Online sports betting in Louisiana adds a new layer to the state’s passionate sports scene. Since its launch in January 2022, Louisiana’s legal sports betting market has handled more than $6.5 billion in wagers. With nine legal online sportsbooks and new bonuses launching regularly, the Bayou State has quickly become a betting hub down south.
Last updated: 30 July 2025, 12:50PM
We are here to help Louisiana bettors bet smarter. Whether it's recommending the best Louisiana sports betting sites or informing them about the tax laws, bonuses, and popular sports, we’ve got it covered. Scroll down to see which platforms are worth your time (and money) this year.
Every bettor in Louisiana deserves a sportsbook that’s secure, fair, and easy to use. Our team uses strict evaluation standards to separate the legit Louisiana online sports betting sites from the rest. Here’s how we do it:
Legal betting in the state begins with approval from the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. We ensure each operator holds the required sports betting licenses and, more importantly, complies with local betting laws, tax regulations, and responsible gaming standards that protect Louisiana residents.
Some online sportsbooks in Louisiana have experienced serious issues, including scams, fake accounts, and delayed withdrawals. We investigate operator history and confirm that tools like multi-step authentication, encryption, and secure payout rails are in place.
Next, we evaluate the variety and frequency of bonuses. Our in-house team looks for deposit matches, insurance bets, profit boosts, and parlay perks. These promos can help build your bankroll, so we prioritize offers that benefit both new users and regular players over time.
Our review process includes comparing betting markets and actual prices across top LA sportsbooks. We look at NFL spreads, NBA totals, futures, and daily prop lines to see which books consistently offer better value. Better prices mean better long-term returns.
A sportsbook should run smoothly without draining your phone or testing your patience. We install every app to check ease of navigation, layout under pressure, and size (in MB) for mobile storage. Whether you’re wagering live or browsing odds on desktop.
We don’t just scan bet types, we use them. Our team places real wagers on totals, props, and niche sports to judge depth and execution. We won't recommend the sportsbook if the options are weak or hard to access.
The legalization of sports betting in Louisiana didn’t just happen overnight. It started in 2020, when voters in 55 of 64 Louisiana parishes gave it the green light during a statewide referendum. It wasn’t until June 2021, though, that things became official. That’s when Governor John Bel Edwards signed off on House Bill 697 and Senate Bill 247, laying the groundwork for both online and retail sports betting.
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board handles oversight, which approves and monitors licensed sportsbooks. Today, 17 land-based sportsbooks and 9 online betting site partnerships are live across approved regions.
A few LA territories opted out during the 2020 referendum. In total, nine Louisiana parishes chose not to legalize sports betting within their borders. These include: Caldwell, Catahoula, Franklin, Jackson, La Salle, Sabine, Union, West Carroll, and Winn.
That means no in-person or online bets in the state can be placed from within these areas, even through bets on mobile apps.
The legal betting age in Louisiana is 21, and unless you’re physically inside a parish that voted yes on sports betting, you’re out of luck. Louisiana sportsbooks do allow wagers on college games, but props involving local players or coaches remain off-limits. The state also draws a clear line regarding betting on politics, high school sports, and award shows; those markets simply aren’t offered.
May 22, 2025 – The Louisiana House passed House Bill 639, increasing the online sports betting tax rate to 21.5. However, the retail sportsbook tax remains unchanged at 10.
June 9, 2025 – Louisiana’s Senate approved HB 639, sending the tax bill to Governor Jeff Landry. The increase aims to help close a $338.9 million budget shortfall and boost funding for college sports.
July 22, 2025 –Mobile betting revenue climbed to $442.6 million for the fiscal year, marking a 23 year-over-year jump. On the other hand, retail sportsbooks dropped 16, showing a clear shift toward online wagering in Louisiana.
If you win money betting in Louisiana, it must be reported on your federal tax return. Winnings over $5,000, or 300 times your wager, are hit with a 24 federal tax. The state also taxes gambling income between 1.85 and 4.25, depending on how much you make. Meanwhile, operators of online and retail sportsbooks pay 10 on retail earnings and 15% for revenue from Louisiana sports betting sites.
As for the numbers: the Louisiana sports betting handle reached $2.9 billion in 2023 and crossed $3 billion in 2024, generating over $370 million in sports betting revenue. Louisiana’s operator tax is among the highest in states with legalized sports betting, particularly for mobile platforms. On the other hand, personal tax rates for bettors tend to fall somewhere in the middle.
Online Sports Betting Launch | January 28, 2022 |
Retail Sports Betting Launch | October 31, 2021 |
Legal Betting Age | 21 |
Licensing Authority | Louisiana Gaming Control Board |
Sports Betting Apps (Online) | Yes |
Online Sports Betting | Yes |
Retail Sports Betting | Yes – Available at licensed casinos and racetracks in approved parishes |
Online Casinos (iGaming) | No |
Remote Registration | Yes |
Esports Betting | No |
College Sports Betting | Yes, but no prop bets on individual college athletes |
State Population | 4.6 million |
2024 Betting Handle | Over $3 billion |
Tax Rate on Winnings | 1.85–4.25 state income tax + 24% federal withholding on qualifying wins |
Operator Tax Rate | 15 on online revenue, 10 on retail revenue |
Whether you're brand new or already placing bets, LA betting sites regularly offer bonuses to keep things interesting. Below, we’ve highlighted the most common promos and what you should know before opting in:
Also known as sign-up bonuses and promotions at Louisiana sports betting sites, these are typically designed for new users. The best sportsbooks use these to help players explore their platform. Often issued as bonus bets or deposit matches, these Louisiana sports betting promos give casual and first-time bettors a solid starting point.
Risk-free bets aren’t technically “risk-free,” but they do return your stake as bonus credit if your first bet loses. LA sports betting sites offer this to attract cautious bettors. It helps try out a new betting market, though any refund typically has usage restrictions.
One of the most common Louisiana sports betting promos, this bonus tops up your opening deposit by a certain percentage, but there’s usually a cap. For instance, a 100% match on a $100 deposit adds another $100 to your account, but that bonus won’t exceed a set limit.
Some Louisiana sportsbooks offer no-deposit bonuses or promo credits simply for signing up. They’re super rare, but valuable for testing the betting market. Just expect higher-than-usual wagering requirements before you can withdraw anything.
It’s worth enrolling in a loyalty program if you're betting regularly. Many Louisiana sports betting sites offer tiered rewards systems where you earn perks like bonus bets, exclusive promos, or faster withdrawals. Popular options include Caesars Rewards and BetMGM’s loyalty program.
Thanks to a passionate sports culture and competitive betting markets, there’s no shortage of ways to bet on sports in Louisiana. Whether college rivalries or professional sports teams, every top Louisiana betting site offers action-packed options for local fans. Here’s a closer look at the most popular picks among local fans:
The NFL is easily the most popular sport in Louisiana, and betting on the local NFL team, the New Orleans Saints, has become a weekly tradition. With Caesars Sportsbook serving as their official partner, fans often get access to exclusive Louisiana sports betting promos tied to game days.
Whether you're eyeing a spot in the playoffs or putting a futures wager on the Super Bowl, early odds typically offer the best return for sharp bettors.
If you live in Louisiana, chances are you’ve placed a bet or two on basketball, and although the New Orleans Pelicans haven’t claimed a championship trophy yet, they’ve had promising runs that keep fans hopeful. It’s common to see future bets on them winning the NBA Finals, alongside active in-game betting and player props on leading Louisiana betting sites and apps.
There are no major baseball teams in the state, but that doesn’t stop Louisiana residents from following nearby clubs like the Texas Rangers and Houston Astros. Most Louisiana sportsbooks offer full access to live betting and unique prop markets on baseball.
If you’re placing wagers on baseball events, platforms like BetMGM often run exclusive, team-specific offers, especially around big matchups or interleague rivalries.
The Dallas Stars ended last season with over 100 points and one of the top defensive records in the West. That performance hasn’t gone unnoticed by sports bettors in Louisiana, many of whom follow their games closely. If you're new to hockey betting,
It might be smart to start with simple markets like moneyline or total goals, especially when backing them to win the Stanley Cup.
College sports betting in Louisiana is legal, though there’s one catch: player prop bets on college athletes aren't allowed. Still, the state has a rich lineup of Louisiana college sports programs. The Louisiana State University Tigers, the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns, Tulane Green Wave, and the Tech Bulldogs each have loyal fan bases.
Whether it's bowl season or March Madness, there’s no shortage of value when betting on spreads or totals in NCAA competitions.
It’s not just team sports that get attention; Louisiana bettors also show strong interest in tennis, especially during Grand Slam matches. The US Open tends to be the biggest draw, but other US-based competitions like Indian Wells or even European majors also generate betting activity.
Even though there’s no current local standout, bettors enjoy wagering on markets like set scores, match winners, and prop bets such as total aces.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) are permitted in most parts of Louisiana, but the law depends on where you live. The state allows DFS in 47 of its 64 parishes, thanks to a 2018 referendum. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board regulates participation, and licensed LA operators must comply with that patchwork jurisdiction.
This creates a bit of a grey area, as you might be able to register from a non-approved parish, but you can’t join paid contests until you’re physically in a parish that voted yes. Top Louisiana sports betting sites offer a wide range of DFS contests. These include salary-cap formats and pick ''em-style games that cover all major leagues, from the NFL to MLB and the NBA. DFS users in eligible parishes can join head-to-head challenges, tournaments, and 50/50s with flexible entry fees. At its core, DFS is a contest, not a traditional bet. You’re not dealing with point spreads or odds here. Instead, you’re building lineups with virtual budgets and hoping your picks outperform the field.
Many locals enjoy tracking the best local players from Louisiana schools or pro teams, adding a personal touch to their daily fantasy lineups. It's an easy entry point for sports fans new to real-money gaming.
Getting started with real-money betting in Louisiana is easy. Just follow these steps to place your first wager at legal sportsbooks:
1. Pick a Louisiana Sportsbook
First up, you need to pick a top LA sportsbook listed on this page, which is all licensed by the state and will check your location through GPS tech. You’ll also need to be 21 or older to participate.
2. Deposit Funds
After creating your sports betting account, add funds to the deposit section. Most Louisiana platforms support debit cards, e-wallets like PayPal, or online banking. Typical minimum deposits range from $10 to $20.
3. Select a Sports Event
Now, click on the “Sports” tab to browse events. You’ll find everything from NFL games to local college matches. If you’re following Louisiana teams like the Saints or Pelicans, this is where you’ll see them listed along with odds and game details.
4. Select a Betting Market & Place the Bet
Once you’ve found a matchup you like, choose a market such as the moneyline, spread, or totals. Enter your wager amount and hit “Place Bet.” That’s it, your real-money wager is live, and you’ll get notified of the results after the event ends.
Mobile sports betting is fully legal in Louisiana, and sportsbook apps have quickly become the preferred way for locals to place wagers. Just about every top online sportsbook operating in Louisiana offers a dedicated betting app, giving users instant access to odds, bets, and promotions right from their phones. Here are the best sportsbook apps available in Louisiana today:
Sportsbook | iOS Rating | Android Rating |
DraftKings Sportsbook | 4.8 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 |
FanDuel Sportsbook | 4.9 / 5 | 4.7 / 5 |
BetMGM Sportsbook | 4.7 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 |
Caesars Sportsbook | 4.6 / 5 | 4.5 / 5 |
ESPN Bet Sportsbook | 4.9 / 5 | 4.8 / 5 |
Louisiana sports betting apps can be downloaded directly from the App Store for iOS users or Google Play for Android users. Some operators also provide quick links or QR codes on their websites for easier access. These apps often come up with exclusive promos and typically offer similar features as compared to the desktop sites.
The pre-existing passion for sports has only helped a fast-growing betting scene since its official launch in Louisiana. Locals love the convenience of mobile apps and the chance to bet on both home teams and national leagues through reliable betting platforms in Louisiana.
Just keep in mind that not all parishes are eligible, and some rules limit what you can bet on, especially in college sports. Even so, the best Louisiana sports betting sites make up for it with great betting markets, mobile bonuses, and helpful support. Ready for the best sports betting experience online? Choose your sportsbook and get started today.
FAQs - Louisiana Sports Betting