Sports Betting in Louisiana: A Comprehensive Guide
Legalization and Regulatory Framework
Louisiana officially legalized sports betting following the passage of legislation in 2021, and retail sportsbooks began launching in October of that year. Online and mobile sports betting platforms became operational in January 2022. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) oversees regulation and enforcement of both retail and online sportsbooks. Importantly, not all of the state’s 64 parishes allow sports betting—only 55 voted to approve it during the 2020 ballot referendum.
Retail and Online Sportsbooks
Retail sportsbooks can be found at licensed riverboat casinos, racetracks, and land-based casinos such as Harrah’s New Orleans. These locations feature full-service betting lounges equipped with odds boards, betting kiosks, and teller windows. For those preferring to wager remotely, several online sportsbooks have entered the Louisiana market, including:
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- Caesars Sportsbook
- BetMGM
- Barstool Sportsbook
- BetRivers
Each of these platforms offers a mobile app and desktop site, allowing residents within eligible parishes to bet on sports events from anywhere inside the state.
Types of Bets Available
Louisiana bettors can engage in a wide array of betting options, such as:
- Moneyline
- Point spreads
- Totals (over/under)
- Parlays
- Teasers
- Same-game parlays
- Live/in-game betting
- Futures bets (e.g., Super Bowl champion, MVP)
College and professional sports are both fair game, including football, basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis, MMA, and more. However, there are some restrictions on prop betting for college sports.
Taxes and Revenue
Sports betting winnings in Louisiana are subject to both federal and state income taxes. Winnings over $600 are typically reported by sportsbooks to the IRS. The state also collects tax revenue from sportsbooks: 10% from retail betting and 15% from online operations. These funds are allocated to early childhood education, local governments, and responsible gaming programs.
Geolocation and Responsible Gaming
Online sportsbooks employ strict geolocation technology to ensure users are physically located within one of the 55 approved parishes. Bettors must enable location services on their devices to place a wager. Louisiana also takes responsible gambling seriously, offering statewide self-exclusion lists and requiring licensed operators to provide access to tools for deposit limits, time limits, and activity monitoring.
Age and ID Requirements
The minimum age to participate in sports betting in Louisiana is 21. Both retail and online sportsbooks require identity verification. When signing up online, users must submit their name, date of birth, Social Security number (or last four digits), and proof of residence.
Popular Sports and Events for Betting
Given Louisiana’s strong sports culture, especially around college football and the NFL, some of the most heavily wagered events include:
- New Orleans Saints (NFL) games
- LSU Tigers (NCAA Football and Basketball)
- Super Bowl
- March Madness
- College Football Playoff
- NBA Playoffs and Finals
- MLB World Series
Seasonal promotions and boosted odds often coincide with these events, offering additional value to bettors.
Future Outlook
As the market matures, more sportsbooks may enter Louisiana, and innovations such as micro-betting and expanded in-play markets are likely to become standard. Partnerships between sportsbooks and local sports teams or venues could further integrate sports betting into the state’s entertainment economy.
Final Thoughts
Sports betting in Louisiana offers both in-person and mobile options to eligible residents in participating parishes. With strong regulatory oversight, competitive sportsbooks, and a passionate sports fan base, Louisiana continues to establish itself as a prominent player in the U.S. sports betting landscape. Whether you’re wagering at a casino in New Orleans or through a mobile app in Baton Rouge, the state provides a robust and accessible betting experience.
