Best Louisiana Sportsbooks for Beginners & Experienced US Sports Bettors

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Top online sports betting apps in Louisiana

1

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FanDuel Sportsbook Review

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2

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Bet365 Sportsbook Review

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3

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In No Sweat Bets

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Fanatics Sportsbook Review

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4

Up to $1,500

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• Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win*

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• Use Bonus Code: PLAYLSR

BetMGM Sportsbook Review

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5

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New User Bonus. T&Cs Apply.

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DraftKings Sportsbook Review

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What’s happening in Louisiana sports betting right now

Louisiana sports betting snapshot

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 generally depends on what you’re looking for. Many of them offer top sportsbook promos, but here are the top picks in a couple of critical 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 NFL betting site 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: bet365. The bet365 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. FanDuel Louisiana

FanDuel Sportsbook has served people in Louisiana for many years through its DFS product, and now its sportsbook app is also available in the state. 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 that are quite popular with users.

• 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: Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets if your bet wins.

2. Bet365 Louisiana

The newest addition to the Louisiana sports betting industry, bet365 became the ninth legal sports betting app in the state in November 2023. The bet365 app is one of the best for live betting, as users can stream events live from the app. Daily bet boosts and super boosts coupled with the bet365 bonus code also make placing wagers with this UK brand enticing. The menu of available bets is about as deep as you’ll find in the industry. Navigating the app can sometimes be cumbersome, but users can personalize their display.

• App store rating: 4.7 (iOS), 4.5 (Android)
• Key takeaway: Great for live streaming, and plenty of bet boosts available
• Best feature: Personalized display
• Welcome bonus: Bet $5, get up to $150 win or lose OR a first bet safety net up to $1,000. Use the code LSRBET.

3. BetMGM Louisiana

Few sports betting apps offer a deeper list of sports to wager than BetMGM Sportsbook. Once you’ve placed a bet, the app provides additional flexibility through its “edit my bet” option that allows users to swap out bets, add items to their slip, or even cancel entire legs in some cases. 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 in bonus bets paid back if your first bet does not win.

4. Fanatics Sportsbook Louisiana

Fanatics Sportsbook launched in August 2024 and is Louisiana’s newest sports betting site. Owned by retail giant Fanatics, the sportsbook is expanding quickly nationwide and boasts several unique features that set it apart from competitors. One feature, FanCash, can be acquired through the app’s sportsbook promos, and it gives users the option to use the funds either to place bets or purchase merchandise from the retail store. The app also curates a personalized “Discover” page with promos, games or rewards catered to the user.

• App store rating: 4.7 (iOS), 3.5 (Android)
• Key takeaway: New app with some interesting features
• Best feature: FanCash.
• Welcome bonus: Bet and get up to $1,000 in bonus bets.

5. DraftKings Sportsbook Louisiana

DraftKings Sportsbook is a trusted name in the United States sports betting space, offering a great platform for Louisiana users. DraftKings provides a smooth and personalized betting experience. One feature is its seamless integration with DraftKings Rewards, allowing users to earn points and crowns on every wager, which can be redeemed for site credits or access to special promotions.

• App Store Rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.6 (Android)
• Key Takeaway: A proven app with a healthy amount of features and betting options.
• Best Feature: DraftKings Rewards program.
• Welcome Bonus: Get up to $1,350 in bonuses.

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:

1. FanDuel promo code: Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets if your bet wins. No code necessary; click to claim.
2. Bet365 bonus code: Bet $5, get up to $150 win or lose OR a first bet safety net up to $1,000. Use the code LSRBET.
3. BetMGM bonus code: Up to $1,500 in bonus bets paid back if your first bet does not win. Use the code PLAYLSR.
4. Fanatics sportsbook promo: Bet and get up to $1,000 in bonus bets. No code necessary; click to claim.
5. Draftkings promo code: Get up to $1,350 in bonuses. No code necessary; click to claim.

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, allowing you to try the sportsbook without risking your own funds.
• Deposit bonus — With a deposit bonus, the sportsbook matches either all or a portion of a deposit — usually your first one, like the DraftKings promo code offer of a 20% match up to $1,000. You’ll receive this bonus in site credits that you cannot withdraw as real money until you satisfy a playthrough requirement.
• Loyalty program — Loyalty programs are available at 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 with those points can vary. In some cases, you may be able to get bet boosts or bonus bets, but in others you may be able to use your points for things like items from the sportsbook’s online store. The Caesars Sportsbook promo codes and rewards are some of our favorites.

Full list of Louisiana sportsbook apps

This is every sportsbook app active in Louisiana as of May 2025:

• Bet365
• BetMGM Sportsbook
• BetRivers Sportsbook
• Caesars Sportsbook
• ClutchBet Sportsbook
• DraftKings Sportsbook
• ESPN Bet
• Fanatics Sportsbook
• FanDuel Sportsbook

New Louisiana sports betting apps

Although there are several options already active in Louisiana, the list of sports betting sites in the Pelican State could still 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:

• Betfred — Already operates a retail sportsbook at Paragon Resort and could add an online version.
• Golden Nugget — Connected to Golden Nugget Lake Charles, and the parent company (Landry’s) is headquartered in nearby Houston.

Retail sports betting locations in Louisiana

In addition to the online sportsbooks in the state, there are 19 in-person sports betting locations in Louisiana. Below is a list of all the retail sportsbooks in Louisiana as of May 2025.

10 quick facts about Louisiana sports betting

1. 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.
2. Louisiana sports betting became legal in June 2021. Gov. John Bel Edwards signed a trio of bills to usher online and retail sports betting into the state.
3. Retail sports betting launched in October 2021.
4. Retail sportsbooks can operate at riverboat casinos, racetracks, and the lone land-based casino in the state.
5. Online sports betting debuted in January 2022.
6. In the first full year of sports betting in Louisiana, bettors wagered a total of $1.8 billion.
7. 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.
8. You must be 21 or older to wager on sports in Louisiana.
9. 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 have approved sports betting.
10. Super Bowl 59 will take place in New Orleans on Feb. 9, 2025. Take an early look at how to bet on the Super Bowl.

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.

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:

2024: Fanatics launched on Aug. 15, becoming the state’s ninth online sportsbook.

ClutchBet launched in January.

Betway Sportsbook announced it would exit the US market, including Louisiana.

The Louisiana Gaming Control Board banned prop bets on individual college athletes

2023: The state generated about $32 million in sports betting revenue in 2022, the first full year for legal betting.

Betway and bet365 launched.

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 eight 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 19 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