law originally allowed for as many as 41 online books to launch, but with the state lottery later announcing that it would likely not be partnering with an online sportsbook, that would make the maximum 40 instead. |
| What sportsbook apps are available in Louisiana? | BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, BetRivers, Barstool and PointsBet. |
| What sports can I bet on at Louisiana sportsbooks? | All major sports, both pro and college, are available for wagering. |
| Who is allowed to bet in Louisiana? | Anyone who is 21 or older and inside one of the 55 parishes where it’s legal can bet. Geolocation software will verify a bettor’s location. |
Comparing Louisiana’s top sportsbooks
There is no objective measure for determining which Louisiana sportsbook is the best. Although we have our preferences, the decision will generally boil down to what you’re looking for. Many of them offer top sports betting promotions, but here are the top picks in a couple of key areas:
- Best Louisiana sportsbook for niche sports: BetMGM. BetMGM Sportsbook is a good place to go for options. The major sports are available, of course, but BetMGM also offers wagering on some lesser-known contests, including snooker, cricket, and lacrosse.
- Best sportsbook for competitive odds: FanDuel. The sportsbook has made a name for itself with some of the better odds available. It also has an innovative and easy-to-use app to complement its odds, making it a worthy option for live betting, as well.
- Easiest Louisiana sportsbook app to use: BetRivers. The BetRivers app has aspects aimed at both beginners and experienced bettors. The design is clean, and the structure is intuitive, making it easy to find information. It also consistently earns top scores from users for its features and usability.
1. BetMGM Sportsbook
Few books offer a deeper list of sports on which to wager than BetMGM. Once you’ve placed a bet, the app provides additional flexibility through its “edit my bet” option. Even some clunkiness with the app design is not enough to detract from the advantages of using BetMGM.
- App store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.4 (Android)
- Key takeaway: Use BetMGM if you want off-the-beaten-path options
- Best feature: Edit my bet
- Welcome bonus: Up to $1,500
2. BetRivers Sportsbook
BetRivers Sportsbook is not a household name in Louisiana, but it has plenty to offer bettors in the state. Like most top books, BetRivers has a long list of sports on which you can bet. It also has a feed that displays big betting wins. On the downside, the app itself is not terribly flashy and can be slow to use.
- App store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.2 (Android)
- Key takeaway: Standard app with good variety
- Best feature: Winners’ feed in main lobby
- Welcome bonus: Up to $500
3. FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel has served people in Louisiana for many years through its DFS product, and now its sportsbook app is available in the state, as well. You are unlikely to find an easier-to-navigate app, regardless of whether you are an experienced bettor or a beginner. FanDuel also has a long list of same-game parlay options every day.
- App store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
- Key takeaway: Smooth navigation makes for a quality experience
- Best feature: Same-game parlays
- Welcome bonus: $200
New online sportsbooks in Louisiana
Although there are several options already active in Louisiana, the list of sports betting sites in the Pelican State will likely continue to grow. Some books have already made their intention to launch in the state clear. Here is a list of the ones we believe could launch in Louisiana:
- Betway — According to Super Group’s Q3 earnings call, Betway could be the next sportsbook ready to launch in Louisiana, potentially at some point in 2023.
- Betfred — Already operates a retail sportsbook at Paragon Resort and could add an online version.
- ClutchBet — Has secured market access with Louisiana Downs and expects to launch in 2023.
- FOX Bet — Has a market access deal with Caesars (Eldorado Resorts), which owns three properties in Louisiana.
- Golden Nugget — Connected to Golden Nugget Lake Charles, and the parent company (Landry’s) is headquartered in nearby Houston.
Best Louisiana sports betting bonuses and how to get started
Getting started with sports betting in Louisiana is a simple process. Choose a sportsbook, register to create an account, add money to your account, and start betting. However, before you pick a sportsbook, consider the welcome bonus each one offers. Here are some details for a few books, along with any relevant bonus codes:
- BetMGM bonus code: Get up to $1,500 back in bonus bets if you don’t win. Use code PLAYLSR.
- BetRivers bonus code: Use the code LSRRIV to get a second-chance bet for up to $500 if your first wager loses.
- FanDuel promo code: Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets. No code necessary.
It’s important to understand what the welcome bonus lingo can mean. Here are the most common types of introductory bonuses you may come across:
- No deposit bonus — This puts either site credits or bet vouchers into your account right after you create it. This allows you to try the sportsbook without risking your own funds.
- Deposit bonus — With a deposit bonus, the operator matches either all or a portion of a deposit. You are awarded this bonus in site credits and can not redeem them for cash until you satisfy a playthrough requirement.
- Loyalty program — Loyalty programs are available with most Louisiana sports betting apps, but they will offer different benefits. All will keep track of your accumulated points as you place wagers, but what you can redeem those points for will differ. In some cases you may be able to get bet boosts or bonus bets, but in other you may be able to use your points for things like items from the sportsbook online store. Event invitations, hotel stays and free meals are also sometimes available if you bank enough points.
10 quick facts about Louisiana sports betting
- Legal sports betting received approval in Louisiana in November 2020 after 55 of the state’s 64 parishes approved a ballot measure to allow wagering on sports inside their borders.
- Louisiana sports betting became legal in June 2021. A trio of bills received a signature from Gov. John Bel Edwards to usher online and retail sports betting into the state.
- Retail sports betting launched in October 2021.
- Retail sportsbooks can operate at riverboat casinos, racetracks, and the lone land-based casino in the state.
- Online sports betting debuted in January 2022.
- In the first full year of sports betting in Louisiana, bettors wagered a total of $1.8 billion.
- The law originally would have allowed the Louisiana Lottery to offer online sports betting kiosks at bars, restaurants, and truck stops around the state. However, that likely won’t happen as the organization has abandoned looking for a sports betting partner.
- You must be 21 or older to wager on sports in Louisiana.
- It is not necessary to be a resident of Louisiana to bet on sports, but you must be in one of the 55 parishes that approved sports betting.
- Most of the nine parishes to reject sports betting are in the northeastern part of the state.
What to expect at a legal Louisiana sportsbook app
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board maintains regulatory control over every legal sportsbook in the state. If you have any issues that you cannot resolve, you can turn to the LGCB if there’s a problem or if you’re concerned about your funds or account security.
In addition, playing at legal books puts you in a position to benefit from the competition between them. Because you can always switch over to a different app at any moment, sportsbooks go out of their way to bring you on board and keep you happy.
Louisiana sports betting law and regulations
Although several legislators in Louisiana worked to move various bills forward, the main catalyst for sports betting in Louisiana occurred due to an item on the ballot in November 2020.
Each parish in the state voted independently about whether to allow sports betting. Just one parish voting yes would have obliged the Legislature to create sports betting laws. As it turned out, the vast majority of Louisiana parishes approved. Only nine of the 64 parishes declined to proceed, and none of the nine are home to any of the major gambling venues in the state.
The Legislature responded to the vote in 2021. Lawmakers used three enabling pieces of legislation to establish legal sports betting in the state. Here are some of the specifications in the statutes:
- 20 locations are eligible for sports betting licenses — 15 riverboat casinos, four horse tracks and one land-based casino.
- Each license allows for both retail and online sports betting.
- As many as 40 online sportsbooks are possible, as the online license permits two skins per licensee.
- Online and retail books have tax rates of 15% and 10%, respectively.
In addition to the commercial licensing, the Louisiana Lottery also gained a broad sports betting permit for both retail and online outlets. However, the state lottery announced in May 2023 that it will likely not be partnering with a sportsbook and doing that.
Full list of Louisiana sportsbook apps
This is every sportsbook app active in Louisiana as of October 2023:
- Barstool Sportsbook
- BetMGM Sportsbook
- BetRivers Sportsbook
- Caesars Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- PointsBet Sportsbook
Louisiana non-betting parishes
You can bet on sports online anywhere in Louisiana aside from the nine parishes that declined to authorize the practice. With the exception of Sabine Parish, most of these parishes are in northeastern Louisiana, away from most of the gambling locations in the state. However, election results indicate that the decision not to allow sports betting was no slam dunk, with most of the referenda failing by a 52-48 margin or less. If you happen to live in or are visiting one of the following parishes, you won’t be able to bet:
- Caldwell
- Catahoula
- Franklin
- Jackson
- La Salle
- Sabine
- Union
- West Carroll
- Winn
Louisiana sports betting history
Talk about sports betting picked up in Louisiana shortly after the US Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act in May 2018. However, it took the state three years, several attempts, and an undeniable prod from most of the state’s voters before legislation, regulation, and launches could occur in Louisiana. Now, more than 80% of the parishes in the state have options for sports betting, either through apps, retail sportsbooks or both. Here’s a brief history of the main steps:
2023: The state generated about $32 million in sports betting revenue in 2022, the first full year for legal betting.
2022: Online sports betting begins in Louisiana in late January. The first full month of wagering was one of the largest to date, with more than $238 million in wagers in February. The figure, undoubtedly bolstered by the Super Bowl’s presence in New Orleans, declines slowly into the months of July and August to a handle of $171 million. The start of the NFL season pushes those numbers back up, however, with regulators reporting an October handle of $255.5 million — the state’s highest to date.
2021: After months of preparation, retail sports betting debuts in Louisiana in October. The first sportsbook to receive a wager is the Paragon Casino Resort, a tribal casino in Marksville, which took a bet from former Saints star Joe Horn on Oct. 6. Commercial betting begins on Halloween at Harrah’s New Orleans.
2020: State Sen. Danny Martiny, who led initial efforts to legalize sports betting in Louisiana, leaves office due to term limits. Several other lawmakers take up the mantle from Martiny and present their own proposals, but few gain the traction to make any waves in the Capitol. In the end, a move by state Sen. Cameron Henry succeeds in placing the issue on the ballot for voters ahead of the November election. The issue is to be decided on a parish-by-parish basis. Louisiana voters respond favorably in 55 of the state’s 64 parishes, which means lawmakers will need to move forward with sports betting legislation.
2019: Attempts to make sports betting legal in Louisiana fail on the final day of the legislative session despite furious efforts from their supporters. The chief supporter of the bill farthest along in the process is Martiny, who hopes that his SB 153 will serve to legalize sports betting at the state’s casinos and racetracks. However, lawmakers opposed to the legalization of sports betting attach several poison-pill amendments, including an unpopular proposal to legalize video poker parlors.
Popular sports to bet on in Louisiana
Louisiana is an interesting state for popular sports teams. For one thing, it is the least-populous state with two representatives from major sports leagues. For another, despite the presence of several Division I universities in the Pelican State, one school’s teams stand above the rest in terms of fandom across Louisiana: LSU. The Tigers are one of the more popular football programs not just in Louisiana but across North America, with national championships in 2003, 2007, and 2019.
Here are the most popular teams for betting in Louisiana:
- NFL: New Orleans Saints
- NBA: New Orleans Pelicans
- NCAA: Louisiana State University Tigers, plus 11 other Division I universities
In addition to the teams that play in Louisiana, the state is also home to several annual events of note, including three bowl games and a PGA Tour event (Zurich Classic of New Orleans). The Caesars Superdome is also a frequent host for March Madness, sometimes the Super Bowl, and several other major games and events.
Louisiana sports betting FAQ
Is sports betting legal in Louisiana?
Yes. Online sports betting has been legal and available in 55 of the 64 parishes in Louisiana since January 2022. There are currently more than a dozen retail sportsbooks and seven legal online sportsbooks.
Is Bovada legal in Louisiana?
No. Bovada, BetOnline, and other sportsbooks that claim to be legal in Louisiana are not. Instead, they are offshore sportsbooks headquartered and doing business outside of the United States. Bovada, for example, is in Curaçao, while BetOnline works out of Panama. Because these books are outside the country, they do not have to comply with US laws and bear a host of potential problems for American users.
With so many legal options in Louisiana, there’s no reason to take a chance on one of these offshore books.
Where can I bet on sports in Louisiana?
First and foremost, you can place a bet online legally in 55 Louisiana parishes. The state is also home to 20 retail sportsbook locations at riverboat casinos and racetracks. Some of those locations include Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino, Delta Downs Racetrack, and Hollywood Casino Baton Rouge.
How old must you be to bet on sports in Louisiana?
You must be 21 or older to bet on sports at a legal Louisiana sportsbook. It is not necessary to be a resident of Louisiana, but you must be inside state lines — and in one of the parishes where betting is legal — when you make your wager.
Is horse betting legal in Louisiana?
Yes. There are four live racing venues and associated betting facilities located in the Pelican State. In addition, people in Louisiana may place wagers on horse races via online horse betting sites like TVG.
Can I play DFS in Louisiana?
Yes, it is legal to play daily fantasy sports in Louisiana. However, as with sports betting, it depends on the parish. In the case of DFS, only 47 of the parishes in the state approved the activity. You’ll need to check the results from your parish to see if you can play. As a general rule, parishes in the northern and central portions of the state were the ones to reject the proposal, but it’s best to confirm before you try to play.
Resources on Louisiana sports betting
If you want more information or have a specific question we didn’t cover, here are some resources that should have the answers.
- Louisiana Gaming Control Board — the Louisiana government agency tasked with overseeing and regulating sports betting
- Sports wagering catalog — a PDF from the gaming board to answer frequent questions about the laws, rules, and regulations governing sports betting in Louisiana
- LA sports wagering — statutory language pertaining to the authorization of sports betting
- NOLA.com — conglomerate news site that joins The New Orleans Times-Picayune and The New Orleans Advocate as the top “print” resource in the New Orleans area
- The Advocate — Baton Rouge-based newspaper that serves as the largest daily newspaper circulating in Louisiana
- The Shreveport Times — top news outlet in the Shreveport area and northwestern Louisiana
- The Daily Advertiser — top news outlet for Lafayette