The best sports betting sites in Louisiana 2023
Looking to start online sports betting in Louisiana? Then you’ve come to the right place. Our shortlist and expert guides to sports betting can provide you with all you need to start betting safely and legally with verified sportsbooks on the sports you love the most.
Our top recommended Louisiana sportsbooks
Sites for Louisiana bettors to avoid
As the number of legal Louisiana online sports betting options continues to rise, the temptation to wager with unlicensed offshore operators should decrease. Our list of sites to avoid contains examples of brands that have offered poor service to players, who have little or no legal recourse in response. These include occasions when customers have had trouble receiving payouts, for example.
Top online sportsbooks in Louisiana
Some of the most recognized online sportsbooks in the USA are now offering their services to Louisiana sports betting customers. That ensures there is a high standard of customer service and wagering options available in the Pelican State.
Barstool
Barstool made its name as a provider of sports content, and became known for its controversial opinions. That edgy tone has been carried over into its evolution into the online sports betting space in Louisiana and elsewhere – there is always plenty of eye-catching content to accompany the wagering experience with Barstool.
Given that it is now the sports betting arm of Penn National Gaming, Barstool is well represented in Louisiana. There are Barstool retail sportsbooks at five locations – each casino in the state is allowed to operate both a retail and an online betting license.
Barstool offers a solid choice of sports to wager on, and a reasonable depth of markets on each. It also has an unusual take when it comes to bonuses and rewards; you can win promotional branded merchandise alongside traditional bonuses.
FanDuel
FanDuel is now established as one of the leading names in American sports betting. This has been achieved by obtaining a license to offer an online sportsbook in a host of states where wagering has been legalized.
That is only part of the story, however. FanDuel created a huge presence with its exploits in Daily Fantasy Sports, and leveraged that profile cleverly and quickly when the opportunity to diversify into sports wagering presented itself.
The FanDuel online sportsbook and app is widely regarded as one of the best in the business. It is extensively user-friendly, making it an ideal destination for a novice bettor, while experienced customers will enjoy the vast range of sports on offer.
In short, FanDuel ticks all the boxes. Its offers are plentiful and generous – such as the bonus bet of up to $1,000 – and there are a host of live betting opportunities on offer.
DraftKings
The history of DraftKings, and its climb to the top of the US sports betting tree, closely mirrors that of its long-time Daily Fantasy Sports rival FanDuel. When the opportunity for states to run a licensed sports betting market arrived, DraftKings was well placed as a leading DFS operator.
Louisiana sports betting customers will find an excellent betting experience at DraftKings. It is especially well regarded for the quality of its mobile app.
DraftKings is also highly innovative in the degree of personalization it offers. When you sign in to your account, you will be offered potential wagers that suit your betting history and preferences.
BetMGM
Agility and ingenuity are two of the characteristics most associated with BetMGM, which moves fast when an opportunity to launch in a new state arises. It was no surprise that this was one of the first brands to start accepting business in January 2022.
BetMGM comes to Louisiana online sports betting with serious history. It represents a link-up between casino giant MGM Resorts International and Entain, which owns several respected UK sports betting brands.
BetMGM offers a broad choice of sports to bet on, some great bonuses including a bonus bet of up to $1,000, and a much-admired rewards program. There is also a focus on innovation, including Edit My Bet. This means you can alter the terms of a wager even when the action has got under way.
Caesars
Caesars operates several casinos in Louisiana and is also the sponsor of the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. So it is fair to say the brand can rely on a high profile in the state when it comes to Louisiana sports betting.
The sportsbook went live as soon as sports betting in Louisiana launched in January 2022, backed by its usual bold marketing campaign and a selection of excellent bonuses and promotions. These begin with the insurance on your first bet of up to $1,100.
Caesars also delivers a broad choice of wagering options when it comes to a wide selection of sports and the number of markets available according to your favored way of staking money on an event. The brand is also known for offering highly competitive odds, which makes it a favorite with experienced bettors who look for that extra value from their betting.
BetRivers
Louisiana is home to more than 120 casinos, so its people are not strangers to the concept of gambling. They might be less familiar with the Rush Street Interactive brand, a casino name more at home in the north-eastern USA. However, BetRivers – the sportsbook arm of Rush Street – was one of the first sportsbooks to take advantage of the legalization of Louisiana online sports betting.
BetRivers offers new customers 100% match on any initial deposit up to a limit of $250. This is backed up with several other compelling promotions for existing players to enjoy, as well as the iRush Rewards program for regular customers.
The desktop version of the BetRivers sportsbook is particularly well regarded – and, of course, if you like to mix your sports betting with some casino action, there is access to an excellent choice of casino games.
WynnBET
The name Wynn is most commonly associated with the casino world. But, like many other famous brands in that space, it is making impressive inroads into the sports betting arena.
WynnBET is live in Louisiana thanks to a partnership with the Horseshoe Casino, and it is interesting to note that the Pelican State is one of those where the WynnBET sportsbook is available only via the mobile app and not a desktop website.
The range of sports available to customers at WynnBET is not broad, but the quality of the experience of wagering through the company’s app is well regarded. There is a bright and breezy quality to the interface, plus plenty of regular bonuses and promotions.
Experienced players will appreciate offers such as regular bonus bets for dedicated players and reduced-juice hours that deliver a slice of extra value to those placing a wager in that time.
Sportsbook finder
Which sport are you most interested in?
Popular sports to bet on in Louisiana
Louisiana sports betting fans have plenty of great local action to spark their wagering interest. This is the least populous state to have more than one professional team in the big four leagues.
Football (NFL)
The New Orleans Saints represent Louisiana at the highest level of football, which is the most popular sport across the nation. The Saints enjoyed an emotionally charged Super Bowl triumph in 2010, highlighting the state’s recovery from the ravages of Hurricane Katrina. They have been regulars in the playoffs in recent seasons too, ensuring a consistent level of support among passionately committed fans and beyond. Betting on the NFL is seriously big business at all times, and the Super Bowl is believed to be the event on the annual sporting calendar that generates the largest number of wagers in the world.
Basketball (NBA)
Basketball is a sport that generates considerable betting interest among fans. Its high-scoring nature and breaks in play encourages plenty of in-play wagering, over/unders and other prop bets. The length of the NBA season, and its high profile across the nation – especially around the NBA Finals – also contributes to a steady level of investment. Louisiana hoops fans have their own NBA team in the shape of the New Orleans Pelicans, who have played under that name in the city since 2013. They were previously known as the Hornets, following that franchise’s relocation from Charlotte in 2002.
Baseball (MLB)
The huge number of stats baseball generates, plus the frequent breaks in play, makes it ideal for an in-play bettor who has an opinion on what might happen next. The sport also occupies a high profile through a long regular season that features a large number of games. The World Series still attracts crowds but without a Major League team in the state, Louisiana baseball fans look across the border to the Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers for a semi-local team to support.
NCAA Football
College sport attracts huge levels of support across the USA. Louisiana has numerous programs with football teams at the highest level of the game. They include the LSU Tigers, one of the most successful sides in the history of college football. In many states, there are restrictions on wagering on college sports because of the relative youth of the participants. Happily for fans of the Tigers and other Louisiana college teams, there are no such restrictions on wagering in the Pelican State, which ensures a high level of wagering interest in the leading NCAA action.
Golf
Golf is a sport that has become increasingly popular from a wagering perspective in recent years. Advances in digital technology have made it far easier to bet during play, while the number of potential prop bets available is substantial. Also, this is a sport that goes on throughout most of the year – and each tournament lasts four days and has a big number of players to choose from. The biggest local tournament is the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, held each year at TPC Louisiana. Some of golf’s biggest names have won an event that dates back to 1938.
Soccer
Wherever you go in the world, you will find soccer players and fans. This is a sport that inspires the passions of millions of followers – and, as a result, there is always an extremely high level of interest in wagering on it. The MLS’s credibility has led to the recruitment of a generation of new supporters across the USA. Also, the ability to wager on the biggest European leagues, plus events such as the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA Champions League, leads to serious betting numbers when it comes to soccer.
Horse Racing
Horse racing is a sport that tends to stand alone when it comes to wagering. Louisiana is home to four racetracks that also have casino facilities on site – hence their being known as racinos. Pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing in Louisiana has been legal since 1940, and the history of racing in the state dates back as far as 1872. Many of the Louisiana online sports betting operators include horse racing in their schedules. It is also possible to bet on top races from around the world, including the UK, Ireland, Australia, France and the UAE.
Louisiana sports betting facts
In terms of legalized sports betting, Louisiana is a relatively recent entrant to the US scene, having gone live in January 2022. Nevertheless, there have already been some extremely impressive results from wagering in the Pelican State.
500,000+
the number of the state’s 4.5million residents estimated to have opened a sports betting account by April 2022
55
the number of the state’s 64 parishes where sports betting is legal
$237.7m
the amount wagered with Louisiana sportsbooks in March 2022
21
the legal gambling age in Louisiana
Bet types and markets
You may have many different ways of enjoying Louisiana sports betting. For instance, there may be times when you want a single bet; at other times, you may want to place a parlay. The quality of the sportsbooks available in the Pelican State should ensure you are able to find bets and markets that suit you.
- Straight bets
- Parlay bets
- Live bets
- Point spreads
- Over/unders
- Proposition bets
The alternative name for a single is a straight bet. You have one opinion on a sporting event and you want to place a wager on it. This is often the first wager a new bettor will place, largely because it is such a simple transaction.
Bonuses and promotions
In a competitive environment such as Louisiana online sports betting, operators will use every device at their disposal to attract and retain customers. One method of standing out from the crowd is by offering a host of bonus offerings – especially a welcome offer that really catches the eye.
| Bonus | Bonus description |
|---|---|
Welcome bonus | New players should be rewarded for registering for an account by receiving a healthy welcome offer – such as a bonus bet or a boost to your initial deposit. Check the terms so you receive the maximum benefit. |
No-deposit bonus | Even before you have placed your first dollar in your new account, some operators will beat you to it with a no-deposit bonus. This is a great way to get your wagering off to a start without it costing you a cent. |
Bonus bets | Also known as "risk-free bets" - an extremely popular, and simple, way of giving new customers a slice of real value is a bonus bet. If your first wager wins, you get your return as normal; but if it loses, you get your stake back as an extra bet. |
Cashback | The circumstances in which you get money back from a sportsbook include a voided event. It can also happen if you have parlay insurance and receive your stake back if just one of your selections lets you down. |
Enhanced odds | This is such a common feature that many operators have a section of their website dedicated to it. By boosting the odds about a certain outcome, the players who wager at that price get a bigger return than they otherwise would. |
Loyalty offers | Regular customers who bet often with the same sportsbook should expect to get bonuses in the form of loyalty reward schemes – you may even be invited to join a VIP program where the exclusive benefits can be particularly generous. |
Legal sports betting in Louisiana
The story of the legalization of Louisiana sports betting is distinctly unusual, because it does not actually include the entire state.
Efforts to make sports betting legal began in the wake of the US Supreme Court’s 2018 decision to throw out the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act. However, it was not until November 2020 that a question over legalization was put to voters across the state.
In 55 out of the 64 parishes in Louisiana, the vote was in favor of legalization. That means there are nine parishes where sports betting is still not allowed. However, through 2021 the state worked to create an apparatus that allows sports betting in the other 55.
Twenty of the casinos and racinos in the state are allowed a retail and online betting license, while it is also expected that the Louisiana Lottery will launch a sports betting product. That means there could ultimately be 41 different places to place wagers on sports in the state.
Retail sports betting began in October 2021, and the first online sportsbooks went live in January 2022 – and $40.5million was staked online in the first four days of mobile sports betting.
What is the legal sports gambling age in Louisiana?
The legal gambling age in Louisiana is 21.
Are Louisiana sports betting winnings taxable?
In common with all other states in the USA, bettors should expect to pay tax on any gambling winnings. Regulated sportsbooks will withhold 25 per cent of any big wins against your future federal tax bill; there will also be a smaller state tax to pay. The most important piece of advice is that you should keep a record of all your wins and losses to ensure an accurate annual tax return.
Is all sports betting legal in Louisiana?
Unlike some states, there are no limitations on betting on college sports in Louisiana, even on teams based in the state, like the LSU Tigers. The only major restriction is on political events; US sportsbooks are not allowed to offer markets on local, national or international elections.
Sports betting and online casinos in the US
Find the latest online gambling legislation updates for your state below.
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How we rate the best sports betting sites
As the number of Louisiana online sports betting options grows, choosing the right one for you will become more challenging. Fortunately, we have a team of experts with experience in assessing online gambling locations. They weigh up every licensed operator using a long list of factors, which include:
As the number of Louisiana online sports betting options grows, choosing the right one for you will become more challenging. Fortunately, we have a team of experts with experience in assessing online gambling locations. They weigh up every licensed operator using a long list of factors, which include:
Security: You need to be sure your data and all your transactions are safe at all times
Bonuses: Players should expect a good welcome offer – and plenty of ongoing bonuses
Markets: There should be a broad choice of sports, and of ways to wager on them
Mobile: Finding, and placing, bets through your mobile device should be quick and easy
Banking: You should be able to deposit and withdraw funds using a method that suits you
Support: Customer support should be easily accessed, and give a quick and expert service
Responsible gambling
For most people, Louisiana sports betting will be a harmless and enjoyable leisure activity. The vast majority of players have no problem staying in control of their gambling. However, it is important that licensed operators encourage responsible wagering at all times, because for a minority of customers it can cause issues. There are several principles that you should always apply.
Do not place a bet when you are emotionally upset, or have been drinking
Do not place more money on a wager than you can afford to lose
Do ask for help if you become worried that you are betting beyond your means
Do take a look at the information on our links about gambling responsibly
FAQs
Can I bet on sports online in Louisiana?
Yes, you can. Louisiana online sports betting was legalized for the majority of the state in the 2020 referendum. The first online sportsbooks began taking bets in January 2022 and there could ultimately be up to 40 mobile sports betting apps in Louisiana.
Who oversees Louisiana sports betting?
All forms of gambling, including Louisiana online sport betting, are regulated by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, which has its headquarters in Baton Rouge.
Is mobile sports betting available in Louisiana?
Yes, it is. All the regulated online have either dedicated mobile apps or access to their website through a mobile browser. It is essential, however, that you are located in one of the 55 parishes where Louisiana online sports betting is allowed. Geo-location technology used by mobile sportsbooks ensures you will not be able to place a wager in the other nine.
Can I bet on LSU and in-state college teams in Louisiana?
Yes, you can. In some states, no wagering is allowed on college teams. In others, there are restrictions on betting on college programs based in that state. However, there are no such limitations in Louisiana. That means you can legally wager on the LSU Tigers and the many other top-quality college teams based in the Pelican State.
Do I need to be a resident of Louisiana to bet online?
No, you do not need to be a Louisiana resident to place a sports bet online here. However, you will need to be physically located within the boundaries of the state – and, more importantly, within one of the 55 parishes where sports betting is permitted under Louisiana gambling law.
Which parishes don’t allow mobile sports betting in Louisiana?
In the November 2020 poll that saw the majority of parishes in the state vote in favor of sports betting, nine out of the 64 voted against. Accordingly, sports betting is not allowed here. The nine parishes in question are located in the rural north-east of Louisiana, well away from any casinos or other gambling venues. The nine parishes in question are: Caldwell, Catahoula, Franklin, Jackson, La Salle, Sabine, Union, West Carroll, and Winn.
