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Louisiana joined the group of states with legal sports betting in October 2021 when it launched its first retail betting shops. Online betting followed suit on January 28, 2022, when well-known brands such as FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, and others launched.
The age of sports betting in Louisiana has just started. While the options are not as wide-ranging as in other regulated states like New Jersey and Colorado, more operators should launch their products in the following months and years.
Regardless of which Louisiana sportsbook(s) you select, you’ll have plenty of betting options and access to lucrative promotions.
This guide goes over the best sportsbooks in Louisiana, details of physical sportsbooks in The Pelican State, rules and regulations, and more.
Best Online Sportsbooks in Louisiana
In total, we've analyzed and reviewed 8 of the online sportsbooks currently operating in Louisiana..
Below you will see those 5 sportsbooks ordered by overall rating. We also found which each sportsbook was “best” at so you can find one that fits your needs.
Our ratings are based on 8 categories including odds, intro promo, promotions & odds boosts, sports & bets offered, user interface, deposits & withdrawals, customer reviews, and education & statistics.
Best Online Sportsbooks in LA
Best Online Sportsbooks in LA
1) Caesars Sportsbook LA: Best Sign-Up Bonus & Overall
Ratings
- Odds: 5/5
- Intro Promo: 5/5
- Odds Boosts & Promos: 5/5
- Sports & Bets Offered: 5/5
- User Interface: 5/5
Intro Promo
If your opening bet at Caesars loses, you'll receive a Bonus bet of equal value as a refund, up to $1,000. You must use the Bonus Bet within 14 days once it hits your account. Access it with our exclusive link here.
Caesars Sportsbook became one of the best sportsbooks available after acquiring William Hill and integrating its technology into the Caesars platform.
Caesars Sportsbook offers one of the best sign-up for new customers in the industry—a Bonus Bet up to $1,000 as a refund if your first wager loses. To claim the sign up offer, use promo code OA1000. Once you receive your Bonus Bet, you have 14 days to use them.
The perks of the Caesars Sportsbook don't end after you take advantage of the intro bonus, either. They offer some of the most competitive odds in the industry and have attractive ongoing promotions and odds boosts to help you win more.
Caesars also offers all major sports and bet types—including same game parlays that allow you to combine sides, totals, and prop bets from the same game in one parlay.
The Caesars Sportsbook app is also one of the best available in the nation. It's easy to navigate, is very responsive, and rarely crashes or has other issues.
Overall, Caesars Sportsbook is a phenomenal option when it comes to betting. They have the best sign-up bonus, great odds, regular odds boosts, and an awesome user experience.
Pros
- Best sign-up bonus in the nation
- Better odds than most competitors
- Offer same game parlays
- Regularly offer great odds boosts & promotions
- One of the best rewards programs available
- Great customer reviews
Cons
- Only receive bet credit if your first bet loses
2) FanDuel Sportsbook LA: Best Overall (Tied)
Ratings
- Odds: 5/5
- Intro Promo: 4.5/5
- Odds Boosts & Promos: 5/5
- Sports & Bets Offered: 5/5
- User Interface: 5/5
Intro Promo
New customers receive $150 in Bonus Bets after depositing $10+ and placing a $5+ bet. Your bonus bets will be credited within 72 hours of your first wager settling and you have 7 days to use them. No promo code required. Access the promo with our exclusive link here.
FanDuel is tied as our highest-rated sportsbook thanks to the competitive odds, generous promotions and odds boosts, variety of bet types and sports to wager on, and a great user experience on both the website and mobile app.
The Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets sign-up bonus if one of the best of all legal sportsbooks since it only requires a $10 deposit and $5 bet to receive 30x your initial bet. FanDuel's welcome bonus gives you the opportunity to build a nice bankroll to start off betting with.
FanDuel pioneered the “Same Game Parlay” and offers the smoothest and most complete process for betting them. With these, you can combine prop bets, totals, and sides from the same game in a single parlay. If you've ever seen screenshots of ridiculous parlays from a single game online, it was likely a Same Game Parlay from FanDuel.
Whether you are looking for a single sportsbook to use or want to add another book to your lineup of options, FanDuel Sportsbook is one of the best options currently available. There's a reason FanDuel dominates market share in the U.S. and we think you'll be very satisfied if you decide to go with them.
Pros
- Competitive intro bonus for new customers
- Better odds than most competitors
- Pioneered Same Game Parlays
- Regularly offer great odds boosts & promotions
- Top notch user experience in app & site
- Great customer reviews
Cons
- App sometimes crashes during peak hours
- Some customers periodically have trouble logging in
3) BetMGM Sportsbook LA: Best Overall (Tied)
*Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms.
Ratings
- Odds: 5/5
- Intro Promo: 4.5/5
- Odds Boosts & Promos: 5/5
- Sports & Bets Offered: 5/5
- User Interface: 5/5
Intro Promo
If your first bet loses, receive a refund in bonus bets up to $1,500. You must use the Bonus Bets within 7 days of them being credited to your account but there is only a 1x rollover requirement. Access it with our exclusive link here.
BetMGM Sportsbook is another one of our highest-rated online sportsbooks—scoring well in all categories we analyze.
To start, all new BetMGM customers are eligible for a Second Chance Up to $1,500. If your first bet loses, receive a refund in bonus bets up to the limit. There is no BetMGM bonus code required to receive this promo—it's automatically applied to your account after you register and make your first bet.
BetMGM also offers a wide variety of sports and bet types, generous promotions and odds boosts, competitive odds, and a good user experience.
Another thing that sets BetMGM apart is that it offers true same game parlays (called “One Game Parlays”). Like with FanDuel's Same Game Parlays, you can combine prop bets, totals, and/or sides from the same game in one parlay.
Of all the sportsbooks we've analyzed, BetMGM has the best customer reviews. On the Apple App Store, BetMGM has an average of 4.8 stars from over 87 thousand reviews.
On the downside, BetMGM doesn't have player statistics available in the app and it can be difficult to get ahold of customer support.
Overall, BetMGM is one of best sportsbooks currently available, offering one of the best intro promos in the nation, competitive odds boosts and ongoing promotions, a great user experience, and everything else you may want in a book.
Pros
- Competitive intro bonus for new customers
- Offers same game parlays
- Great customer reviews
- More odds boosts & promotions than other books
- Offers all major sports & bet types
Cons
- Can be difficult to get customer support
- No player statistics
4) bet365 Sportsbook LA: Best Odds
Ratings
- Odds: 5/5
- Intro Promo: 5/5
- Odds Boosts & Promos: 5/5
- Sports & Bets Offered: 5/5
- User Interface: 4/5
Intro Promo
You can pick from two sign-up offers at bet365. (1) Bet $5+ within 30 days to get $150 in Bonus Bets. (2) If your first bet loses, you get a refund of up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets. Access the bet365 bonus here.
bet365 is one of the most well-known sportsbooks in the world and has expanded into the U.S. since sports betting was legalized there.
To start, bet365 has two welcome bonuses for you to pick from. With the first one, just bet $5 or more at odds of -500 or longer within 30 days of signing up, and you'll get $150 in bonus bets. The second deal is a safety net for your first bet. If it doesn’t win, you’ll get your stake back, up to $1,000 in bonus bets.
Other great things about bet365 include the very competitive odds that are often better than competitors and the numerous odds boosts and promotions they run.
While the bet365 user interface on the website and mobile apps isn't anything to run home about, the platform is very stable and rarely runs into crashes or other frustrating bugs like many other online sportsbooks.
If you're looking for a no-frills sportsbook with great odds, a sign-up bonus with a low commitment (but high value), and a number of other benefits, bet365 is a great option to consider.
Pros
- Sign-up bonus only requires $5 deposit to get $150 in bonus bets
- Regularly offers the best odds
- Offer same game parlays
- Wide range of sports & markets
Cons
- Somewhat dull interface
5) BetRivers Sportsbook LA: Best Odds
Ratings
- Odds: 5/5
- Intro Promo: 4/5
- Odds Boosts & Promos: 5/5
- Sports & Bets Offered: 5/5
- User Interface: 4.5/5
Intro Promo
BetRivers offers a second chance bet up to the following limits: $500 (IL, IN, LA, MD, MI, NY, PA, VA), $250 (CO, NJ), $100 (NY). You have 30 days to use the bonus bet if you receive it. Access it with our exclusive link here.
BetRivers Sportsbook checks in next on our list of the top sports betting sites/apps. It ranks as “best” or “above average” in every category we score.
The BetRivers intro promo is competitive with other sportsbooks. If your first bet loses, BetRivers will refund it with a bonus bet up of either $500, $250, or $100 depending on your state.
To make things even better, BetRivers regularly offers better odds than every other sportsbook—especially when it comes to the NFL. While other books have standard -110 odds, BetRivers often offers -109 or -108, meaning you have to win fewer bets to be profitable.
Aside from odds, you'll find everything bettors come to expect in online sportsbooks these days with BetRivers, including same game parlays, a variety of markets to choose from, a smooth user experience, and ongoing odds boosts and promotions.
On the downside, some customers have complained of bets taking a long time to settle. In addition, BetRivers doesn't offer team or player stats in the app/on the site—though you can usually find this info on other sites.
If you are looking for a longterm betting app, BetRivers is a great option thanks to the industry-leading odds and well-founded betting experience.
Pros
- Industry-leading odds
- Easy deposit & withdrawals
- Great customer reviews
- Good ongoing promotions & odds boosts
- Just started offering same game parlays
Cons
- No team or player stats
- Some customers reported bets take a long time to settle
How We Rate Online Sportsbooks in Louisiana
Here at Odds Assist, we are committed to creating objective, transparent ratings to help you make the best decisions when it comes to which sportsbooks to use. We will continually update our Editorial Ratings over time as sportsbooks introduce new features, change promotions, etc.
Each sportsbook we review goes through our extensive rating process that evaluates thousands of data points in eight categories, including the following:
| Category | Weight | Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Odds |
25% |
How competitive the odds offered are across all major sports |
|
Intro Promo |
15% |
How competitive the intro promo for new customers is |
|
Promos & Odds Boosts |
15% |
How many & how generous ongoing odds boosts & promotions are |
|
Sports & Bets Offered |
10% |
Which sports & types of wagers are offered by the sportsbook |
|
User Interface |
10% |
How user friendly the website & mobile app(s) are |
|
Deposits & Withdrawals |
10% |
Which deposit & withdrawal methods are available as well as payout speed |
|
Customer Reviews |
10% |
How positive customer reviews across other platforms are |
|
Education & Statistics |
5% |
The availability of educational & responsible gaming resources as well as team & player statistics |
We rate each sportsbook relative to other sportsbooks in each category. Each is scored from 1 to 5 with each representing the following:
- 5 Stars: Best in category
- 4 Stars: Above-average
- 3 Stars: Average
- 2 Stars: Below-average
- 1 Star: Worst in category
Data for all sportsbooks were collected simultaneously to ensure fairness. For example, we only compared odds for the same games at the same times across all sportsbooks reviewed.
To learn more, check out our full Ratings Methodology page.
All Online Sportsbooks in Louisiana
Online sports betting in Louisiana is off to a great start. Big brands have already entered the market, and more will follow soon since the law allows up to 41 licenses.
Each online operator that launched so far has partnered with one of 19 land-based Louisiana casinos, but you don’t have to visit one of these venues if you wish to register.
Here’s a table containing information about all currently live sports betting sites in Louisiana.
Sportsbook | Affiliated With | Tech Provider | Launch Date | Intro Promo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino Lake Charles | SBTech | Jan 2022 | Deposit match up to $1,000 | |
Harrah’s New Orleans | Liberty | Jan 2022 | $1,000 First Bet on Caesars | |
Sam’s Town Casino | ROAR Digital | Jan 2022 | Up to $1,500 Back If Your First Bet Loses | |
Coushatta Casino Resort | Kambi | Jan 2022 | Deposit match up to $250 | |
Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel | IGT | Jan 2022 | Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets | |
Evangeline Downs | Evolution Gaming | August 2023 | No Offer | |
Amelia Belle Casino | GIG | November 2023 | Bet $1, Get $365 in Bonus Bets | |
Boomtown Casino | Proprietary | November 2023 | $100 in Bonus Bets After Making Any Bet |
Physical Sportsbooks in Louisiana
Retail betting started in Louisiana several months before the launch of online sportsbooks. Most brands that have launched betting sites also have physical sportsbooks across Louisiana’s land-based gambling venues.
Here are all the retail sportsbooks where you can place in-person bets in LA:
- Amelia Belle Casino (FanDuel): 500 Lake Palourde Rd, Amelia, LA 70340
- Coushatta Casino Resort (The Rez): 777 Coushatta Dr, Kinder, LA 70648
- Delta Downs Racetrack (FanDuel): 2717 Delta Downs Dr, Vinton, LA 70668
- Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino (FanDuel): 2235 Creswell Ln, Opelousas, LA 70570
- Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino (DraftKings): 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd, Lake Charles, LA 70601
- Harrah’s Casino New Orleans (Caesars): 228 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70130
- Horseshoe Bossier City (Caesars): 711 Horseshoe Blvd, Bossier City, LA 71111
- Paragon Casino Resort & Hotel (Betfred): 711 Paragon Pl, Marksville, LA 71351
- Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino (FanDuel): 315 Clyde Fant Pkwy, Shreveport, LA 71101
- Treasure Chest Casino (FanDuel): 5050 Williams Blvd, Kenner, LA 70065
Team Partnerships With Louisiana Sportsbooks
Louisiana has two professional teams in the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans and a major university program in LSU. Each of these has signed sponsorship deals with gambling partners in the last year:
- Caesars with the New Orleans Saints & New Orleans Pelicans: Both the Saints and the Pelicans signed a deal with Caesars Entertainment in 2018, making Harrah’s New Orleans (a casino owned by Caesars) their official casino partner. The Saints have also sold the naming rights of their stadium to Caesars, which now carries the name Caesars Superdome. However, neither team can yet partner with a specific sports betting operator.
- Caesars with LSU: Caesars Sportsbook became the exclusive gaming and sportsbook partner of the Louisiana State University in September 2021. The deal gives Caesars Sportsbook signage rights at the Tiger Stadium and presence on the university’s sports mobile app.
Louisiana Sports Betting Timeline
Regulated sports betting in Louisiana has been in the making since early 2020 when the crucial sports betting bill was introduced. Here’s a quick overview of what led to the legalization and launch of retail and online sportsbooks in the state:
- April 2019: Several bills (HB 469, HB 587, and SB 153) were brought before the House and the Senate but failed to get enough votes.
- February 2020: SB 130, often referred to as the sports betting bill, was introduced by Sen. Cameron Henry.
- May 2020: The sports betting bill was approved by both the House of Representatives and the Louisiana Senate.
- June 2020: Gov. John Bel Edwards signed the sports betting bill, and each Louisiana parish got to vote whether they wished to authorize sports betting on their territory.
- October 2020: 55 out of 64 parishes approved sports betting.
- June 2021: Gov. John Bel Edwards signed SB 247 containing sports betting regulatory framework, effectively legalizing sports betting in all 55 parishes that voted in favor of it.
- October 2021: Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel became the first retail sportsbooks to launch in LA.
- January 2022: Online sports betting went live in Louisiana, with six sportsbooks launching on January 28.
Louisiana Sports Betting Rules and Regulations
Rules and regulations in Louisiana resemble most other states with authorized sports betting. Nevertheless, since this form of gambling is relatively new in the state, many people are not familiar with things like eligibility, geolocation, and off-limit bets.
Here’s what you should be aware of before starting your online betting journey in LA.
Who Can Register With Louisiana Sportsbooks?
You must be at least 21 years old to legally bet in Louisiana, both in retail sportsbooks and online.
Online registration is available through the sportsbooks’ websites or mobile apps. When registering, you’ll have to share the following information:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Residential address
- Email address
- Phone number
- Last four digits of a Social Security number
Is Geolocation Required?
You must be physically present in Louisiana to place bets on LA betting sites, but you don’t have to be a resident. However, it’s worth noting that you must be in 55 of the state’s 64 parishes that approved sports betting when placing bets.
Geolocation software makes sure you are within allowed physical boundaries. When betting on your phone, the location is determined using GPS, but you may be required to install a geolocation tool when betting on a desktop computer.
Are There Any Off-Limit Bets?
Unlike many other states, the sports betting law in Louisiana allows for betting on in-state college teams, including LSU. Nevertheless, betting on high school events and games that mainly involve minors is forbidden.
Things are a little more complicated with e-sports betting. Namely, sportsbooks can suggest e-sports markets, which will then be revised on a case-by-case basis by the regulators.
Licensing Details and Tax Rates
Operators applying for sports betting licenses in Louisiana must pay a $250,000 initial application fee, as well as a $500,000 license fee every five years. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board is in charge of reviewing and licensing all applicants.
Online sportsbooks pay a tax of 15%, while retail sportsbooks pay 10%. The tax revenue is allocated to the general fund, education, parishes, and programs for gambling addiction.
Louisiana Sports Betting FAQs
Is sports betting legal in Louisiana?
Yes, online and in-person sports betting became legal in Louisiana in 2021 (online didn’t go live until January 2022, though).
When did online sports betting in Louisiana go live?
Online sports betting in Louisiana launched on January 28, 2022, when six sportsbooks went live.
Is there in-person betting in Louisiana?
Yes, more than a dozen Louisiana casinos and racetracks host retail sportsbooks.
How old must I be to place bets in Louisiana sportsbooks?
The minimum betting age is 21.
Do I have to be a resident of Louisiana to bet?
You don’t have to be a resident, but you must be within one of the 55 Louisiana parishes that approved legal sports wagering.
Do I have to pay taxes on my winnings?
A withholding tax of 24% applies to all sports betting winnings. You must report winnings exceeding $600, provided the winnings are 300 times your stake.
Is Bovada legal in Louisiana?
Bovada is an offshore betting operator, meaning it’s illegal in Louisiana or all other states.
Is there horse race betting in Louisiana?
Pari-mutuel wagering has been legal in Louisiana since 1940. It is available at the state’s four racinos, including Delta Downs, Evangeline Downs, Harrah’s Louisiana Downs, and Fair Grounds Race Course.
