Sports betting in Louisiana is now legal for retail, mobile, and online sportsbooks. If you're ready to start betting, you can sign up today and claim thousands in bonus bets with our exclusive sportsbook promos.
Louisiana Sports Betting: Quick Facts
Sports betting has been live in Louisiana since late 2021, with online sports betting apps hitting the state in January 2022. The state's unique parish-by-parish legalization model means betting is not legal across all of Louisiana, but in 55 of 64 parishes.
✅ Is Sports Betting Legal?
Yes (Online, Mobile, Retail)
📱 Total Sportsbooks
28 (8 mobile and 20 retail)
🪪 Legal Gambling Age
21+
🎰 Online Casinos
Social casinos only
📰 Latest News
HB 53 is introduced which would increase penalties for illegal gaming
Our sports betting experts have reviewed and rated all eight legal online sportsbooks in the state. Here are our latest rankings:
Louisiana Sportsbook
RotoWire Rating
1.bet365
9.8 / 10 ⭐️
2. BetMGM
9.6 / 10 ⭐️
3. Fanatics Sportsbook
9.6 / 10 ⭐️
4. Caesars Sportsbook
9.5 / 10 ⭐️
5. theScore Bet
9.4 / 10 ⭐️
6. DraftKings
9.1 / 10 ⭐️
7. FanDuel
8.8 / 10 ⭐️
8. BetRivers
8.6 / 10 ⭐️
📆 Last Verified
March 11, 2026
Comparing the Best Sportsbooks in Louisiana
Louisiana online betting sites boast a wide range of features, bet types, and enticing Louisiana sportsbook promos, catering to bettors of all skill levels and preferences.
We've provided some info on each available sportsbook in the Pelican State to help get you started on which ones are the best fit for you.
bet365 Louisiana
Although the bet365 app has expanded across the US slower than other betting sites, that hasn't stopped the global leader from establishing itself as one of the top options in states like Louisiana. With some of the best ongoing promotions in the industry, a solid 'Bet and Watch' feature, and a highly-rated app, it's easy to see why.
New Louisiana users can claim our exclusive bet365 bonus code for a Bet $10, Get $365 in Bonus Bets welcome promo. No matter what happens with your first $5 bet, the bet credits are yours.
You also have the choice of a First Bet Safety Net worth up to $1,000, where if your first wager loses, bet365 will match the bet amount and return it to you as bonus bets. This puts more of your bankroll at risk, however, so we prefer the bet-and-get promo.
BetMGM Louisiana
BetMGM Sportsbook is among the most popular of Louisiana's sports betting options. This well-known sportsbook built up extensive experience as a retail sportsbook at MGM Resorts before launching an online sportsbook and sports betting app.
Like other Louisiana sports betting leaders, BetMGM Louisiana accepts debit cards, online banking and PayPal, among other deposit and withdrawal options. Not only does it boast a reliable cashier feature and a vast selection of betting options, but BetMGM Sportsbook also has one of the most lucrative welcome offers found at any of Louisiana's sportsbooks where users can use the BetMGM bonus codeROTOSPORTS for first-bet protection.
Fanatics Louisiana Sportsbook
Even prior to launching its sportsbook app, Fanatics had deep brand recognition in Louisiana because of its integration with sports gear and collectibles. Now, bettors can use Fanatics Sportsbook to rack up FanCash with every bet and use those rewards for new merch or as bonus bets on the sportsbook. In addition to the FanCash flexibility, users will benefit from daily ongoing promotions and a sleek app experience.
If you haven't created an account yet, you can take advantage of our Fanatics Sportsbook promo to Bet $5 Get $200 FanCash Immediately.
Caesars Louisiana Sportsbook
Caesars Sportsbook is a leader among Louisiana sports betting apps, thanks in part to having deep local roots in Louisiana. The company operates retail sportsbooks and casinos at Harrah's New Orleans, Horseshoe Bossier City, and Horseshoe Lake Charles, and everyone knows Caesars Superdome is the home of the Saints.
Caesars Louisiana has one of the largest selections of promotions and odds boosts among Louisiana sportsbooks. The new user Caesars Sportsbook promo codeROTO250BM gets you a 100% first bet match worth up to $250 in bonus bets.
DraftKings Louisiana
A brand that needs no introduction, DraftKings' combination of market depth, fast-updating live odds, and an enormous prop catalog makes it hard to beat for bettors of all levels.
The sportsbook runs an extensive number of promotions, some of which are tailored specifically to Louisiana sports bettors by involving their favorite teams. The current welcome offer through the DraftKings promo code gives new customers a Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly + 100% NCAA Tournament Winner Boost offer.
FanDuel Louisiana
FanDuel is another Louisiana sportsbook that first made a name for itself in Daily Fantasy Sports. Generous promotions, an intuitive app, and quick, reliable payouts have made FanDuel the No. 1-rated sportsbook in America. The same game parlay feature can be found on multiple online sportsbooks, but it was originally popularized on FanDuel.
If you prefer to place your bets in person, FanDuel has you covered there, too, with five retail sportsbooks across the state: Delta Downs, Evangeline Downs, Treasure Chest Casino, Sam's Town Shreveport, and Amelia Belle Casino.
Louisiana sports bettors can sign up today and get a nice welcome bonus with our FanDuel Sportsbook promo code for a $300 in Bonus Bets Back Every Day for 10 Days offer.
Registering for sports betting in Louisiana is free and takes only a few minutes, provided you're located in one of the 55 approved parishes. Here's a quick glimpse at the general process, though the exact steps may differ between operators.
1. Pick a licensed sportsbook from the list above and download the app, or navigate to the operator's website on your phone or computer.
2. Tap "Register" and provide your full name, date of birth, email address, physical address, and the last four digits of your SSN.
3. The app will verify your identity and confirm via geolocation that you're in an approved Louisiana parish.
4. Make your first deposit.
5. Activate any available welcome offer and place your first wager.
You can wager from anywhere inside Louisiana's 55 approved parishes using a licensed mobile sportsbook. If you happen to be in one of the nine parishes that voted against legalization, you're still able to bet in the state, but you'll have to travel to a legal parish first.
For in-person betting, Louisiana has 19 retail sportsbook locations spread across riverboat casinos, racetracks, and Harrah's New Orleans (the state's sole land-based casino).
Online Sportsbooks in Louisiana
Mobile wagering accounts for over 90% of all bets placed in Louisiana, making online sportsbooks the clear default for most bettors. All eight apps work statewide in the approved parishes, and you can maintain accounts at every one simultaneously to maximize line shopping and promotional value. Here are the licensed online operators:
• DraftKings
• FanDuel
• BetMGM
• Caesars Sportsbook
• bet365
• Fanatics Sportsbook
• theScore Bet
• BetRivers
Retail Sportsbooks in Louisiana
Louisiana's 19 retail sportsbook locations are housed inside riverboat casinos, racetracks, and the land-based Harrah's New Orleans. In-person betting carries its own appeal — the atmosphere of a sportsbook lounge during an LSU game or Saints Sunday is tough to replicate at home. Retail betting is also taxed at a lower rate (10% vs. 21.5% online), which can occasionally result in marginally different odds.
Amelia Belle Casino (FanDuel)
Bally's Baton Rouge (DraftKings)
Bally's Shreveport (Bally Bet)
Boomtown Bossier City (theScore Bet / PENN Sportsbook)
Boomtown New Orleans (theScore Bet / PENN Sportsbook)
Online sports betting in Louisiana allows wagers on all sports available at participating sportsbooks, both professional and collegiate. You can wager on any team from around the country or the world and even bet on leagues in which Louisiana does not have a participating team. There are no restrictions when it comes to betting on Louisiana's college sports teams.
NFL Betting in Louisiana
America's most popular professional sports league has plenty of betting interest, and fans in Louisiana have a hometown NFL team to bet on in the New Orleans Saints. Futures betting for division, conference and Super Bowl winners are available at Louisiana's online sportsbooks. You can also bet on Week 1 action with moneyline bets, spreads, totals, parlays, teasers, prop bets, live bets and more at the best NFL betting sites in Louisiana.
NBA Betting in Louisiana
The 2021-22 NBA season recently came to an end, but futures bets on next season's champions are already available at online sportsbooks and mobile sports betting sites in Louisiana. Among the NBA teams on which you can bet are Louisiana's own New Orleans Pelicans. Methods for betting on NBA basketball include moneyline bets, spreads, totals, parlays, teasers, live bets and prop bets.
MLB Betting in Louisiana
There, unfortunately, isn't a professional baseball team located in Louisiana, but LA sports bettors can bet on the moneyline, spreads, run totals, World Series futures and more. In May, BetMGM Louisiana partnered with the Houston Astros, who are located in Texas near Louisiana, to provide exclusive Astros-related promotions for Louisiana's sports bettors.
NHL Betting in Louisiana
The NHL is another major professional American sports league without a team in Louisiana. Futures bets on the next Stanley Cup Champion can already be placed. Hockey bets involving moneylines, puck lines, prop bets, live betting and more will be available once the puck drops on the next NHL season.
College Football Betting in Louisiana
College football fans in Louisiana have a trio of prominent local teams to bet on. The LSU Tigers get most of the headlines, but the Tulane Green Wave and Louisiana Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns also boast NCAA Division I Football teams. The same types of bets that can be made on NFL football are also available for college football.
College Basketball Betting in Louisiana
The LSU Tigers, Tulane Green Wave and Louisiana Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns are also the three most prominent college basketball teams located in Louisiana. The NCAA Tournament is the golden goose of college basketball betting, but you can also wager on regular season action and conference tournaments thanks to the legal college sports betting available at all of the leading Louisiana mobile sports betting providers.
Betting Types Available at Louisiana Online Sportsbooks
The top Louisiana sportsbooks offer a variety of sports betting options on both collegiate and professional sports. In addition to a vast selection of games and players on which to bet, there are also many types of bets you can place. Some of the most common types of sports bets are:
Spreads
Spreads indicate the difference in expected points, goals or runs between two teams in a game. For example, a New Orleans Pelicans (-5) vs. New York Knicks bet indicates that the Pelicans are favored by five points in the game. A bet placed against the spread on the Pelicans in such a game will win if the Pelicans win by six or more, push if they win by five and lose if they either win by fewer than five points or lose outright. Spread bets have -110 odds on either side, meaning a $110 wager would win an additional $100.
Totals
Instead of choosing the winner, you can bet on whether or not the total amount of points, goals or runs scored will exceed a certain number. For example, the over/under on a college football game between LSU and Auburn could be set at 60 points. Betting on the over would mean you anticipate that the two teams would combine for more than 60 points, so a 35-28 LSU victory would cash for a bet on the over while a 28-24 LSU victory would win for a bet on the under.
Moneyline
A moneyline bet is a wager on a straight-up winner without accounting for the spread. For example, on a New Orleans Pelicans vs. New York Knicks, a moneyline bet on the Pelicans would cash as long as the Pelicans won the game regardless of the margin. Payouts for moneyline favorites are usually smaller, while betting on underdogs can allow you to win more than double your initial wager if your bet is successful. Like spreads and totals, moneyline wagers are available on NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL action, as well as college football, college basketball and other sporting events from Louisiana and around the world.
Prop Bets
Prop bets are wagers on something other than the winner or total for a game. These bets are often placed on individual performances and are a common aspect of Same Game Parlay wagers. A wager on Michael Thomas to score a receiving touchdown in the New Orleans Saints' Week 1 road game against the Atlanta Falcons is an example of a prop bet.
Futures
Futures bets are wagers placed on a future outcome. The most common futures wager is a bet on a team to win its respective league's championship, but other futures bets are also available. LSU football optimists could place a futures bet on the Tigers to win the SEC Conference Championship or the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2022.
Parlays
Parlays are wagers consisting of multiple bets, or legs. All legs must hit for the parlay to win. These legs can come from the same sport, different sports or even multiple aspects of a single game if you are using the same game parlay feature. If you make a parlay on the LSU basketball team to win its next game at -275 odds and the Pelicans to win their next game at -350 odds, the parlay will have -133 odds, but it will lose if either Louisiana-based basketball team fails to win.
Teasers
A teaser is a parlay involving spreads or point totals in which the spreads are shifted in your favor. Football teasers typically shift by six points. If you have the LSU Tigers as 8-point favorites against Tennessee and the Saints as 3-point favorites against the Patriots, a teaser would shift those lines from -8 to -14 and -3 to -9, respectively. It will be much easier to cover those adjusted spreads, but your corresponding payout will be significantly lower than if you had placed a regular parlay bet at the original lines.
Live Betting
Live betting is available at all of the leading Louisiana sports betting sites. A live bet is a wager placed after a game has already started. Lines and spreads are constantly updated throughout a game to account for the current score and other events that have happened since the game began.
📅 Feb. 3, 2026: HB 72 was introduced to allow parish elections to permit additional forms of gaming, explicitly including sports wagering. This would open up the potential for the nine parishes that don't currently allow sports betting to hold another vote to change that.
📅 Jan. 30, 2026: HB 53 was prefiled/introduced to add certain gambling crimes as predicate offenses for racketeering, aiming to strengthen tools for pursuing organized illegal gambling operations.
📅 Jan. 26, 2026: Louisiana State Police posted a notice delaying January 2026 gaming revenue releases until Feb. 26 due to the rescheduling of the February LGCB meeting.
📅 Jan. 16, 2026: LGCB issued an advisory noting updates to the Sports Wagering Catalog for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
📅 Jan. 15, 2026: FanDuel Predicts expanded to nationwide availability, with Louisiana positioned for non-sports markets (finance/econ/commodities) rather than sports event contracts.
📅 Jan. 12, 2026: LSP Gaming Audit prepared the official December 2025 statewide sportsbook reports (mobile and retail).
📅 Dec. 10, 2025: LGCB issued a "prediction markets" advisory warning that sports/event contracts are considered illegal gambling in Louisiana unless offered under the state's licensed framework, with potential suitability implications.
📅 Dec. 10, 2025: LGCB Chairman Christopher Hebert was named "Regulator of the Year" at the American Gambling Awards.
📅 Dec. 6, 2025: Bally's Baton Rouge officially opened (rebranding the former Belle of Baton Rouge) and launched its renovated property that includes a DraftKings retail sportsbook setup.
Louisiana's path to legal sports betting was distinctive. Rather than a straightforward legislative vote, the state put the question directly to voters, parish by parish. In November 2020, 55 of 64 parishes approved sports wagering, with 65% of voters statewide backing the measure. The nine parishes that opted out are clustered in the northeastern part of the state and don't contain any major casino properties.
With voter approval in hand, the legislature passed three enabling bills in 2021: SB 247 set the regulatory framework and created 20 licenses (15 for riverboat casinos, 4 for racetracks, 1 for the land-based casino in New Orleans), HB 697 established tax rates and fees, and SB 142 allocated revenue. Governor John Bel Edwards signed all three into law by June 2021. The original online tax rate was 15%, but Governor Jeff Landry signed HB 639 in June 2025, raising it to 21.5% effective August 1, 2025. The increase funds a new SPORT Fund that directs 25% of online tax revenue to NCAA Division I athletic programs at Louisiana public universities.
Louisiana Sports Betting Licenses
Louisiana's licensing structure is tied to its existing gaming venues. Twenty locations are eligible for sports betting licenses: 15 riverboat casinos, 4 racetracks, and 1 land-based casino (Harrah's New Orleans). Each license holder can operate a retail sportsbook on-site and partner with up to two online operators (called "skins"), creating a theoretical maximum of 40 mobile sportsbooks. The Louisiana Lottery also received a license but has not launched a sports betting product.
Each licensee pays a $250,000 application fee and a $500,000 license fee, renewable every five years. The retail tax rate is 10% on net gaming revenue, and the online rate is 21.5%.
Illegal Sportsbooks in Louisiana
Despite eight licensed operators and 20 retail locations, illegal offshore sportsbooks continue to target Louisiana bettors. These sites operate outside state regulation, offer no consumer protections, and provide no guarantee you'll be able to access your funds. We strongly advise sticking with licensed operators.
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board and the state Attorney General's office have both taken enforcement action against unlicensed platforms. Specific sites targeted include names like Bovada and BetOnline. The LGCB has also been agressive against sweepstakes casinos, sending 80 cease-and-desist letters to these unlicensed operators.
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) regulates all sports wagering in the state. The LGCB issues and enforces licenses, approves new wager types and sporting events through its Sports Wagering Catalog, and monitors operator compliance. Revenue reporting is handled in conjunction with the Louisiana State Police Gaming Enforcement Division. The board publishes a regularly updated catalog of approved sports, leagues, and bet types — one of the most transparent such documents of any state regulator.
How to Contact the Louisiana Gaming Control Board
Address: 8585 Archives Avenue, Suite 100, Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Louisiana's sports betting market has matured rapidly since mobile wagering arrived in January 2022. In just its fourth year, the state handled $4.24 billion in wagers and collected more than $92 million in tax revenue. The eight licensed online sportsbooks provide legitimate competition, and the 20 retail locations give in-person bettors plenty of options.
The parish-by-parish model is unique in the country, but the practical impact is minimal since all major metro areas approved betting. Football — both professional and college — drives the majority of handle, which is no surprise in a state where Saints Sundays and LSU Saturdays are borderline religious events. The recent tax increase to 21.5% online brings Louisiana more in line with other regulated states, and the SPORT Fund earmarks represent a creative approach to directing revenue toward higher education athletics.
Whether you're a first-time bettor placing a wager on the Saints or a seasoned handicapper shopping lines across multiple apps, Louisiana's regulated market offers the tools, the operators, and the local sports passion to deliver a strong experience.
When did online sports betting become legal in Louisiana?
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Online sports betting has been legal in Louisiana since January of 2022. Over $100 million in legal, reliable and convenient online sports bets has been placed every month since then.
Can you bet on sports in Louisiana?
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Yes, online and mobile sports betting is completely legal right now in 55 of the 64 parishes in Louisiana for anyone who is at least 21 years old. Secure and reliable mobile sportsbooks in Louisiana include BetMGM Sportsbook, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings Sportsbook, FanDuel Sportsbook, BetRivers Sportsbook and others.
Can I bet on DraftKings in Louisiana?
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Yes, DraftKings Sportsbook has been operating in Louisiana since Jan. 28, 2022. Louisiana bettors who are at least 21 years old can create a DraftKings Louisiana account and get bonus bets when they bet $5 by using the DraftKings Louisiana Promo Code when they sign up using any of our BET NOW buttons.
Can I bet on college sports in Louisiana?
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Yes, college sports such as college football and college basketball are available to be wagered on by sports bettors in Louisiana. Popular local college teams to bet on include the LSU Tigers, Tulane Green Wave and Louisiana Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns.
Do I have to live in Louisiana to bet on sports?
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No, you do not need to live in Louisiana to bet on sports there. You can use mobile sportsbooks to bet while physically present in Louisiana or any other state where online sports betting is legal, even if you are not a resident of that state.
How old do I have to be to bet in Louisiana?
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You must be at least 21 years old to partake in legal sports betting in the state of Louisiana or anywhere else in the United States of America. Those under the age of 21 will be unable to create an account with any of Louisiana's sportsbooks.
What parishes do not have legal Louisiana sports betting?
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The following Louisiana parishes do not allow sports betting: Caldwell, Catahoula, Franklin, Jackson, La Salle, Sabine, Union, West Carroll, and Winn.
