Louisiana legalized sports betting on June 23, 2021, when Governor John Bel Edwards signed the supporting legislation. Retail sports betting kicked off on October 6, 2021, and online sports betting went live in 55 of 64 parishes on January 28, 2022.
Seven sports betting apps are up and running in Louisana: FanDuel, Caesars, bet365, BetMGM, BetRivers, DraftKings, and theScore Bet.
If you're looking for the quick answer on which are best, I personally use FanDuel, Caesars, and bet365 the most since they often offer the best odds and promotions, but we'll go over each in detail below.
We'll also go over retail sportsbooks currently available in Louisiana and answers to FAQs later in the guide.
List of All Louisiana Sportsbooks
Louisiana currently has seven online sportsbooks, but there's potential for many more. Each of the state's 19 casinos and horse racing tracks can partner with up to two online sportsbooks, and an extra license is reserved for the Louisiana Lottery. This means Louisiana could eventually host up to 41 sportsbooks.
Fanatics is set to join in 2024, and Betfred, which already has a retail sportsbook, could go online next.
One unique aspect of Louisiana's sports betting laws is that sports betting isn't available statewide. Based on the 2020 vote, only the approved sports betting parishes can offer it online. Of the 64 parishes, 55 said yes, covering major areas like New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport.
However, nine northern parishes said no, including Caldwell and Catahoula. So, if you're in these areas, your sports betting apps won't work since betting there is banned.
In the rest of Louisiana, you can access the following online sportsbooks:
- FanDuel: Best Overall Sportsbook
- Caesars: Best Odds on Straight Bets
- bet365: Best for Futures Betting
- BetMGM: Most Valuable Promotions
- BetRivers: Best for Soccer Odds
- DraftKings: Best for NFL Betting
- theScore Bet: Best Odds Boosts
1) FanDuel: Best Overall Sportsbook in Louisiana
FanDuel quickly established a strong presence in Louisiana, setting up five retail sportsbooks before online betting launched. They've partnered with Treasure Chest Casino in Kenner, Delta Downs in Vinton, Amelia Belle Casino in Amelia, Evangeline Downs in Opelousa, and Sam’s Town Casino in Shreveport.
FanDuel gets the nod for me as the best sportsbook in Louisiana because it offers the best odds in the market. I'm a big college football fan. You can find me cheering for the LSU Tigers on a Saturday and placing bets on the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns or Tulane Green Wave during a weeknight game. FanDuel’s vig for college football is the lowest among all the sports they cover—and they offer a wide range.
I also appreciate that FanDuel has the quickest turnaround with its lines. When I’m considering making a play on the New Orleans Saints, I’m already looking at next week’s action before Sunday’s games are finished. FanDuel has those lines ready by Sunday night, which is great because it lets me decide whether to bet early or wait and see how the market shifts.
One small critique I have of FanDuel is their football teasers. If I feel confident about a few NFC South games, I wouldn't tease them on FanDuel. Unlike the -120 odds you can typically find on DraftKings and some other alternatives, FanDuel’s two-team, six-point NFL teasers usually offer odds of -130 or worse.
FanDuel Sportsbook Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 94/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: Get $350 in bonus bets guaranteed when you bet $5 for 7 days
- Best Features: Odds competitiveness, market variety
- Biggest Drawbacks: No sportsbook rewards program, not many daily odds boosts
- Number of Sports: 21+
- Payout Speed: Up to 5 business days (typically faster)
- Rewards Program: DFS & Casino only
Visit our full review of FanDuel Sportsbook to learn more.
2) Caesars: Best Odds on Straight Bets At LA Sportsbooks
Caesars has become a dominant force in Louisiana sports betting since the state legalized it in June 2021.
They've secured partnerships with top local teams, including the New Orleans Saints, New Orleans Pelicans, and LSU Tigers. They also sponsor the Louisiana Superdome and own the state’s only entirely land-based casino. Besides their New Orleans sportsbook, Caesars operates betting facilities at Horseshoe Bossier City and Lake Charles. They also partner with the NFL's Houston Texans in Lake Charles.
Caesars is the best book in Louisiana for straight bets. Their odds on spreads, totals, and moneylines are consistently among the most competitive. Caesars is where you'll want to play if those are the bets you're after.
Regular bettors can benefit from the Caesars Rewards Program. You earn rewards for every bet, which can be anything from bet credits to free stays at Caesars properties.
On the downside, I don't often place prop bets at Caesars. While there are exceptions, their prop odds aren't typically as competitive as you'd get at DraftKings or FanDuel.
Caesars Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 93/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: Bet $1, Get 2x Winnings on Next 10 Bets
- Best Features: Loyalty program, user-friendly UX
- Biggest Drawbacks: Slower payout speeds, sluggish customer service
- Number of Sports: 23+
- Payout Speed: Up to 72 hours
- Rewards Program: Caesars Rewards
Make sure to check out our full Caesars Sportsbook review for more information.
3) bet365: Best Louisiana Betting Site for Futures Betting
In November 2023, bet365 debuted in Louisiana, marking the seventh state in the U.S. where the UK-based sportsbook is available. Unlike some competitors, bet365 doesn't have a retail location in Louisiana but operates as the second online partner for Amelia Belle Casino, alongside FanDuel.
This is my go-to spot when placing futures bets because of the extensive options available. You get competitive odds on usual bets like league champions and division winners. Still, there's also a variety of less common futures, such as road wins in playoff series or season-long yard totals in the NFL. And if you can’t find the future play you want, you can always use the “request a bet” feature to get lines for it.
I also really like the early payout promotions from bet365. There's nothing more frustrating than watching your team take a strong lead early on only to blow it down the stretch. Bet365 offers a solution by guaranteeing a payout if your team reaches a certain lead. It's similar to the 10-run rule in college baseball, providing another way to lock in a win without the stress.
Before I place a prop bet at bet365, I always double-check my odds. It’s good practice anyway, but it's essential at bet365, where you might encounter a prop line that's 40 cents or worse. That jump from 30-cent to 40-cent lines hurts your long-term sports betting win rate.
bet365 Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 89/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: $1,000 First bet safety net or bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets
- Best Features: Auto Cash Out, insane number of odds boosts, early payout promos
- Biggest Drawbacks: Subpar prop odds, no sportsbook rewards program
- Number of Sports: 26+
- Payout Speed: Up to 24 hours
- Rewards Program: None
Check out our full bet365 Sportsbook Review to get a complete picture.
4) BetMGM: Best Promotions at LA Sportsbooks
BetMGM launched mobile sports betting in Louisiana on January 28, 2022, the first day it was available. While it doesn’t operate a retail sportsbook in the state, BetMGM has partnered with Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino in Shreveport and the MLB's Houston Astros.
BetMGM keeps the promotions coming all year and, best of all, some don't even require a wager. During baseball season, I love their “Swing for Prizes” game. You pick a zone, and if you hit it, you win something cool—like a bonus boost on an MLB bet. They also offer sweepstakes for big tournaments and team-specific promotions, like boosted odds for the Saints and Pelicans.
One of the features I like the most at BetMGM is the ability to edit my parlays. This is a unique BetMGM offering, and it lets me get rid of a leg or add more while the bet is still in progress. If things look good, I can stack another game and further boost my winnings.
On the downside, BetMGM is notably quick to limit sharp bettors. If you’re turning a profit, don't be surprised if you get limited quickly (a cap on your max bet size), especially if you’re betting large amounts.
BetMGM Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 84/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: Up to $1,500 in bonus bets
- Best Features: Edit My Bet, NFL rewards
- Biggest Drawbacks: Quickly limits sharps, UX can be a bit buggy
- Number of Sports: 19+
- Payout Speed: Up to 24 hours
- Rewards Program: MGM Rewards
Check out our full BetMGM Sportsbook review to get more information.
5) BetRivers Sportsbook: Best Louisiana Sportsbook for Soccer Betting
BetRivers Sportsbook went live on the first day of legal sports betting in Louisiana, January 28, 2022. It doesn’t have a retail sportsbook in Louisiana but has a strong presence as a partner of Coushatta Casino Resort and the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans.
If you're into soccer as much as I am, you'll want to include BetRivers in your sports betting lineup. Whether it's wagering on Arsenal in the Premier League, Houston Dynamo in MLS, or significant tournaments like Copa America, BetRivers consistently offers the best soccer odds among Louisiana sportsbooks.
I also love BetRivers for NFL teaser plays. Unlike most sportsbooks, BetRivers doesn’t offer a set price on a teaser bet. You’ll get odds based on the individual legs, which usually means more favorable lines. Whether I play six points or adjust the lines differently, BetRivers often offers the best odds on these bets.
One issue I do have with BetRivers is that the desktop isn’t laid out very well. The newsfeed on the right side of the screen is rather distracting, and I'm not a fan of how they place promotions on the side of the page rather than on a dedicated promotions page.
BetRivers Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 82/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: Second chance bet up to $500 depending on state
- Best Features: Fast payouts, competitive teaser and soccer odds
- Biggest Drawbacks: Functionality issues, limits successful bettors quickly
- Number of Sports: 29+
- Payout Speed: Up to 5 business days (usually within a day)
- Rewards Program: iRush Rewards
Make sure to check out our full BetRivers Sportsbook review to get a complete breakdown.
6) DraftKings Sportsbook: Best Betting Site in Louisiana for NFL Betting
DraftKings kicked off its online sportsbook the day sports betting went live in Louisiana. They established the state's largest sportsbook at the Golden Nugget Casino in Lake Charles.
Even though it’s partnered with an NBA franchise, the NFL is where DraftKings really shines. It offers bettor-friendly odds on NFL teasers and a boatload of prop plays or regular odds boosts on football Sundays, which is why it’s one of the first places I look for NFL action. Only FanDuel comes close to DraftKings’ prop offerings, and I’ve found several prop plays that aren’t available at most books.
I'm also a big fan of what DraftKings offers for college basketball. One of my favorite bets in Louisiana is on Lake Charles' McNeese State Cowboys to exceed their team totals. DraftKings provides a low vig on McNeese State and other college basketball games, making it one of the best platforms for college hoops betting. This holds true even though individual college props are no longer legal in Louisiana.
DraftKings’ offerings in other sports aren’t quite as strong. Outside of the NFL and college basketball, the vig tends to be on the higher end.
DraftKings Sportsbook Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 89.5/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: Bet $5, Get $100 Bonus
- Best Features: Prop variety, user experience, creative features
- Biggest Drawbacks: Odds are not always competitive, quickly limit winners
- Number of Sports: 27+
- Payout Speed: Up to 2 business days
- Rewards Program: Dynasty Rewards
Take a look at our full DraftKings Sportsbook review for more information.
7) theScore Bet: Best Odds Boosts at Louisiana Sportsbooks
theScore Bet has had quite the rollercoaster journey in Louisana. Penn Gaming first made its entry through a partnership with PointsBet in September 2022. Meanwhile, Barstool Sportsbook launched with L’Auberge Lake Charles in March 2022. Since then, Barstool has undergone a rebranding to become theScore Bet, now partnering with Boomtown Bossier City.
Odds boosts can improve your betting success, and theScore Bet excels in this area. They frequently boost odds into the +120 to +150 range, and I've even seen some wild parlays offering odds above +1000. While parlays are generally the least reliable way to earn money in sports betting, they can be tempting to try with such attractive odds, especially for a small wager.
I really appreciate when a sportsbook rolls out a new bet to the market, and theScore Bet has done just that with their option to bet on NFL players not scoring a touchdown. Each week, they offer a solid selection of prop bets across various sports, usually featuring competitive odds.
theScore Bet still deals with some functionality hangovers from its Barstool days. Back then, the focus was more on style, which has left the platform with a clunky and awkward layout. This makes it difficult to quickly find the bets you're looking for because there are no clear categories for different types of bets.
theScore Bet Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 73/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: $1,000 First Bet Reset
- Best Features: Sports variety, competitive pre-game odds
- Biggest Drawbacks: Subpar user experience, not many features
- Number of Sports: 20+
- Payout Speed: 1 to 5 banking days
- Rewards Program: PENN Play Program
Check out our theScore Bet Sportsbook review to learn more.
Louisiana Online Sports Betting Quick Facts Table
Online sportsbooks | 7 |
Max number of betting apps per law | 41 |
Retail sports betting | Yes |
Legalization date | June 23, 2021 |
Market launch date | October 6, 2021 |
Biggest bonus in the state | $1,000 First Bet Match, Caesars Sportsbook |
State regulator | |
College betting | Allowed, but no individual prop bets as of Aug. 1, 2024 |
Esports betting | Allowed |
Min age for registration | 21 |
Payment method exclusions | None |
Tax rate on operators | 10% |
Remote registration | Yes |
Online casinos | No |
List of Retail Sportsbooks In Louisiana
Louisiana has a wide range of casinos with retail sportsbooks. Not all of them have a branded sportsbook partner. Here's an overview of the retail sportsbooks in Louisana and their addresses.
Paragon Casino Resort
Betfred Sportsbook was the first betting brand to enter the Louisiana sports betting scene, as it opened up in the Paragon Casino’s Draft Room in October 2021. Betfred has not launched an online sportsbook in Louisiana, although it could partner with Paragon.
Address: 711 Paragon Place, Marksville, LA 71351
Caesars New Orleans
Caesars New Orleans is home to a Caesars Sportsbook, equipped with four betting windows and 12 self-service kiosks in a spacious 5,700-square foot area. The sportsbook has partnerships with both the NFL’s New Orleans Saints and the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans.
Address: 228 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Horseshoe Bossier City
Caesars opened a second retail sportsbook in northwest Louisiana in 2022. You’ll find full-service betting and kiosks over a 6,900-square foot space with 94 televisions to watch your bets play out.
Address: 711 Horseshoe Boulevard, Bossier City, LA 71111
Horseshoe Lake Charles
Caesars launched its third retail sportsbook at its Lake Charles location, where it’s partnered with the NFL’s Houston Texans.
Address: 100 Westlake Avenue, Westlake, LA 70669.
Golden Nugget Lake Charles
DraftKings operates Louisiana's largest retail sportsbook at the Golden Nugget Lake Charles, owned by Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta.
Address: 2550 Golden Nugget Boulevard, Lake Charles, LA 70601.
Amelia Belle Casino
Amelia Belle Casino, located on the bayou, is a traditional riverboat casino and hosts one of five FanDuel retail sportsbooks in Louisiana. It also has a partnership with bet365.
Address: 500 Lake Palourde Road, Amelia, LA 70340
Delta Downs Racetrack and Casino
In addition to live horse racing, Delta Downs features a full-scale FanDuel sportsbook. Vinton sits just eight miles from the Texas state line, making it attractive for out-of-state bettors.
Address: 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton, LA 70668.
Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino
Evangeline Downs offers both live horse racing and a full-scale FanDuel sportsbook.
Address: 2235 Creswell Lane, Opelousas, LA 70570.
Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino Shreveport
Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino runs a FanDuel sportsbook with kiosks and full-service betting windows. It has also partnered with BetMGM.
Address: 315 Clyde Fant Parkway, Shreveport, LA 71101.
Treasure Chest Casino
Treasure Chest Casino features a FanDuel sportsbook, which includes three betting windows and 16 betting kiosks.
Address: 5050 Williams Boulevard, Kenner, LA 70065.
Louisiana Downs
Louisiana Downs offers a racebook and a sportsbook. While it was partnered with ClutchBet, its sportsbook doesn’t use ClutchBet’s branding.
Address: 8000 East Texas Street, Bossier City, LA 71111.
Boomtown Bossier City
Boomtown Bossier City is theScore Bet's official partner. Given that it’s a Penn Entertainment property, this link-up wasn’t surprising.
Address: 300 Riverside Drive, Bossier City, LA 71111.
Boomtown New Orleans
The Sportsbook at Boomtown New Orleans isn't currently partnered with any online sportsbook. Previously, PointsBet was affiliated with Boomtown before rebranding as Fanatics, but this partnership never extended to the retail sportsbook.
Address: 4132 Peters Road, Harvey, LA 70058.
L’Auberge Casino Hotel Baton Rouge
L’Auberge Baton Rouge's Sportsbook used to be associated with Barstool Sportsbook, but now it operates without any partnership or branding from major operators.
Address: 777 L’Auberge Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70820.
L’Auberge Casino Hotel Lake Charles
L’Auberge Lake Charles's Sportsbook carried Barstool's branding until it switched to theScore Bet.
Address: 777 L’Auberge Avenue, Lake Charles, LA 70601.
Margaritaville Resort Casino
Margaritaville Resort Casino does not have a partnership or branding from any online sportsbook.
Address: 777 Margaritaville Way, Bossier City, LA 71111.
Coushatta Casino Resort
The Rez Sportsbook at Coushatta Casino Resort doesn't have a partnership or branding from any online sportsbook. However, Coushatta Casino Resort is affiliated with BetRivers online sportsbook.
Address: 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder, LA 70648.
Fairgrounds Race Course
Fairgrounds Race Course used to be TwinSpires’ betting partner, but the branding was removed after TwinSpires ended its online sportsbook.
Address: 1751 Gentilly Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70119.
The Queen Baton Rouge
The Queen Baton Rouge features a DraftKings sportsbook with four betting windows and 20 online kiosks.
Address: 1717 River Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70802.
Louisiana Sports Betting FAQ
Is sports betting legal In Louisiana?
Yes. Sports betting became legal in Louisiana in June 2021. Retail sports betting became available on October 6, 2021, while online sportsbooks launched on January 28, 2022.
What is the best online sportsbook in Louisiana?
According to my Odds Assist ratings, FanDuel, Caesars, Bet365, BetMGM, and BetRivers are the best Louisiana sportsbooks.
Which sportsbook in Louisiana has the best odds?
According to our ratings, FanDuel Sportsbook offers the best odds in Louisiana
How old do I have to be to bet at Louisiana sportsbooks?
You must be at least 21 years old to bet at any Louisiana sportsbook.
Do I have to be a resident of Louisiana to bet?
No. Residents of Texas, Arkansas, and other states are welcome to bet in Louisiana. Famously, Gallery Furniture CEO Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale drives from his Houston home and places his bets in Louisiana. You must be 21 years old and physically located in one of the state’s 55 parishes that allow sports betting.
When did Louisiana online sportsbooks launch?
Louisiana’s online sportsbooks launched on January 28, 2022.
Is e-sports betting legal in Louisiana?
Yes, e-sports betting is legal in Louisiana.
Is college sports betting legal in Louisiana?
Yes, you can bet on any college sports event in Louisiana. However, individual prop bets on college sports will become illegal in the state as of August 1, 2024. You can still bet on moneylines, spreads, and totals for college sports with no restrictions.
Are there physical sportsbooks in Louisiana?
Yes. In Louisiana, there are 15 physical casinos and four racetracks that offer casino gambling, and all 19 locations have a physical sportsbook.
Do I have to pay taxes if I win a sports bet in Louisiana?
Yes. Your winnings are taxed at the highest possible Louisiana state income tax rate, 7.5%.
Are offshore sportsbooks legal in Louisiana?
No, they are not.
