Sportsbook Resources
Louisiana Sports Betting
If you’re deciding on a way to summarize Louisiana’s efforts to legalize sports betting, you needn’t look any further than the nickname of its biggest city.
Louisiana went big (and made it look easy) as it set itself up to be one of the most accommodating states in the country for sports betting operators. Having approved a whopping 40 skins across its 20 eligible casinos – and needing just over a year to go from referendum to fully legalization – the Pelican State is wide open for business.
Most people’s thought when they see a state with 40 available skins is that the level of competition for betting dollars will be fierce. And while that might be the case down the line, several sportsbooks in the market have doubled, tripled or even quintupled down on partnerships – led by a gaming company known for its red-hot sports product.
Here’s a look at our top-rated online sportsbooks in Louisiana.
Affiliate Disclosure: Sportsbook Review may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook betting site.
21+. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly
Up to $1,250 On Caesars + 1000 Tier Credits + 1000 Reward Credits®
Pros
- Largest retail sportsbook in America.
- Elite rewards program.
Cons
- Live betting data can be slow to load.
- Smaller secondary market.
Caesars Review
Caesars is proving to be one of the most aggressively expanding brands in sports betting. Unfortunately, like all major U.S. sportsbooks, they are quick to limit you if you go on a tear and their odds boost promos offer low maximum bet limits.
$1,000 back in Bonus Bets
Pros
- Some of the best live-betting odds.
- Casino Operator of the Year in 2021 and 2022.
Cons
- Quick to lower your limits when you're on a heater.
- Random account reviews can lock your money.
BetMGM Review
BetMGM is one of the top-rated sportsbooks in the U.S. offering some of the best live betting odds in the industry. They’re also the largest iGaming operator across the U.S.
Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets
Pros
- Easy transition of funds from DFS to sportsbook.
- User-friendly interface.
Cons
- Odds boosts and promos have low max bet limits.
- Same game parlays offer no edge.
FanDuel Review
FanDuel reigns supreme right now as the No. 1 betting site in America. And it has largely earned that spot on the strength of superior brand recognition, an easy-to-use product, an overwhelming number of markets for North America’s most popular sports, and representation in every state in which it is permitted to offer legal sports betting.
Bet $5, Get $200
Pros
- Lots of promos and odds boosts.
- Wide range of sports and bet types.
Cons
- Indirect and unhelpful customer service.
- Some promotion ads can be misleading.
DraftKings Review
DraftKings had a solid reputation as the leading DFS provider in the country, so the shift to legal sports betting felt natural. They offer one of the most voluminous collections of ongoing promos and odds boosts in the industry as they cater to the beginner crowd. However, their reputation has dwindled as outspoken CEO Jason Robins leads the charge of the anti-profitable bettor mentality that runs rampant amongst sportsbooks that are quick to limit winning players.
Bet $1 & Get $200 in Free Bets
Pros
- Global sportsbook.
- Quality live betting options.
Cons
- Issues with location detection.
- Will limit bettors on a hot streak.
bet365 Review
bet365 is one of the largest and most popular sportsbooks globally. With a well-received mobile app, popular same-game parlays, and a wide variety of sports leagues to bet on it’s no wonder 80 million sports bettors worldwide continue to use bet365.
5 Bonus Bets up to $500
Pros
- 100% independent.
- In-house odds.
Cons
- Expiration on certain promos.
- Limits users on a heater.
PointsBet Review
Online since: 2015
PointsBet’s innovative nature shows that they don’t want to just be another book you place typical bets. Unfortunately, they are quick to limit bettors on a hot streak and limit the number of promos you’re able to take advantage of, making it necessary for you to shop at other books regularly.
$1,000 New Player Bonus
Pros
- Interactive bets with their known personalities.
- Very flexible parlay options.
Cons
- Below-average odds.
- Will quickly limit bettors on a hot streak.
Barstool Sportsbook Review
With a large variety of ongoing promos and contests featuring Barstool personalities, Barstool Sportsbook is a solid option available for casual bettors.
Risk-free Bet up to $250
Pros
- Massive selection of markets.
- Easy-to-use interface.
Cons
- Drab design.
- Quick auto-sign-outs.
Betway Review
While this book won’t wow you with its design, you won’t find many apps easier to navigate – or with the sheer volume of sports markets Betway offers. And although you'll find more generous signup offers elsewhere, Betway remains a strong global sports betting brand that deserves to be mentioned among the second-tier sportsbook options in the U.S.
Louisiana Promos and Bonuses
Just about everyone loves free stuff, and Louisianans are certainly no different. Louisiana-based sportsbooks are clamoring to add new customers – and that’s great news for those of you looking to join the fray. Here are the top bonuses and signup offers available in LA:
Caesars: $1,250 on Caesars +1000 Tier Credits + 1000 Reward Credits
Caesars Sportsbook is now offering its "Go Full Caesar this Football Season" welcome bonus for new users. For prospective bettors, your first bet is on Caesars up to $1,250. If the bet loses, you get 100% of your stake back as a bet credit
Note that $10 is the minimum wager amount accepted to qualify for this offer. All credits will be added to a user's account within 7 days. The bet credit is for one-time use within 14 days and cannot be divided across multiple wagers.
New users will also receive 1000 Caesars Rewards Tier Credits and 1000 Caesars Reward Credits®, win or lose. Tier Credits contribute to your Tier Status, which gives you more benefits and faster service.
Tier Statuses are as follows:
- Gold: 0 – 4,999 Tier Credits
- Platinum: 5,000 – 14,999 Tier Credits
- Diamond: 15,000 – 24,999 Tier Credits
- Diamond Plus: 25,000 – 74,999 Tier Credits
- Diamond Elite: 75,000+ Tier Credits
- Seven Stars®: 150,000+ Tier Credits (exclusive invitation only)
Sports bettors can earn 1 Tier Credit for every $5 of potential profit on sports bets placed *Up to 10 times the original amount staked* Users can redeem these points when playing, dining, shopping, or staying at Caesars resorts and casinos.
FanDuel: Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets
New users of FanDuel Sportsbook that bet $5 get $150 in bonus bets guaranteed. All they have to do is make a first-time deposit of $10 on the platform, then place their first real-money wager on any FanDuel market. What makes the FanDuel promo code bonus stand out from its competitors’ offers is the fact that it's guaranteed if the bet wins or loses.
New users will receive their $150 in bonus bets within 72 hours.
BetMGM: Up to $1000 Paid Back in Bonus Bets
BetMGM offers new customers up to $1,000 back in bonus bets when they sign up for an account.
For this bonus bet, you only get money back if your first bet loses, and they match your first bet up to $1,000. There are no minimum or maximum odds restrictions on your first bet, which is nice since sign-up promos usually feature those.
Barstool: $1,000 Risk-Free Bet
Barstool Sportsbook has an average sign-up bonus offering a $1,000 risk-free bet for new users. They word it differently by calling it a “2-for-1,” but Louisiana residents know better: it’s a standard welcome bonus.
With the risk-free bet, you only get money back if your first bet loses, and they match your first bet up to $1,000. While that’s commendable insurance, it rewards you with nothing if your first bet hits. For that reason, deposit matches are generally slightly more appealing.
PointsBet: 5 Risk-Free Bets up to $500
PointsBet offers new players a $100 risk-free bet on each of their first five days as an account holder. Their deal is of the "if you don't use it, you lose it" type, so to get the most out of this, you must be super active in your first week as a player.
Make sure to use promo code 5X100RC to claim.
DraftKings: 20% Deposit Match up to $1,000
At DraftKings Louisiana, you will receive a $50 free bet with a minimum deposit of $5. If you don’t have the bankroll to make a more extensive first deposit, this is a humble offer. Still, this is far from generous, considering that DK is a multi-billion dollar industry giant.
The more significant offer DraftKings features is a 20% first deposit match up to $1,000. In this case, you must deposit $5,000 to be eligible to receive the maximum possible bonus amount of $1,000. This is not a reasonable offer for the casual bettor.
BetRivers: Deposit Match up to $250
BetRivers Louisiana offers a deposit match up to $250, which is nice as it gives you free money to play with instead of risk-free bets that only award you if your first bet is graded a loser.
The deposit match at BetRivers Louisiana isn’t automatically given to you either. You have to opt in to activate it. To do that, go to the Cashier / Deposit menu and make your first deposit. Enter the code SPORTS within the promo field. Your bonus funds will be applied to your account within 48 hours, and you’ll receive an email once the funds are ready to be activated.
WynnBET: $200 Free Bet
The silver lining of the WynnBET promo is that you only need to deposit $10 to get the maximum amount of the $200 bonus whether your qualifying bet wins, loses, or is a push. Most sportsbooks require a 100% deposit match to trigger a complete bonus, meaning you would have to deposit $1,000 to get $1,000 back, and in the case of a risk-free bet, you would only get a free bet or credit if your qualifying bet loses.
Unfortunately, WynnBET Louisiana does complicate how you receive your free bets. The $200 is divided into four $50 bets. The first free bet will be released within 72 hours after the settlement of your first qualifying bet. The remaining three free bets will be released in a single installment every seven days until all free bets have been released.
(Note: Terms and conditions apply to all offers and bonuses.)
Betfred: Bet $50, Get $111 Plus $200 A Week
Betfred welcome bonus is a "Bet $50, Get $111 Plus $200 A Week" promotion. New users are eligible for up to $111 in free bets after a $50 bet plus up to $200 of net losses covered for five weeks.
Net losses are calculated as all qualified cash wagered during the qualifying week MINUS all eligible winnings paid during the qualifying week. The qualifying period starts on the placement of the first eligible cash wager and ends on the Sunday at 11:59 p.m. Every other week is Monday from 12 a.m. through Sunday at 11:59 p.m.
Louisiana Sports Betting Quick Facts
| 🚀 Launch Date | October 6, 2021 |
| 💰 # of Betting Sites | 7 |
| 📱 Online Sports Betting | ✅ Yes |
| 🎰 Retail Sports Betting | ✅ Yes |
| 🖥️ Online Casino | ❌ No |
| 🃏 Retail Casino | ✅ Yes |
| 🏈 College Sports Betting | ✅ Yes |
| 🌎 2022 Population (est.) | 4.57 million |
| 💵 2021 Betting Handle | $67.1 million |
| 💸 Tax Rate | 15% online, 10% retail |
Louisiana Betting Apps
BetMGM Sportsbook
The gaming world’s most famous panthera leo gives players plenty of reasons to come back, from a generous welcome bonus offer to a vast array of ongoing contests and promotions to a clean, sleek interface. That, combined with often being the first to market with odds, makes BetMGM the operator to beat in the bayou.
Check out our BetMGM sportsbook review.
Caesars Sportsbook
When you have enough brand recognition to enter into a 20-year agreement for a stadium re-name (more on that later), your sportsbook is probably quite good. And while Caesars doesn’t quite compete with the rest of the top tier when it comes to available markets, that’s a small quibble for an otherwise elite operator.
Check out our Caesars sportsbook review.
FanDuel Sportsbook
It isn’t that FanDuel offers a lot of proprietary products to its users; most of what you’ll find here is being done elsewhere. But FanDuel does just about everything well, from easing players in with a friendly interface to offering a strong sign-up bonus and plenty of modest offers and odds boosts.
Check out our FanDuel sportsbook review.
DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings entered the sports betting world with massive daily fantasy brand recognition – and that has earned the company plenty of respect from bettors. The app interface is clean, the bonus offer is decent (though not quite on the level of its top competitors) and the sport coverage is vast.
Check out our DraftKings sportsbook review.
Barstool Sportsbook
Barstool has become an institution in the Pelican State thanks to partnerships with five casinos. And there’s quality here to match the quantity, with Barstool leveraging its connection with Stoolies through personality-driven picks, brand-focused giveaways and promos that see heavy action from power players.
Check out our Barstool sportsbook review.
WynnBET Sportsbook
We like that Wynn takes advantage of its Las Vegas clout by offering a wide range of alternative prizes like rounds at Wynn Golf Club and stays at their hotel. That somewhat makes up for a meager bonus offering that is strangely spread out over three weeks. We get that you want us coming back, but come on.
Check out our WynnBET sportsbook review.
BetRivers Sportsbook
You’ll love BetRivers’ impressive selection of sports markets, alternate odds and props. You’ll wonder why the $250 deposit match isn’t higher, though you don’t need to do much to claim it. And you’ll probably dislike the on-screen newsfeed, low betting limits on bonuses and hum-drum promo offerings.
Check out our BetRivers sportsbook review.
How to Bet in Louisiana
Choose your sportsbook
Consult our top list above for the best sports betting options available to you in Louisiana. Our interactive list allows you to sort sportsbooks based on a number of criteria, including banking options, bonuses and quality of customer service.
If you’re looking for more information before making your choice, be sure to check out our detailed, unbiased reviews for each of the top sportsbooks in Louisiana. This is especially important if you want to understand how each book’s bonus offers work.
Register online
Registration requirements vary slightly by sportsbook, but most follow the same protocols. Be sure to have your personal information (name, address, phone number) and credit card details (number, expiry date, CVV) handy.
Deposit and claim your bonus
Once you’re comfortable with how your sportsbook’s new signup bonus works, it’s time to make your initial deposit and claim that sweet bonus. The majority of first-time offers for Louisianans come in one of two forms:
- Risk-free bets: This offer guarantees you a refund on your first wager if it is graded as a loss. The sportsbook will refund your initial bet amount (up to a specific limit) either as cash or as site credit.
- Deposit match: This offer sees the sportsbook match your initial deposit dollar-for-dollar, though there are two caveats. The deposit match will come with a maximum limit, and in the majority of cases you will be required to “play through” your initial deposit by a certain multiple in order to earn the bonus.
Select and finalize your bet
Congratulations! You’re ready to place a wager. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the app interface before diving in. Most mobile operators make it easy for new sports bettors to navigate, but it’s still a good idea to know where everything is.
From there, you can place any type of wager you like; the most popular bet types are the moneyline, spread or total. You can also dive into team or player props, or even kick things off with a futures bet.
Once you have the desired wager(s) in your betting card, take one last look to ensure you’ve made the selections you want. If everything is good, simply click the “Bet” button – and you’re off!
Louisiana Legal Sports Betting History
A state known for its plethora of riverboat casinos is clearly passionate about gaming – but would that devotion carry over into the sports betting sphere?
That was the question Louisiana legislators needed to have answered before moving ahead with any sort of sports wagering bill – and the overwhelmingly positive response set the stage for a swift progression into legal sports betting in 2021. And based on the number of available licenses and skins, Louisiana might just be the most competitive market in the United States before long.
Here’s a look at Louisiana’s sports betting history:
2020: Public in favor of sports betting
Nearly 2 ½ years after the Supreme Court repealed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection act, legislators reached out to the public to see if there was a broad interest in bringing legal sports betting to the state.
The result was an emphatic one; voting was held in each of Louisiana’s 64 parishes, and 55 approved the referendum in November 2020. Those 55 parishes would be eligible to host sports betting, while the nine objectors would not.
2021: Sports betting legalized in June
With voters having expressed their desire for sports betting in Louisiana, lawmakers went to work. They crafted three bills that would create a path to legalized sports betting within the state: One set up the regulatory structure, the second established tax, license and fee thresholds, and the third outlined the distribution of betting revenue.
All three bills were signed into law within a 16-day period in June, opening the doors for operators to legal sports betting in Louisiana. And Paragon Casino Resort (partnering with BetFred Sportsbook) subsequently made history on Oct. 6, taking the first legal retail sports wager in Louisiana.
2022: LA kicks off online sports betting
On the heels of a successful launch into the brick-and-mortar betting market, January 2022 was mobile betting’s time to shine. And after sorting through the necessary issues earlier in the month, six online operators kicked off online wagering on Jan. 28.
Responsible Gaming in Louisiana
Like most states, Louisiana’s state gaming authority has put safeguards in place to ensure that bettors have a way out of any potential trouble spots.
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board manages the state’s self-exclusion program, which allows players to impose a self-ban on all gambling activity with a specific sportsbook. Players can also set deposit and bet limits of their choosing.
Visit the Louisiana Gaming Control Board site.
Sports Leagues to Bet On
It will come as no surprise to see a rather extensive list of major professional and amateur sports available to Louisiana bettors – a list that includes (but is not limited to):
- NFL
- NCAA Football
- NBA
- NCAA Basketball
- MLB
- NHL
- Golf
- Auto Racing
- Tennis
- Soccer
- MMA
That doesn’t leave much off the table, but there are three major markets in which wagering in Louisiana is prohibited:
- Politics
- Entertainment (including major awards ceremonies)
- Esports
Louisiana Teams to Bet On
Louisiana is home to one of the most frenzied sports fan bases in the country, so it’s no shock to see sports betting operators rush to partner with the local sports teams. Yet, while the number and stature of suitors was impressive, one iconic brand rose above the rest with an effort that can only be described as “super”.
Here’s a look at the sports betting partnership situations with Louisiana’s two major pro sports teams:
New Orleans Saints Betting
Oh, Caesars. Tell us how you really feel about Louisiana. One of the biggest names in gaming dove headlong into the bayou betting scene, taking ownership of five retail casinos in the state and becoming the official partner of both the Saints and Pelicans.
Oh, and it also rebranded one of the most iconic stadiums in football, agreeing to a 20-year naming-rights deal for what is now known as the Caesars Superdome.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting
In addition to having Harrah’s Casino New Orleans as an official casino partner, the Pelicans teamed up with BetRivers on a sports betting agreement in February 2022. The Rush Street Interactive sportsbook deal includes signage throughout Smoothie King Center, along with rebranding on the BetRivers Chairman Lounge.
Louisiana Retail Sportsbooks
Louisiana’s casino industry goes back eight decades – so you know these folks love their in-person gambling.
Well over half of the state’s 19 casinos have sportsbook lounges – and that number could be close to 100 percent in the not-too-distant future. As you might expect, the list of sports betting operators aligned with Louisiana casinos is an industry who’s-who, though at least one big name (PointsBet) remains conspicuously absent.
Here’s a list of the in-person sportsbooks available to those in Louisiana:
Boomtown Casino Hotel (Barstool Sportsbook, 300 Riverside Dr, Bossier City, LA, 71111)
Boomtown Casino New Orleans (Barstool Sportsbook, 4132 Peters Rd, Harvey, LA, 70058)
Delta Downs (FanDuel Sportsbook, 2717 Delta Downs Dr, Vinton, LA, 70668)
Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino (FanDuel Sportsbook, 2235 Creswell Ln, Opelousas, LA, 70570)
Golden Nugget Casino Lake Charles (DraftKings Sportsbook, 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd, Lake Charles, LA, 70601)
Harrah’s New Orleans (Caesars Sportsbook, 228 Poydras St., New Orleans, LA, 70130)
Horseshoe Bossier City (Caesars Sportsbook, 711 Horseshoe Blvd, Bossier City, LA, 71111)
L’Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge (Barstool Sportsbook, 777 L’Auberge Ave, Baton Rouge, LA, 70820)
L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles (Barstool Sportsbook, 777 Ave L'Auberge, Lake Charles, LA, 70601)
Margaritaville Resort Casino (Barstool Sportsbook, 777 Margaritaville Way, Bossier City, LA, 71111)
Paragon Casino Resort (BetFred, 711 Paragon Pl, Marksville, LA, 71351)
Treasure Chest Casino (FanDuel Sportsbook, 5050 Williams Blvd, Kenner, LA, 70065)
Louisiana Sports Betting Tax & Handle
Here’s a look at Louisiana’s monthly sports betting handle beginning in 2021.
2021
| Month | Handle |
| November | $27.6 million |
| December | $39.5 million |
| Total | $67.1 million |
2022
| Month | Handle |
| January | $89.7 million |
| February | $238 million |
| March | $232.7 million |
| April | $208.2 million |
| May | $171 million |
| June | $132.4 million |
| July | $118.3 million |
| August | $128.3 million |
| September | $207.5 million |
| October | $255.5 million |
| Total | $1.8 billion |
With online sports betting not kicking off until the tail end of the NFL season, Louisiana missed a golden opportunity to capitalize on the popularity of in-season wagering. Still, the state saw significant gains heading into the post-NFL stretch, putting together three straight months with more than $200 million in handle.
Sportsbooks pay a 10-percent tax on revenue from in-person bets, and a 15 percent rate on wagers made via mobile devices.
Louisiana Sports Betting FAQ
Can I legally wager on sports in the state of Louisiana?
Yes! Sports betting officially began in Louisiana with the first retail wager made on Oct. 6, 2021. Mobile betting debuted in late January 2022.
Am I permitted to bet in Louisiana even if I don’t live there?
You can create an account, deposit, make bets and withdraw using any regulated mobile sports betting app in Louisiana, as long as you are within state borders. Be sure to complete all of your transactions before you leave, however; once you’re outside the state, you will no longer be able to access your account(s).
Can I use online sportsbooks that aren’t partners of the sports venue I’m in?
You certainly can! Any regulated mobile sports betting app should work in whatever Louisiana-based sports venue you’re in at that time.
Which Louisiana sportsbook should I use?
Check out our list of the top-rated Louisiana sportsbooks above!
Can I bet on any Louisiana-based team?
You can wager on any Louisiana-based pro sports team, as long as sportsbooks are offering odds. You’re also permitted to bet on Louisiana-based collegiate teams, though betting on college player props is prohibited.
Can I bet on esports in Louisiana?
Unfortunately, sports betting legislation in Louisiana did not include an esports provision, preventing that arm of sports wagering from becoming legal.
How big is the Louisiana sports betting market?
Louisiana sits near the middle of the pack in terms of population, ranking 25th in the United States at 4.6 million (2022 estimate). The state hasn’t grown much at all in that regard, having seen a meager 1.57 percent increase since the 2010 census.
Who is responsible for overseeing sports betting in Louisiana?
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board has jurisdiction over sports betting in the state. You’ll find plenty of information on the website, including directions for self-exclusion and tools aimed at education, prevention, and treatment.
Will there be more online sportsbook operators in Louisiana in the future?
It’s a virtual certainty that more online sportsbooks will be making their Louisiana debuts before long. With a whopping 40 licenses available, there’s still plenty of room for the next wave of providers – a list that will likely include major players like PointsBet and FOX Bet, among others.