Louisiana Sports Betting: A Comprehensive Guide to Legal Wagering
Explore the legal landscape of sports betting in Louisiana, including available apps, welcome offers, and regulatory details.
Sports betting is legal and operational in most of Louisiana, with mobile wagering having launched on January 28, 2022. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board oversees the industry, which permits online betting in 55 of the state's 64 parishes for individuals aged 21 and older.
Nine parishes in Louisiana do not permit sports betting: Caldwell, Catahoula, Franklin, Jackson, La Salle, Sabine, Union, West Carroll, and Winn. Voters approved sports wagering in the 55 participating parishes in November 2020, and the enabling legislation, Senate Bill 247, was signed into law in June 2021. The first retail sportsbooks opened on October 7, 2021.
Top Louisiana Sportsbooks
Bettors in Louisiana can choose from nine legal sportsbook apps, each offering unique features and promotions. FanDuel Sportsbook is noted for its user-friendly interface, competitive lines, and early cash-out options, though it lacks a loyalty program. BetMGM Sportsbook offers strong odds, daily 'Lion's Boosts,' and an 'Edit My Bet' feature, alongside its MGM Rewards program. Bet365 is praised for its extensive international market, early payout options, and flexible bonus bet wagering, but can have strict verification processes.
Fanatics Sportsbook features the FanCash rewards system and allows for low withdrawal amounts, with a convenient search function and personalized app options, though its bonus bets have strict time windows. TheScore Bet integrates well with its media company origins, offering quick stat updates and frequent promotions through its PENN Play Rewards program. It also provides favorable lines for tennis bettors but may experience navigation delays.
Welcome Offers and Sign-Up Process
New users in Louisiana can access exclusive welcome offers from sportsbooks, which often include bet-and-get deals, deposit bonuses, or profit boosts. These promotional funds typically have expiration dates, so users should monitor their validity. A 'bet-and-get' offer provides bonus funds for a small initial wager. Deposit bonuses match initial deposits, either fully or partially. Profit boosts enhance winnings on specific wagers.
To sign up for a sportsbook in Louisiana, users must download the chosen app, provide personal information, and undergo verification and location checks. Funds can then be deposited, and welcome offers claimed, often during the sign-up process. Wagers can only be placed when physically located within the state's legal betting parishes.
Betting Markets and Rules
The primary professional sports teams for bettors in Louisiana are the NFL's Saints and the NBA's Pelicans. College sports, particularly LSU, are also popular betting options. While wagering on college sports is permitted, betting on college player props is prohibited.
Retail Sportsbooks
In addition to mobile apps, sports betting is available at numerous licensed casinos and racetracks across Louisiana. These locations include Caesars New Orleans, Horseshoe Bossier City, Horseshoe Lake Charles, Louisiana Downs Casino & Racetrack, Paragon Casino Resort, Coushatta Casino Resort, Delta Downs, Evangeline Downs, Treasure Chest Casino, Sam's Town Hotel & Casino, Amelia Belle Casino, Boomtown Casino Hotel Bossier City, Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans, L'Auberge Casino Hotel Baton Rouge, L'Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles, Margaritaville Resort Casino, Bally's Shreveport Casino & Hotel, Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, and Fair Grounds OTB & Casino.
Responsible Gambling Resources
Louisiana offers several resources for those seeking assistance with problem gambling, including the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline, the National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-522-4700), Gam-Anon, Gamblers Anonymous, and the Louisiana Gaming Control Board's Voluntary Exclusion program. The Louisiana Problem Gamblers Help Line can be reached at 1-877-770-7867.