Louisiana sports betting is more common than ever before. Whether at retail sportsbooks or online sportsbooks, it takes no time to get started with Louisiana sports betting. If you want to know how to bet in sports in Louisiana, the process is easier than you may have realized.
There is retail sports betting available at local establishments like Treasure Chest Casino, Paragon Casino Resort, and Sam’s Town Casino where Louisiana bettors can make all of their sports bets in person. The sports betting industry in Louisiana is also booming when it comes to online sports betting.
The state has a plethora of online sportsbooks to choose from. Legal Louisiana sports betting sites include ClutchBuzz sportsbook. Legal online sports betting is regulated by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board.
10 Quick Facts About Louisiana Sports Betting
- The state moved to make betting legal in Louisiana in November 2020. Of the 64 state parishes, 55 chose to approve sports betting legislation within state lines.
- Louisiana officially made sports betting legal as of June 2021. Gov. John Bel Edwards signed three separate bills in order to allow betting sites and retail sports betting into the state (check the Louisiana sports betting FAQ for available sites).
- Retail sports betting was the first to launch, offering betting lines on all the major sports through sports betting kiosks and casinos.
- Retail sportsbooks, per betting legislation, are allowed to operate at racetracks, casinos, and riverboat casinos in the state.
- The first online sportsbook, allowed by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, launched in January 2022. Each site allowed to operate was required to obtain a sports betting license and operated under the Amateur Sports Protection Act.
- Sports betting revenue was massive for Louisiana in Year One, with Louisiana bettors wagering $1.8 billion on sports alone.
- Initially, the Louisiana Lottery would have offered betting on sports online at restaurants, truck stops, and bars. Since then, things have changed since the organization has stopped looking for sports betting partners.
- The legal requirement, be it your first bet or 100th bet, is that all players must be 21 years of age or older. The same goes for mobile wagering and even taking advantage of bonus bets offered by online sportsbooks.
- Though you don’t need to be a resident of Louisiana to sign up for bonus bets or a deposit match bonus, you must be within state lines to place a wager. There are 55 parishes in the state that allow sports betting as of now.
- One of the biggest events in sports, the Super Bowl, will be coming to New Orleans. The Big Easy will host Super Bowl 59, which will take place on Feb. 9, 2025.
The Superdome as seen from Poydras Street, New Orleans, 26 July 2021. In between corporate advertising logos on the side for alternative marketing names.
The site will host the Super Bowl LIX.
Louisiana Sports Betting History
The history of sports betting in Louisiana is an interesting one. Though not technically legal, New Orleans has long been a hub for gambling through racetracks, riverboat casinos, and land-based casinos. The introduction of sports betting legislation in 2020 seemed like an inevitability.
Sports betting received official approval in 2020. It is important to note that only 55 of the 64 parishes in the state approved the ballot to allow sports betting. Sports betting would officially become legal after Gov. Edwards signed legislation to bring retail and online sports betting to the state in June 2021.
Though it has taken other states quite some time to put an infrastructure in place, Louisiana acted relatively quickly. Just five months after the June 2021 legalization, retail sports betting launched in the Bayou State. Just over two months later, online sports betting became available. A litany of sportsbooks, with fantastic first bet and deposit match offers began offering top betting markets like football moneylines, college prop bets, futures, and more.
In the first year of operation, Louisiana generated $1.8 billion in sports wagers. That number increased to $2.9 billion in 2023. What’s interesting is that a study revealed that more than 90% of the state wagered on sports in 2023.
Responsible Gambling Practices
It is important to remember that sports betting is meant to be fun. Throwing a few bucks down on a game and cheering on your team brings a feeling like no other. Unfortunately for some, it stops being fun when things start becoming a problem. A gambling problem is serious business and requires help at every turn.
With resources like NCP Gambling and the ICRG, those struggling with a gambling problem can find the help that they need. Even the top betting sites offer a litany of responsible gambling tools made readily available to players. Recognizing problem gaming can be tough though there are signs that pop up.
Taking advantage of resources for help and support is key even if you think that there isn’t a problem. Each of the major betting sites offers a section with responsible gaming tools, resources for getting help, and more.
Perhaps the best tool available for those with a gambling problem is the self-exclusionary tool. Websites and online sportsbooks offer tools that allow players to restrict themselves from visiting those sites. Users are able to set betting and deposit limits, loss limits, and set important boundaries to ensure safe and responsible gaming.
If you feel that you may have a gambling problem, the time to reach out is now. Sports betting is meant to be fun and can spiral quickly without the right help. Take advantage of the various resources available online to receive help as soon as possible.
Independence Stadium is a stadium owned by the city of Shreveport, Louisiana and is the home of the Independence Bowl. (Wikipedia)
Louisiana Sports Betting FAQs
Is sports betting legal in all of Louisiana?
Sports betting sites went live in October 2021, allowing users to place wagers at legal Louisiana betting sites like ESPN Bet, DraftKings Sportsbook, Caesars Sportsbook, and FanDuel Sportsbook. Thanks to legalized sports betting, bettors can bet online, making sports wagers and playing at online casinos as well.
What is the minimum age for sports betting in Louisiana?
Legal sports gambling in Louisiana is available to those who are at least 21 years old. Even through daily fantasy sports betting sites, users must be 21 in order to sign up and begin making wagers. At casinos in Lake Charles, New Orleans, and throughout the state, you must be 21 to enter and partake in legal sports betting.
Can I bet on sports using my phone?
One of the best aspects of Louisiana online sportsbooks is being able to utilize mobile sports betting apps. Online betting has evolved to largely encompass the best Louisiana sportsbooks like ESPN Bet, DraftKings Sportsbook, Caesars Sportsbook, and FanDuel Sportsbook. Each has its own betting app, offering mobile sports betting and a full live betting section. It is important to note that, while you don’t have to be a resident of the state to sign up, you must be within state lines to place a legal wager.
How are my winnings taxed in Louisiana?
If you manage to win through in-person or online sports betting at a Louisiana sportsbook, be prepared to pay taxes. According to Louisiana sports betting law, users will need to pay roughly 6% of those winnings to the state.
What sports and teams can I bet on?
Should you want to keep Louisiana sports betting limited to local teams, there are plenty of options. The New Orleans Saints, New Orleans Pelicans, LSU Tigers, Tulane Green Wave, and others all come with competitive odds across Louisiana sportsbooks.
Conclusion
When Louisiana decided to legalize sports betting, it created brand new avenues for users to make online bets. Whether you go to a brick-and-mortar casino, online casino, play the Louisiana lottery, or partake through one of many Louisiana betting sites, there are more ways to place online wagers than ever before.
Louisiana mobile sports betting has allowed access to top betting sites like FanDuel Sportsbook, DraftKings Sportsbook, BetMGM, and others. Regardless of whether you prefer mobile betting or holding the ticket in your hand, access to all of the top Louisiana sportsbook betting markets has made it easier than ever to place your first wager.
