Louisiana Online Sports Betting Guide 2024
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Online sports betting is legal and live in Louisiana, with 8 licensed sportsbooks ready to take your bets in 2024. We’ve got all the details for you in this article, so get ready for some action!
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Discover the best online and retail sportsbooks in the Bayou State.
- Explore the laws and regulations around sports betting in Louisiana.
- Find out the latest news and updates on Louisiana’s sports betting industry.
Top Louisiana Sports Betting Sites and Apps
You’re spoiled for choice when selecting legal sports betting apps in Louisiana. The state’s licensed platforms offer competitive odds, attractive Louisiana sportsbook promos, as well as a user-friendly experience.
Here are our picks of the top sports betting apps in the state:
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Louisiana?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Louisiana. Here’s a clear timeline of how it happened:
- May 14, 2018:The US Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), allowing individual states to legalize sports betting, including LA.
- November 3, 2020: Residents in 55 of Louisiana’s 64 parishes voted to approve sports betting.
- June 2021: Governor John Bel Edwards signed Senate Bill 247 and House Bill 697, legalizing retail and online sports betting in the state.
- September 30, 2021: WynnBet became the first operator to secure a license in Louisiana.
- October 6, 2021: Paragon Casino Resort opened the first retail sportsbook in the state: Betfred Sportsbook.
- January 28, 2022: Online sports betting officially launched, with six operators going live, including DraftKings, WynnBet, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, and BetRivers.
Note: Nine parishes did not approve the sports betting referendum. If you live in Cadwell, Catahoula, Franklin, Jackson, Lasalle, Sabine, Union, West Carroll, or Winn, you’ll need to visit a licensed sportsbook in another parish to place a bet.
To learn more about the legal status of sports betting in your state, check our linked page, where you’ll find the latest update.
Quick Facts About Louisiana’s Sports Betting Laws
| Legal LA Online Sports Betting Launch Date | January 28, 2022 |
| Number of Legal Sportsbooks | 8 |
| Legal Age | 21+ |
| Regulator | The Louisiana Gaming Control Board |
| Taxes | 15% tax on online, 10% on retail sportsbook revenues |
| College Sports Betting | Bets on college teams allowed; prop bets on individual athletes prohibited |
| Retail Sports Betting | ✅ |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | ✅ |
How to Bet on Sports in Louisiana?
Placing a bet on sports games in Louisiana is easy. While you can wager online and at retail sports betting locations in the state, this guide focuses on online sports betting.
Here are the steps to bet online on sports in Louisiana:
- Create an Account with a Licensed Sportsbook.
Choose from the eight licensed sports betting sites in Louisiana.
Sign up by providing personal information and verifying your identity. - Deposit Funds.
Fund your account using popular payment methods like Visa, Mastercard, ACH, or online banking.
For faster transactions, consider using PayPal or PayNearMe. - Navigate the Platform.
Explore the sportsbook’s platform to find available sports and markets.
Quickly locate your ideal market by browsing sections like Live Games, Upcoming Events, and Featured Markets. - Place a Bet.
Select your desired bet type (e.g., point spread, moneyline, or over/under).
Enter your wager amount, confirm your bet, and receive a digital ticket.
Sit back and enjoy the game. - Additional Tips — Check for welcome bonuses.
Before placing your first bet, visit your bookie’s promotions page. Many sportsbooks offer welcome bonuses tied to your first bet amount that will help to boost your initial bankroll.
By following these steps, you’ll be ready to bet online on your favorite major sports leagues in Louisiana.
Popular Sports and Teams to Bet on in Louisiana
Louisiana boasts a diverse range of sports and teams that have a special place in the hearts of the state’s residents. Here are some of the most popular sports clubs in the Pelican State:
| Team | Sports | League | Team Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans Saints | American Football | NFL | Most beloved football franchise in Louisiana, the Saints have a loyal fan base that bleeds black and gold. |
| New Orleans Pelicans | Basketball | NBA | Established in 2002, the Pelicans have qualified for 9 playoffs, won 2, and a division title. |
| New Orleans Gold | Rugby Union | Major League Rugby | The Gold’s Mine on Airline 10,000 capacity stadium usually sells out when the team plays important matches |
| Louisiana State Tigers | College Football & Basketball | NCAA | Also known as the Fighting Tigers, their athletic games, especially football and basketball, usually draw die-hard fans. |
| Louisiana State Lady Tigers | College Basketball | NCAA | The Lady Tigers have gained popularity with the help of talented players like Angel Reese |
| Louisiana Tech University Bulldogs | College Football & Basketball | NCAA | The Bulldogs play their home games at Joe Alliet Stadium in Ruston, LA, usually in front of a sea of blue and red-clad fans. |
| University of Louisiana Cajuns | College Football, Baseball, Basketball, & Volleyball | NCAA | The Ragin’ Cajuns hold Sun Belt Conference titles across various sports including football, baseball, and basketball. |
The Impact of Local Teams on Sports Betting
Ever wondered why Louisiana sports betting revenue is that impressive? In Louisiana, the love of sports drives the growth of sports betting. Fans’ passion for local teams like the Saints, Pelicans, and LSU Tigers increases betting activity.
When these teams perform well, more residents become interested in sports wagering, boosting the state’s betting volume. This is why Louisiana ranks high in sports betting handle and revenue.
In March 2024, Louisiana’s total player wagers exceeded $319.4 million, with operators reporting $35.5 million in revenue. Basketball generated the most income that month, at $8.13 million. NCAA and NFL betting also contribute significantly to Louisiana’s sports betting revenue.
Games between Louisiana teams and their rivals attract more betting attention. For instance, the LSU ladies’ basketball team’s victory over Ole Miss likely drew significant betting interest, contributing to the state’s betting handle.
Are There More Gambling Options in Louisiana?
Yes, outside the Louisiana online sports betting market, the state also permits various gambling options. Let’s look at them below:
- Retail Sports Betting: Enjoy in-person sports betting at top locations like Caesars Sportsbook at Harrah’s New Orleans, with its extensive HD TV setup and frequent contests, or DraftKings Sportsbook at Golden Nugget Lake Charles, featuring a vast LED screen area and full-service restaurant.
- Casino: You can engage in casino gambling on riverboats and at land-based gambling establishments. They offer popular casino games like slots, table games, and video poker.
- Horse Racing: Betting on horse races is legal and available in Louisiana. You can wager on horse racing at four live racing venues in the state, as well as online with sites like TVG and NYRA Bets.
- DFS: Daily Fantasy Sports is available across 47 parishes in Louisiana. Platforms like FanDuel and DraftKings allow you to participate in state fantasy sports contests.
- Lottery: The Louisiana Lottery offers various games to try your fortune, including Powerball, Mega Millions, Easy 5, and Scratch-offs. You can purchase tickets at multiple retailers across the state or via the Louisiana Lottery’s official website.
Top Tips and Strategies for Louisiana Bettors
If you want to score big with your sports bets in Louisiana, you need to adopt a strategic approach that combines knowledge with discipline and smart decision-making. We’ve got you covered with these tips below.
Manage your Bankroll
Set a betting budget with money you can afford to lose. Stick to it, win or lose, to avoid overspending. That is the best way of managing your bankroll while betting in the Pelican state.
Shop for the Best Lines
At the time of writing, there are eight online sportsbooks in Louisiana, so you don’t have to make all your bets in one place. Take advantage of this competition! Compare offerings from different bookmakers to get the best odds and maximize your potential winnings.
Understand the Odds
If you can master sports betting odds, you can save yourself from potential losses. While the odds help you determine how much you can win, they also represent the probability of an outcome and the risk involved.
Don’t be overwhelmed by the appeal of high odds. Instead, consider the risk and reward ratio and determine if the payout is worth the risk.
Louisiana Sports Betting Taxes
New Louisiana bettors should be aware that sports betting winnings are subject to federal and state taxes according to current sports betting legislation.
The IRS treats gambling winnings as taxable income, which must be reported on your tax returns. This includes payouts from sports betting.
Louisiana sportsbooks are required to withhold state income tax (4.25%) on winnings exceeding $600 or 300 times your wager. You will receive an IRS Form W-2G to report these winnings and the tax withheld. Additionally, federal income tax (24%) may be withheld on winnings of $5,000 or more.
For more information, visit our dedicated page explaining how taxes work on sports betting winnings.
So, Ready to Place Your Bets in Louisiana?
Louisiana is a sports betting paradise for both online and retail gambling options. Make your pick among our recommended Louisiana sportsbook apps or our selected retail sportsbooks. If you’re 21 or older and in the state, you’re just a sign-up away from wagering on a wide range of markets, including in-state college games.
So, why wait? Place your bet, and cheer on your favorite Louisiana team! But remember, betting responsibly and strategically is key to enjoying your experience.
Did you know that free sports betting tools can boost your chances of success? Find out how to gain an edge in our linked guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, mobile sports betting is allowed in Louisiana. You can place bets online using various sportsbook apps as long as you are physically located within the state and in a parish that has approved sports betting.
Louisiana sports betting is legal for individuals who are 21 years or older.
Sports betting was legalized in Louisiana in November 2020 through a voter referendum. The legalization process was completed in 2021.
