Louisiana Betting Laws & Guide

Louisiana is unique in the sports betting world. The state legislature has fully opened sports betting to the entire state. However, there are Louisiana residents who can’t bet from the comfort of their homes. Ultimately, the 64 parishes of Louisiana got to determine if sports betting was approved or not within their jurisdiction, the first state to have such implementation.

Is sports betting legal in Louisiana?

Yes, sports betting is fully legal in Louisiana at the state level as of January 2022. On October 31, 2021, retail sports betting launched in the state, allowing people to place wagers at select locations. January 28, 2022, was the day that online sports betting opened up in Louisiana, with six sites being available at launch.

Most of the parishes have approved sports betting, but there are still some, where you can not bet, while in them.

What betting sites are legal in Louisiana?

While legally, there could be up to 41 online sportsbooks in Louisiana, there are only seven operating in the state at the moment.

BetMGM

BetMGM is one of the most known and trusted brands in the sports betting industry. They offer a wide range of sports and odds. They’re trustworthy and an excellent choice for anyone.

Caesars

Caesars was the first sportsbook to take a legal bet in Louisiana. They offer arguably the best promo for new users, along with a top-notch rewards program. Their developed live-betting functionality and partnership with LSU have helped them emerge as a top player in Louisiana.

FanDuel

One of the biggest and best sportsbooks in the nation, FanDuel has been available in Louisiana since day one. Their mobile app is considered one of the best, and customers love their same-game parlay options.

DraftKings

The DraftKings app is highly regarded as it is slick, secure, and easy to use. As a company rooted in Daily Fantasy Sports, they’ve made sure to keep those offers easy to access in the app as well.

WynnBET

WynnBET isn’t known for offering a flashy app, but they compete with the other more captivating apps anyway. They offer competitive odds and are simple to use compared to some of the offers from other sportsbooks.

BetRivers

This sportsbook is for Rush Street Interactive, BetRivers was available since mobile betting was launched in Louisiana despite primarily being a casino company prominent in the northeastern US. They offer great loyalty and rewards programs for their customers.

Barstool

Known more for their media company, Barstool has been in the mobile sportsbook game as well, including a day-one launch in Louisiana. They offer unique promos and experiences on their app due to the Barstool Sports connection. They also have many retail betting locations in Louisiana.

Louisiana Sports Betting Rules and Regulations

The requirement for bettors in Louisiana is that you must be at least 21 years of age. From there, you can bet at any retail location with valid proof that you’re legally allowed. To sign up for an online sportsbook, you’ll typically be asked to provide the following information:

1. Name
2. Email
3. Date of birth
4. SSN
5. Phone number
6. Address
7. Password

Betting in Louisiana provides availability for all of the most popular betting options, including:

1. Moneyline
2. Spreads
3. Totals (over/under)
4. Props
5. Futures

Unlike other states, there are no restrictions on betting on college games in Louisiana. NCAA football and basketball are currently available, with expansion to other sports coming soon.

As mentioned, Louisiana is unique in that each parish (synonymous with counties in other states) has control over sports betting. So far, 55 of the 64 parishes have gotten the vote on legal sports betting. The nine parishes that don’t approve are:

1. Caldwell
2. Catahoula
3. Franklin
4. Jackson
5. LaSalle
6. Sabine
7. Union
8. West Carroll
9. Winn

There are two other major restrictions on wagering in Louisiana. One is that high school sports cannot be bet on at all. The other is that coaches, players, and referees cannot bet on any games or season events that they have a stake in.

Best Mobile Sportsbooks Available in Louisiana

Of the seven mobile sportsbooks available in Louisiana, some are considered better to use than others. Based on reviews, convenience, and promos offered to customers, here’s a ranking:

1. FanDuel
2. DraftKings
3. Caesars
4. BetMGM
5. WynnBET
6. BetRivers
7. Barstool

Louisiana Sports Betting Promos

BetMGM Risk-Free Bet

When you sign up for BetMGM for the first time, they offer new customers a bonus on their first bet. You can make a wager of up to $1,000, risk-free. If the bet wins, you win the money, while if it loses, they match the wager amount up to $1,000 and refund it in the form of free bet credits.

$1,000 Risk-Free Bet for all new BetMGM players here

Caesars First Bet Insurance

Similar to BetMGM, Caesars offers a refund on the first bets if they lose. Caesars will insure the first bet up to $1,500, and the refund will also be as free bets. They offer this to all new users.

Up to $1,250 back on your first bet when you join Caesars here

FanDuel No Sweat First Bet

Another insured first bet, FanDuel’s offer, works the same as BetMGM’s. New users register, and this promo makes their first bet risk-free up to $1,000. If the bet loses, they get a full refund up to that amount in free bets.

Get your $1,000 No Sweat First Bet by clicking here and joining FanDuel

DraftKings Deposit Bonus

DraftKings offers new users a match on 20% of their first deposit, up to a $1,000 bonus amount. So, to receive the full $1,000 bonus, the first deposit would have to be $5,000.

New DraftKings players get a deposit bonus up to $1,000

BetRivers Deposit Match Bonus

At BetRivers, they offer to match every dollar of a new user's first deposit, up to $250. Depositing greater than $250 initially won’t yield more than $250.

New BetRivers players get up to a $500 free bet

WynnBET Welcome Promo

WynnBET gives new customers a $100 free bet if they deposit and wager $100 after they sign up for the first time. The odds for the wager must be -120 or greater, and the initial deposit must be at least $100 to qualify.

Barstool 2-for-1 Promo

At Barstool, they offer a $1,000 risk-free first bet like other sportsbooks do, but they offer more. Once you sign-up, they deposit $10 into your account, essentially funding your first bet with the sportsbook. The 10% they give you is eligible for your first risk-free bet.

What are the sports to bet on in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, you’ll have a full range of the most popular sports to bet on legally. Most sportsbooks will have:

1. Auto-Racing: Formula One, IndyCar, NASCAR
2. Baseball: MLB
3. Basketball: NBA, WNBA, International
4. Boxing
5. College: Basketball, Football
6. Football: NFL and CFL
7. Golf: PGA, LPGA
8. Hockey: NHL, International
9. Rugby
10. Soccer: UEFA Champions League, MLS, Premier League,
11. Tennis

Louisiana Sports Betting Tips

Learn Terms

Betting on things that you don’t understand is generally not a wise idea. Check out our glossary for a guide on common terms and sports you may need to learn more about.

Manage Your Money

Like betting on things you don’t understand, wagering with money you can’t afford to lose is also not smart. Having a plan and staying disciplined are keys to having fun while betting. If you find yourself having trouble with this, don’t be afraid to seek help.

Louisiana Sports Betting Tax Rates

For Louisiana, it’s expected that the tax revenues they receive from sports betting will be very beneficial. They’re taxing mobile sportsbooks at 18%, while retail sportsbooks will be taxed for 10% of their profit.

Most of the revenue is supposed to go towards the general fund, 60%, and education, 25%. The parishes will get 12%, while the rest will go towards gambling addiction programs and a horse racing purse fund.

Bettors will be taxed and must report any winnings from sports betting greater than $600. Regardless of how it’s won, through one bet or multiple, the $600 amount is the significant number.

The federal government taxes 24% of your winnings from gambling. Losses can be deducted as an itemized deduction, but your deducted losses can’t exceed your reported winnings.

Is DraftKings sports betting legal in Louisiana?

Yes, the DraftKings sportsbook was among the first wave of sportsbooks to launch with online betting in Louisiana. Using DraftKings is legal as long as bettors have a verified DraftKings account and are in a permitted parish.

Is FanDuel sports betting legal in Louisiana?

Yes, FanDuel is legal to use for sports betting in Louisiana and has been since January 28, 2022. Bettors need a registered and verified account but can use FanDuel freely once they do, location permitting.

Louisiana Sports Teams

1. Louisiana State University Tigers (LSU)
2. Louisiana Tech University Bulldogs
3. New Orleans Gold Rugby Club
4. New Orleans Pelicans
5. New Orleans Saints
6. Tulane University Green Wave
7. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette Ragin Cajuns (ULL)
8. The University of Louisiana at Monroe Warhawks (ULM)

Latest Louisiana sports betting news

1. August 15, 2022: The countdown to LSU football is close, as their season kicks off in 20 days.
2. August 13, 2022: The Saints lost their preseason opener to the Texans, as they prepare for their season opener against the Atlanta Falcons.
3. July 1, 2022: It’s announced that #1 overall pick Zion Williamson signed a five-year contract extension with the Pelicans.