Since Louisiana sports betting became legal in June 2021, eight retail and online sportsbooks have launched in the state. In this guide, we take a closer look at sports betting in Louisiana and what it is all about, from the taxes you’ll pay on winnings to the types of bonuses offered and where you can find retail sportsbooks in the state.

We also rank and review the top 5 online LA sportsbooks to help you find the one that best suits your needs and show you how to sign up with these regulated sites. So, read on to learn more about the fascinating world of online betting in the Pelican State.

List of the Best Online Sports Betting Sites in Louisiana

Louisiana sports betting fans have eight state-regulated sportsbooks to enjoy. However, some offer a higher standard of betting, greater odds and better features. Our experts have tried and tested them all, finding the five listed below the best of the best.

1. DraftKings – The Best Louisiana Sports Betting Site Overall
2. BetMGM – Top LA Sportsbook for Sports Market Selection
3. PointsBet – Excellent LA Sports Betting App
4. BetRivers – Leading Louisiana Sportsbook for Competitive Odds
5. FanDuel – Best Sports Betting Site in LA for Betting Markets

The Latest News on Louisiana Sports Betting

Since sports betting went live in Louisiana in 2021, the state has made a few exciting updates, which we review below:

• March 28, 2022 – The New Orleans Fair Grounds received approval from the City Council to establish a retail sportsbook.
• March 24, 2022 –  DraftKings launched a temporary sportsbook in Baton Rouge at the Hollywood Casino.
• March 4, 2022 – Governor John Bel Edwards declared March Louisiana’s Problem Gambling Awareness Month.
• February 3, 2022 – Louisiana sports betting generated transactions from 3.6% of the state’s adult population in its first 36 hours.

Best Betting Sites in Louisiana Reviewed

While having a list of the best Louisiana sports betting sites is great, understanding what puts them on the list and what they offer is even more helpful. So, take a look below for our reviews of the top five state-regulated sportsbooks in LA:

1. DraftKings – The Best Louisiana Sports Betting Site Overall

DraftKings, a US-based sports betting company, was among the first to launch a sportsbook in Louisiana in January 2022, when the state’s legal sports betting officially went live. Although more commonly known as a Daily Fantasy Sports operator, DraftKings offers several betting options, including an impressive sportsbook.

Louisiana bettors visiting DraftKings can begin their journey on the sportsbook by registering and funding their account. While the sportsbook doesn’t accept cryptocurrency, players can use other methods like bank wire transfers, MasterCard, Visa, and PayPal to deposit and withdraw funds from their accounts. Additionally, when depositing funds, LA bettors can input one of many DraftKings promo codes to unlock rewards to boost their bankrolls.

While DraftKings payment options may be slim, the site makes up for this by offering a large assortment of sports for fans to wager on, from the NCAAF and NCAAB to the NFL, NHL, MLB, and MMA. Additionally, the sportsbook ranks as one of the best NBA betting sites in Louisiana. Further, bettors can place pre-game wagers or participate in live betting using several betting markets like spreads, totals, props, and moneylines.

Finally, bettors can access DraftKings by visiting a retail sportsbook, visiting the site online, or downloading the DraftKings app, making it simple to place wagers while you’re out and about. However, keep in mind that the app won’t work once you cross Louisiana state lines into a neighboring state.

2. BetMGM – Top Online LA Sportsbook for Sports Market Selection

Another state-regulated sportsbook offered in Louisiana that we recommend visiting is BetMGM. Run by the gambling giant MGM, the sportsbook has locations and offers online sportsbooks across the US. As a result, it is unsurprising that BetMGM offers bettors an extensive selection of sports betting markets that range from NASCAR to lacrosse, Formula1, boxing, the MLB, NHL, and NBA. Further, the site ranks as one of Louisiana’s best NFL betting sites.

However, the sportsbook also offers LA bettors various ways to bet on these sports, from moneylines and spreads to parlays, runlines, totals, and props. Further, bettors can place pre-game or in-play bets and even catch the game live by streaming it on the sportsbook website.

Bettors depositing or withdrawing funds from their BetMGM accounts will find the payment methods somewhat limited and won’t have access to banking using cryptocurrency. However, they can use options like Apple Pay, PayPal, bank wire transfers, and credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, and Discover, and the sportsbook processes withdrawals efficiently. Lastly, BetMGM provides several unique promotions for LA bettors, which they can access using BetMGM promo codes.

3. PointsBet – Excellent LA Sports Betting App

LA bettors will discover that each of the Louisiana sports betting sites on our list offers a downloadable app. However, none stand out like that provided by PointsBet. Besides being simple to navigate, the site is well-designed, uncluttered, and provides all the same functions offered by the sportsbook’s website. Further,  the app is quick to download and is compatible with iOS and Android devices, making it one of the best betting apps in the US.

When it comes to bonuses, PointsBet provides a vibrant selection of options that LA bettors can claim using PointsBet promo codes. Further, depositing and withdrawing funds from a PointsBet account is seamless and efficient. Bettors can use options like PayNearMe, eCheck, online banking with Trustly, and a debit or credit card from Visa or MasterCard.

The sportsbook’s selection of sports markets is relatively diverse, giving access to popular and less common options, including the MLB, NHL, NFL, NBA, NCAA, darts, MMA, cycling, Aussie Rules, and cricket. Additionally, bettors can choose several ways to wager on their favorite sports, both pre-game in while the game is in play, using parlays, moneylines, spreads, totals, teasers, fixed odds, player props, game props, and lightning bets. Further, PointsBet provides players with a detailed rundown of each team’s stats, news, and player performance, making it possible for bettors to place more accurate wagers.

4. BetRivers – Leading Online Louisiana Sportsbook for Competitive Odds

While some LA bettors favor diverse sports markets, others focus on betting lines. However, one area all bettors consider is the odds. BetRivers ranks as one of the leading Louisiana sports betting sites for competitive odds, making it a popular choice among bettors. In addition, BetRivers offers players a more diverse assortment of payment options than some competitors (PayNearMe, Vanilla, Play+ prepaid cards, PayPal, eCheck, online banking, bank wire transfers, and credit cards like Visa, Discover, and MasterCard) and accepts low minimum deposits.

LA bettors funding their wagering accounts can unlock several exciting rewards using BetRivers promo codes that will boost their betting funds and allow them to enjoy several free bets. Further, bettors can sign up for BetRiver’s excellent VIP program, iRush Rewards. In this case, bettors can accumulate points and claim exciting promos as they advance up the tiers. For example, bettors can unlock rewards like VIP dinners, BetRivers Swag, and cash prizes.

When looking at BetRiver’s sports market selection, bettors from Louisiana will discover several options, including the NBA, NCAA, NHL, MMA, and golf. Additionally, they can wager on less common sports like rugby, jai alai, boxing, motorsports, and cycling. Besides ranking as one of LA’s best MLB betting sites, BetRivers makes it simple for bettors to place their favorite bets, from live bets to spreads, wins, and totals, and even stream specific matches live.

5. FanDuel – Best Sports Betting Site in LA for Betting Markets

Many bettors have that one type of bet they enjoy placing, while others prefer changing things up and using different betting lines. If you fall into the latter category, then try visiting FanDuel. Here, LA bettors can enjoy a range of betting lines, from spreads,runlines, totals, and moneylines, and even use a parlay builder to create a unique wager. Further, this sportsbook offers some of the most diverse props betting options for players and games.

Although commonly regarded as a DFS betting site, FanDuel also covers a variety of sports, offering bettors markets like baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer, football, collegiate sports, ice hockey, motorsports, and Aussie Rules. While bettors can place typical pre-game wagers, FanDuel also features a live betting suite that lets them bet on sports matches already in play.

However, before bettors can begin wagering, they must fund their Fanduel accounts. Bettors can do this using credit cards, PayPal, FanDuel gift cards, Green Dot MoneyPak, PayNearMe, money orders or checks, and bank wire transfers. But remember, using a bank wire will incur a $15 fee. Lastly, LA bettors visiting FanDuel can discover a range of exciting promotions and access them using a FanDuel promo code.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sports Betting in Louisiana

When will online sports betting be legal in Louisiana?

Louisiana sports betting became legal in June 2021, when Governor John Bel Edwards signed it into law. However, legal sports betting in the Pelican State officially launched on January 28, 2022, allowing bettors to legally place wagers in person and online.

Is DraftKings sportsbook legal in Louisiana?

Yes. DraftKings was one of the first sportsbooks to receive a sports betting license from The Louisiana Gaming Control Board. Further, the sportsbook was among one of the first to launch when sports betting went live in the state in January 2022.

Is FanDuel legal in Louisiana?

Yes. As one of the most popular sportsbooks in the state, FanDuel is legally available in 55 parishes across the state (those that voted to legalize sports betting). As a result, bettors in the state can legally access this state-regulated sportsbook to place bets on various sports.

Comparing Online Sportsbooks and Promos in Louisiana

If you’re still unsure which Louisiana online sports betting site is the best one for you, why not compare the features and promos of each side-by-side using the handy table below:

Looking for more bonus and offers? Have a look at our guide of the best sportsbooks promo codes and claim the ones you prefer.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Louisiana?

Yes, sports betting in Louisiana is legal. When Governor John Bel Edwards signed the Louisiana sports betting bill, SB247, into law, he legalized sports betting in the state.

On January 28, 2022, sports betting in Louisiana went live, and six sportsbooks, including DraftKings and FanDuel, launched. Since then, two other sportsbooks have been established in the Pelican State, leaving bettors with eight legal, state-regulated sportsbooks to enjoy. So, take a look at our list to see some of the top sites to visit.

Who can Legally Bet on Sports in Louisiana?

Although it is easy to browse LA sports betting sites, signing up, claiming a bonus, and depositing funds are more complex. In addition to having to be located within state lines, in a parish that legally allows sports betting, LA bettors must be of legal gambling age. Since retail and online sports betting in Louisiana requires bettors to be 21 years or older, players must meet this requirement or face fines and even prosecution.

How to Sign Up & Bet on Sports Online in Louisiana

Sites offering sports betting in LA are relatively easy to use and are quick to get the hang of. However, new bettors may need some assistance with the registration process. But, following the simple steps below, bettors can sign up and fund their wagering accounts in no time to get to the fun part, wagering.

Step One – Register with DraftKings

Start by launching the DraftKings website and clicking the green “Log In” button on the top right of the screen. Next, select the option to “Sign Up,” before completing the registration form on the page that opens. Lastly, click “Next.”

Step Two – Verify Your Account

Following registration, you’ll need to verify your DraftKings account. So, head to your email inbox and locate the mail sent to you by the sportsbook. Then, click the link in the mail to verify your new account before signing back into DraftKings using your new credentials.

Step Three – Fund Your Account

Before you can begin wagering, you must first fund your account. So, click the green “Deposit” button on the top right of the screen and select your preferred payment method from the options provided. Then, fill in the amount you wish to deposit and type in your bonus promo code before clicking “deposit.” Next, follow the prompts to complete your payment.

Step Four – Start Wagering

Once your funds reflect in your DraftKings account, it’s time to bet. So head to the sportsbook section and find the sport or match you want to wager on. Then, add in your bet amount onto the best slip on the right of the screen before clicking “Place Bet.”

Previous Sports Betting Bills in Louisiana

Louisiana has passed several bills to deal with sports betting in LA:

2021

• SB 247 – This bill brought to fruition, the votes of LA residents, legalizing sports betting in LA. It was signed by Governor John Bel Edwards in June 2021.
• HB 697 – Another bill signed into law by Governor Edwards, this one dealt with the taxes and fees associated with sports betting in LA.
• SB 142 – This sports betting bill, also signed into law, directs the funding derived from wagering on sports in LA to early childhood education.

Tax on Sports Betting Winnings in Louisiana

Louisiana sports betting tax falls under income tax. Presently, the Pelican State runs off a three-tiered system, taxing residents according to their earnings up to 6%. Below, we outline it in more detail:

• Income of up to $12,500 taxed at 2%
• From $12,501 to $50,000 taxed at 4%
• Over $50,000 or more taxed at 6%

Online Payment Methods available at LA Betting Sites

Before LA bettors can begin placing wagers, they must first deposit funds into their Louisiana sports betting accounts. In order to make this simple for bettors, regulated sportsbooks accept several payment methods. Below, we look at the most popular payment options offered by LA sports betting sites.

Crypto Betting Options

Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Litecoin, Dogecoin, Ripple, and Ethereum, are decentralized digital currencies that run independently of financial institutions like banks. As a result, they often don’t incur transaction fees and provide instant payouts. However, because they operate outside of traditional banking fields, they provide anonymity, making it difficult for the state to track a bettor’s deposits and withdrawals. As such, state-regulated Louisiana sports betting sites do not accept cryptocurrency as payment.

eWallet Betting Options

eWallets, like EcoPayz, Skrill, Neteller, PayForIt, and PayPal, all act as intermediaries between a bettor’s bank account and their online Louisiana sports betting account. As a result, these platforms provide excellent protection against fraud, making them a popular choice among LA bettors and a standard payment option at Louisiana sportsbooks. So for the best PayPal betting site in LA, head to DraftKings or Fanduel.

Traditional Payment Methods

Lastly, LA bettors will find that traditional payment methods are the most common ways to deposit or withdraw funds at Louisiana sports betting sites. As a result, bettors can fund their accounts using options like credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover), bank wire transfers, checks, online banking, and money orders. So, visit any of the Louisiana online sports betting sites on our list if you want to use Visa or MasterCard to fund your account.

Online Bonuses Available at Louisiana Sports Betting Sites

The best sites offering sports betting in Louisiana provide a selection of promotions designed to boost the bankrolls and wagering options of new and existing bettors. Additionally, these rewards keep bettors interested in the sportsbook and what it has to offer. So, let’s take a look at the best bonuses offered by LA sportsbooks:

Match Deposit Bonuses

Whether bettors are signing up for the first time or have been visiting the sportsbook for some time, chances are they will be offered a match deposit bonus. This promotion rewards bettors for funding their sportsbook accounts by matching their deposits up to a specific amount, often doubling their wagering funds. For instance, a Louisiana sports betting site offering a 100% match deposit of up to $3,000 will give a bettor depositing $2,600 an additional $2,600 to wager.

No Deposit Bonuses

A No Deposit Bonus differs from a match deposit in that the Louisiana sports betting site does not require the bettor first to fund their account before they can receive the reward. In this case, the LA sportsbook gives a bettor complimentary site credits, allowing them to place wagers risk-free. However, the bettor often gets into the swing of things and deposits their own funds to continue betting once the credits run out, earning a new bettor for the sportsbook.

Free Bets

Another form of promotion offered by LA sports betting sites is free bets. In most cases, free bets come as site coupons, vouchers, or credits that allow a bettor to place a risk-free wager. In other words, if bettors place a free bet and lose the wager, they don’t risk any of the funds they have deposited. However, if they win, they can keep their earnings. For instance, perhaps DraftKings offers a $30 free bet on the next NFL match.

Popular Sports to Bet on in Louisiana

The Pelican State is home to many sports fans and several pro teams. As a result, sports wagering is also favored in the state. Below, we look at the most popular sports offered by Louisiana sports betting sites and the types of wagers you can palace on them.

NFL Wagering at LA Sports Betting Sites

The NFL (National Football League) is one of the most popular sports in the US and has a large following in Louisiana. As a result, all state-regulated sportsbooks offer betting on football. Bettors can place several bets on the NFL, including spreads, totals, teasers, moneylines, and props.

Presently, Louisiana has one NFL team:

• New Orleans Saints – Won the 2009 Super Bowl

Louisiana NBA Wagering

If you’re a basketball fan looking to place a wager on the NBA (National Basketball Association), head to PointsBet or Fanduel. Here, bettors can place bets like moneylines, spread lines, totals, and props.

Louisiana is home to one NBA team:

• New Orleans Pelicans – Established in 2013

MLB Betting in LA

Although The Pelican State does not have an MLB (Major League Baseball) team of its own, the state has a large MLB following. As a result, top Louisiana sports betting sites like DraftKings and BetRivers cover all the season’s games and offer betting lines like moneylines, runlines, totals, and props.

NHL Wagering at Sports Betting Louisiana Sites

Another of the four great American sports that Louisiana does not have a team for is the NHL (National Hockey League.) However, the sport is still widely followed in the state, and bettors can head to Louisiana online sports betting sites like FanDuel and BetMGM to place wagers on hockey and follow events like the Stanley Cup.

NCAA Football Betting in Louisiana

Since Louisiana permits wagering and prop bets on collegiate-level teams, bettors can wager on the NCAAF (National Collegiate Athletic Association for Football) by visiting sites like FanDuel and DraftKings. Additionally, they can place all the same wagers as those offered for NFL betting.

Below are some of the state’s top NCAAF teams:

• Northwestern State Demons – Only won the National Championship once in 1903
• Louisiana Tech Bulldogs – Holds two division titles 
• LSU Tigers – Home to two Heisman winners: Joe Burrow and Billy Cannon

NCAA Basketball Betting in LA

College-level basketball is highly popular in Louisiana, especially around March Madness. Since bettors in the state can legally wager on these sports, bettors can find a range of betting lines and matches covered at regulated sportsbooks like PointsBet and BetRivers.

Below, we look at Louisiana’s NCAAB teams:

• Northwestern State Demons – Last played in the NCAA tournament in 2017.
• Louisiana Tech Bulldogs – Won the conference division championship in 2021.
• LSU Tigers – Four-time Final Four finalists

Golf Betting in Louisiana

The Pelican State is home to 94 golf courses, making it clear that golf is a popular sport in the state. As a result, bettors can head to legal Lousiana sports betting sites like BetMGM and wager on the outright winner or place bets on the top-five, top-10, top-15, and top-20 finishes.

Horse Racing in LA

In LA, bettors can legally wager on live thoroughbred and quarter-horse races. Further, bettors can participate in pari-mutuel betting or visit sportsbooks like DraftKings to place wagers like exactas, trifectas, places, wins, and parlays.

Louisiana has four racecourses, including:

• Delta Downs

• Evangeline Downs

• Fair Grounds Race Course

• Louisiana Downs

DFS Betting in Louisiana

In The Pelican State, wagering on Daily Fantasy Sports is legal. As a result, bettors can head to the two DFS betting sites, FanDuel and DraftKings, to wager on their favorite fantasy teams.

Live Betting with Louisiana Sports Betting Sites

Besides placing traditional pre-game wagers, bettors can visit sites offering online sports betting in Louisiana to place live or in-play wagers. In other words, online sportsbooks in LA allow bettors to wager on sports teams and events already in play, adding to the tension, excitement, and thrill.

Further, many of these sportsbooks (like all the ones on our list) offer bettors the opportunity to live-stream sports events on the sportsbook website, making it simpler to place accurate predictions.

So, for the best live betting sites in Louisiana, visit DraftKings and BetMGM.

Bets that are Illegal in Louisiana

When it comes to illegal bets in Louisiana, there are very few. Since the state allows bettors to wager on collegiate-level sports and place player props on college athletes, the only wagers bettors cannot place in the state are those on politics or awards events like the Academy Awards.

How Louisiana Sports Betting Compares to its Neighboring States

The Pelican State is surrounded by three other states, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas. However, Louisiana is by far the most progressive, offering in-person and online sports betting.

In contrast, bettors may only visit in-person Arkansas sportsbooks, while Mississippi sportsbooks offer mobile wagering on sports, provided bettors are on the premises of a retail sportsbook in the state.

Lastly, there are no Texas sports betting sites since the state prohibits sports betting.

Casinos with Sports Betting in Louisiana

Besides online sports betting in Louisiana, bettors can also enjoy visiting a retail sportsbook. Further, these in-person sportsbooks base themselves at local casinos which partner with regulated sports betting operators. Below, we look at five of the best retail sportsbooks in LA:

Harrah’s New Orleans Hotel & Casino

• Address: 228 Poydras St, New Orleans
• Opening hours: 24 hours

Another local casino with a Caesar’s sportsbook is Harrah’s, New Orleans. Besides wagering on sports, bettors visiting the establishment can enjoy a stylish hotel and a 24-hour casino with over 2,100 slots and 130 table games. Additionally, those adventurous enough can head out to enjoy the nightlife for which New Orleans is famed.

Horseshoe Bossier City Hotel & Casino

• Address: 711 Horseshoe Blvd, Bossier City
• Opening hours: 24 hours

The Horseshoe Bossier City Hotel & Casino offers bettors a luxury hotel and a jam-packed casino with over 1,500 slots and 60 table games. Additionally, bettors can try their luck at Caesar’s Sportsbook or hit the spa for some R&R.

Margaritaville Resort Casino

• Address: 777 Margaritaville Way, Bossier City
• Opening hours: 24 hours

Another Louisiana sports betting establishment in Bossier City, Louisiana, is the Margaritaville Resorts and Casino. In addition to a stunning hotel, bettors can visit the 24-hour casino to enjoy 1,200 slots and multiple table games and poker. Further, those feeling hungry can try one of the five on-site restaurants.

Boomtown Casino Hotel

• Address: 300 Riverside Dr, Bossier City
• Opening hours: 24 hours

Located on the river, the Boomtown Casino and Hotel offers bettors a sportsbook and casino. Bettors visiting the casino can enjoy over 1,100 slots and three levels of gaming. However, those looking to wager on sports can visit the BarStool sportsbook.

L’Auberge Casino Lake Charles

• Address: 777 Ave L’Auberge, Lake Charles
• Opening hours: 24 hours

Bettors looking for a sportsbook, hotel, and casino all in one may want to visit the LÁuberge Casino and Hotel in Lake Charles. Here, bettors can visit the BarStool Sportsbook, enjoy fine dining, or head to the 24-hour casino to try the 75 table games and over 1,600 slots.

The Best Sports Betting Site for Louisiana

Louisiana sports betting was legalized in 2021 and launched officially in January 2022. Since then, in-person and online sports betting has flourished in the Pelican State, leading to the opening of eight regulated sportsbooks.

While we highly recommend five of these eight sites, our top pick goes to DraftKings, which provides LA bettors with over 20 sports markets, several betting lines, competitive odds, and a large selection of exciting and unique rewards. So, don’t miss out on the best LA sports betting experience. Instead, sign up with DraftKings and claim your welcome bonus.