Sports Betting in Louisiana 2026

Is Sports Betting Legal in Louisiana?

As of 2025, sports betting is fully legal and active in Louisiana, with both retail and mobile wagering available in 55 of the state’s 64 parishes. These parishes voted to approve sports betting in the November 2020 referendum, leading to a retail launch in October 2021 and mobile launch in January 2022. The strong voter mandate confirmed the state’s appetite for legal gambling.

In 2025, Louisiana’s sports betting market remains one of the strongest in the Deep South, especially during football season when wagering volumes spike. The NFL playoff push regularly drives record monthly handles, contributing millions in tax revenue.

Mobile betting is still unavailable in the nine parishes that rejected sports betting, and players in those areas often turn to offshore sportsbooks. These offshore sites operate outside U.S. jurisdiction and process bets internationally, remaining popular with bettors who want unrestricted access or markets not offered by local operators.

Top 5 Louisiana Sportsbooks

After reviewing the best offshore options available to Louisiana bettors, we’ve narrowed it down to five standout sportsbooks. These platforms offer generous bonuses, excellent mobile functionality, and wide-ranging betting markets. Here are our top picks for Louisiana sports fans looking to wager online.

Lucky Rebel

Lucky Rebel is a fast-growing offshore sportsbook gaining popularity across the U.S., and it’s becoming a strong choice for Louisiana bettors as well. The platform stands out with its modern design, smooth mobile performance, and wide selection of betting markets—from NFL and NBA action to college sports, combat sports, esports, and entertainment props. Its interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy for new and experienced bettors to navigate. Louisiana players especially appreciate Lucky Rebel’s aggressive odds, quick crypto payouts, and extensive live-betting options, which provide a competitive alternative to mainstream sportsbooks.

Bonus:

125% up to $1,250

Bet now

BetOnline

BetOnline is a powerhouse for Louisiana bettors looking for value. With fast payout options, broad crypto support, and some of the sharpest odds in the business, it’s a favorite for both new and experienced users. Their user interface is straightforward, and the sportsbook features coverage on everything from local college teams to international sports events. In addition to the generous welcome bonus, BetOnline keeps customers engaged with reload bonuses, contests, and one of the best esports sections online.

Bonus:

50% up to $250

Bet now

SportsBetting.ag

SportsBetting.ag offers Louisiana players a well-balanced platform with strong odds, responsive customer support, and an impressive selection of bet types. The site features everything from NFL spreads to live betting, political props, and casino gaming. One unique perk is their refer-a-friend bonus, where you can earn a significant percentage of your friend’s deposit—great for sharing the action. Combined with consistent odds boosts and crypto deposit perks, SportsBetting.ag stands out as one of the more rewarding platforms around.

Bonus:

50% up to $250

Bet now

MyBookie

MyBookie is a top choice for Louisiana bettors who enjoy personality and promotions. With themed seasonal promos, creative betting challenges, and a sleek user interface, MyBookie keeps things fun and engaging. Their sportsbook covers pro and college football, MMA, NASCAR, and more—with great props and live lines. They also offer unique bets on entertainment and politics, which can be hard to find on state-regulated platforms. If you’re the kind of bettor who enjoys regular bonuses and fast crypto payouts, MyBookie checks all the boxes.

Bonus:

100% up to $1,000

Bet now

XBet

XBet delivers one of the most reliable and mobile-friendly sportsbook experiences for Louisiana users. With a lightweight design and fast load times, it’s perfect for betting on the go—especially on game day. Their live betting section is responsive and easy to navigate, and the odds are updated in real time. XBet covers all major sports and includes casino and racebook access as well. While the welcome bonus is slightly smaller than competitors, their customer service and consistent reload deals make up for it.

Bonus:

50% up to $200

Bet now

Legal Sportsbooks in Louisiana

Sports betting has been legal in Louisiana since 2021, but mobile access is limited to parishes that approved it. This means not everyone in the state can place bets online. Because of these restrictions, licensed offshore sportsbooks remain the most accessible and feature-rich way to bet online from anywhere in Louisiana.

Louisiana Quick Facts

Here’s a quick overview of everything you need to know about sports betting in Louisiana. Legal since 2021, the state allows both retail and mobile sports betting—but only in the 55 parishes that voted to approve it. Mobile wagering is fully available within those parishes, with no need to visit a physical location to place bets. However, in the remaining parishes, online sports betting remains unavailable. From regional limitations to mobile access, this summary outlines the essentials for sports bettors in Louisiana.

Louisiana Betting – Legal, but Not Fully Unlocked

As of 2025, sports betting in Louisiana is legal and thriving, with both retail and mobile wagering available in 55 of the state’s 64 parishes. Retail sportsbooks launched in October 2021, followed by mobile betting in January 2022.

However, the market still isn’t fully statewide. The nine parishes that voted against sports betting in the 2020 referendum continue to prohibit mobile wagering, meaning residents in those areas—and anyone traveling through them—cannot legally place online bets. This parish-by-parish restriction creates a patchwork experience, where bettors must be physically located in an approved parish to access legal mobile sportsbooks.

Why Some Louisiana Bettors Are Going Offshore

While Louisiana’s regulated sportsbooks work well for those in approved parishes, many players are looking for consistent access, broader betting options, and fewer restrictions. Offshore sportsbooks offer a seamless solution—no geolocation blocks, no parish-by-parish access issues, and no gaps in availability. These platforms cater to Louisiana residents who want flexibility, faster payouts, and betting markets beyond what’s allowed locally.

How Offshore Sites Give Louisiana Bettors More Control

Here’s what keeps offshore sportsbooks relevant in Louisiana:

• Unrestricted Access – No parish-based limitations; bet from anywhere in the state or while traveling.
• More Betting Options – Political props, entertainment bets, and international markets are available.
• Crypto-Friendly Banking – Use Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies for secure, fast transactions.
• Higher Limits & Faster Withdrawals – Offshore sportsbooks often process payouts faster and accommodate high-stakes players.
• Simplified Experience – No downloads, ID scans, or location checks—just sign up and start betting.

Understanding the Limits of Legal Betting in Louisiana

Despite being legal, Louisiana’s betting system isn’t perfect:

• Parish Restrictions – Mobile betting is only legal in 55 of 64 parishes.
• Inconsistent Coverage – Traveling between parishes may disable your access to betting apps.
• No Crypto Support – Legal sportsbooks don’t offer cryptocurrency deposits or withdrawals.
• Geolocation & ID Verification – Mandatory checks may feel intrusive to privacy-minded users.
• Limited Market Scope – Some niche bets and alternative markets are not supported locally.
• Who Can Bet in Louisiana?

To legally place a bet in Louisiana:

• Minimum Age: 21 years old
• Location Requirement: Must be physically within a licensed parish for mobile betting
• Residency: Not required — visitors can place bets in eligible locations
• Restricted Participants: Includes athletes, officials, and anyone on exclusion/self-exclusion lists

Final Word: Offshore Sportsbooks Offer What Louisiana Still Can’t

Louisiana has made impressive strides with legal sports betting, but limitations remain, especially for residents outside approved parishes. Offshore sportsbooks remove those barriers, offering a full-featured, consistent experience statewide and beyond. Whether you’re seeking unrestricted mobile access, crypto payments, or more betting variety, offshore options provide the flexibilitythat  Louisiana’s regulated market still lacks.

Louisiana Sports Betting – Recent Updates

• February 2, 2024 — ClutchBet is now live in Louisiana, marking its third live state, and there are currently eight active sportsbooks in the state.
• February 1, 2024 — PointsBet is no longer active in Louisiana, and users have until Feb. 26 to withdraw funds from the app.
• January 31, 2024 — Louisiana sports betting handle reaches a new record high with $377 million in December, reflecting a 5.7% increase from November.
• December 20, 2023 — Louisiana sports betting handle rose to $356.4 million in November, setting a new record high for the state. November’s total marked a 15% increase from the previous high set in October.
• November 28, 2023 — Louisiana sports betting handle reached a new record for the state at $308.6 million in October, showing a 21% year-over-year increase and a 9.3% rise over the previous record high in January 2023.

Can we use Offshore sportsbooks to bet in Louisiana?

As of 2025, offshore sportsbooks such as BetUS and MyBookie remain accessible nationwide to anyone with an internet connection, operating outside U.S. jurisdiction. While they were once dominant in the American market, their share has declined since legal sports betting entered the United States in 2018.

Today, most states have legalized sports betting in some form, though a handful still prohibit it entirely. In Louisiana, legal retail sportsbooks have been operating since October 2021, and mobile sportsbooks have been live in 55 of the state’s 64 parishes since January 2022. However, mobile wagering is still banned in the nine parishes that voted against it, meaning residents in those areas—and visitors passing through—often turn to offshore platforms for uninterrupted access.

Because of these parish-level restrictions, offshore sportsbooks continue to attract Louisiana players in 2025, particularly those seeking betting options not offered locally or the ability to wager without geolocation checks. While legal betting has greatly reduced offshore usage compared to the pre-2021 era, these international operators still have a foothold in parts of the state.

The legal shift began in 2018, when the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), allowing each state to set its own sports betting laws. Louisiana voters approved the industry in 2020, and it has since grown into one of the most active markets in the Deep South—albeit with its unique parish-by-parish limitations.

What was PASPA?

PASPA was the legislation that kept sports betting out of 46 states in the country when it was passed in 1992. Some areas, like Nevada, were able to continue offering sports betting.

Once PASPA was put into effect, the southern states shunned sports betting. It’s remarkable how far the area has come in terms of betting. The Louisiana legislature began the sports wagering legislative process in 2019 when Senator Danny Martin passed S153.

This bill authorized sports betting at gambling casinos in Louisiana as well as racetracks. Although, this bill was loaded with added amendments that kept it from passing in 2019. Martin tried to rebrand S153 as a daily fantasy sports bill, but this tactic was unsuccessful.

In 2020, legislators tried to legalize sports betting. Ultimately, lawmakers who favored wagering got a bill passed that gave voters the power to pass sports betting. Additionally, the bill made the Louisiana Gaming Control Board the governing body over sports betting.

Did the sports betting bill pass?

The state’s parishes supported sports betting in a nearly unanimous fashion. Fifty-five of the 64 parishes in the states passed sports betting inside their respective regions. When sports betting launches, the nine parishes that voted against the industry will not have mobile wagering access.

These are the areas where offshore sports betting is likely to continue to some extent. Lawmakers were excited about the favoritism towards sports betting because it would be easy to pass a sports betting bill.

The 2021 legislative session began on April 12th, and lawmakers were eager to start discussing sports betting. Seven wagering bills were pre-filed before the legislature convened to start the year.

Lawmakers wanted mobile sports betting in the state, so some pieces of legislation were automatically discarded. The early favorite was HB697 which passed in the House. It included online and retail betting.

Online revenue was taxed at 18% compared to retail profits, where the state took 18%. This structure was like other states, and it was favored by the Louisiana Senate. The bill was passed in the Senate and sent to Governor John Edwards for his stamp of approval on May 20, 2021.

Other bills also were sent to the governor, like SB247 and SB142. SB247 allowed for up to 20 sports betting licenses in the state. However, the only facilities that could apply for licenses were current gaming facilities.

SB142 dealt with sports betting revenue. The Senate determined that the majority of the taxes would go towards the state’s general fund. The parishes where sports betting occurred would receive most of the funding from online gambling Louisiana.

Sports Betting Into Effect

In 2021, Governor John Bel Edwards moved quickly to finalize Louisiana’s sports betting legislation. He signed HB697 into law on June 7, 2021, legalizing sports betting in the 55 parishes that approved it during the 2020 election. Just days later, on June 10, 2021, he also signed SB247, which set the framework for licensing and regulation, paving the way for the market’s launch later that year.

Retail sportsbooks opened in October 2021, followed by the launch of mobile betting on January 28, 2022. Casinos, bars, and racetracks in approved parishes now host retail sportsbooks, while mobile wagering is available to anyone physically located in one of the 55 parishes that voted “yes.”

DraftKings and FanDuel were among the first operators to go live in Louisiana, joined by other major brands such as BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, BetRivers, ESPN BET, and Fanatics Sportsbook. As of 2025, the state’s regulated market is home to multiple national operators competing alongside each other, offering Louisiana bettors a wide range of promotions, features, and betting options.

Five Reasons to Bet on Sports in Louisiana

Since its launch in 2021–2022, Louisiana’s sports betting market has proven to be one of the most dynamic in the Deep South. The state’s passionate sports fan base—from NFL and college football diehards to basketball and baseball enthusiasts—has fueled consistent growth in both retail and mobile wagering. Betting providers recognized this demand early, and by 2025 the market features multiple major operators competing to offer the best odds, promotions, and betting experiences.

Great Bonuses

DraftKings and FanDuel Sportsbook are expected to be included in gambling in Louisiana. These books are fantastic because of the number of bonuses provided. You will receive risk-free bets, and deposit matches up to $1,000.

Not every sportsbook has tremendous offers like DraftKings and FanDuel. However, the LA market will be loaded with platforms, so you will find great bonuses throughout the state.

Offshore sportsbooks, like MyBookie and BetUS, are famous for their generous welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions for existing customers. If you deposit using a cryptocurrency, your bonus gets a boost!

Bonus:

100% up to $1,000

Bet now

Bonus:

225% up to $3,625

Bet now

Safety

Sportsbooks must protect bettors’ personal information. This includes social security numbers and financial data. Sportsbooks go through stringent security tests to assure that there will be no issues keeping private information safe.

Safety checks will be frequent in LA to assure that sportsbooks’ data records are not easy to crack.

Customer Service

If you have an issue with a betting platform, it will be solved seamlessly in LA when the market goes live. Sportsbooks earn an outstanding reputation by keeping users happy. Customer service is one area where sportsbooks can win over users.

DraftKings and FanDuel, as well as many other books that will launch in LA, are phenomenal with customer service. They have massive FAQ sections, so you do not always have to speak to a real person. If you need assistance, you can contact sportsbook representatives by phone, email, or live chat in most cases.

Most of the offshore sportsbooks offer a 24/7 live chat, email, FAQs, and a phone number.

Bonus:

100% up to $1,000

Bet now

Tons of Odds

A few points can make a big difference in sports betting, which is why line shopping remains critical in 2025. Louisiana’s licensing framework supports competition, with up to 20 sports betting licenses available for casinos, bars, and racetracks. Each license allows for up to two mobile betting skins, meaning the market can host as many as 40 online sportsbooks. This competitive setup benefits bettors by offering more choices, better odds, and frequent promotions—making it worthwhile to maintain accounts with multiple sportsbooks.

Strong Market Reputation

Louisiana’s regulated sports betting industry, live since late 2021 for retail and early 2022 for mobile, has built a strong reputation across the South. By 2025, the market features major national operators like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, BetRivers, ESPN BET, and Fanatics Sportsbook—brands recognized for security, competitive odds, and innovative features.

While online casino gambling remains illegal in Louisiana, sports betting options are extensive, covering everything from NFL and NBA games to futures, props, horse racing, and even entertainment and political markets. Offshore sportsbooks such as BetOnline also continue to attract some players, offering odds on a wide variety of events, including international sports and niche markets.

Bonus:

50% up to $250

Bet now

Betting Guide for Louisiana Bettors

For bettors logging in from Louisiana, it is important to stay on top of all the latest betting strategies. As expert sports bettors, we are always researching new ways to corner the market and come out with better payouts. Our guide to online sports betting is the fruit of this research.

Feel free to check it out whether you are a beginner or an expert sports bettor. There is something there for everyone and it is divided by level of expertise. Even if it is a topic you are already familiar with, it is always good to get a few reminders, even if it just is an opportunity to be in conversation with other expert bettors. You will be able to turn it over in your head and come out with an even more polished sports betting strategy.

List of Casinos in Louisiana

Here is a complete list of retail casinos in Louisiana. You can also enjoy online casinos in Louisiana at any of the online sportsbooks we recommend on this page.

• Amelia Belle Casino – Amelia (riverboat)

• Bally’s Shreveport Casino & Hotel – Shreveport (riverboat)

• Belle of Baton Rouge – Baton Rouge (riverboat)

• Boomtown Bossier City – Bossier City (riverboat)

• Boomtown New Orleans – Harvey (riverboat)

• Coushatta Casino Resort – Kinder (tribal)

• Cypress Bayou Casino – Charenton (tribal)

• Delta Downs – Vinton (racino)

• Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino – Opelousas (racino)

• Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots – New Orleans (racino)

• Golden Nugget Lake Charles – Lake Charles (riverboat)

• Caesars New Orleans – New Orleans (land-based)

• Horseshoe Bossier City – Bossier City (riverboat)

• Horseshoe Lake Charles – Westlake (riverboat)

• Jena Choctaw Pines Casino – Dry Prong (tribal)

• L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles – Lake Charles (riverboat)

• L’Auberge Casino Baton Rouge – Baton Rouge (riverboat)

• Louisiana Downs – Bossier City (racino)

• Margaritaville Resort Casino – Bossier City (riverboat)

• Paragon Casino Resort – Marksville (tribal)

• The Queen Baton Rouge – Baton Rouge (riverboat)

• Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino – Shreveport (riverboat)

• Treasure Chest Casino – Kenner (riverboat)

Lousiana Sports Betting Timeline

2025

Stable Market with Competitive Promotions

As of 2025, Louisiana’s sports betting market remains stable, with the same eight licensed operators active in approved parishes. The market has entered a competitive phase, with sportsbooks offering aggressive bonuses, loyalty programs, and localized promotions to retain players. NFL season continues to drive the highest handles, but basketball betting has shown steady growth. Offshore sportsbooks still attract users in the nine parishes without mobile betting, but the majority of wagering now flows through regulated operators. Industry experts view Louisiana as a mature and sustainable betting market with room for incremental growth.

2024

Market Maturity and Record Growth

Louisiana’s sports betting market continued to grow in 2024, breaking monthly handle records multiple times. ClutchBet joined the market in February, bringing the total number of active mobile sportsbooks to eight. PointsBet exited the state early in the year, with operations ceasing in February. The state reported a new all-time handle record of $377 million in December 2024, driven by strong NFL and college football betting. Tax revenue from sports wagering surpassed $50 million for the first time, reinforcing Louisiana’s position as a top-performing Deep South market.

2023

Record Highs and New Entrants

New players like bet365 and ESPN BET entered the market, expanding the state’s online betting options. The year saw fluctuating handles, from a 30% drop in February due to the NFL off-season, to record highs, peaking at $377 million in December. However, the market also faced changes, such as WynnBet’s exit and LSU ending its partnership with Caesars.

2020

Louisiana Sports Betting Legalized

Many bills were introduced that would have legalized sports betting in Louisiana. Sen. Cameron Henry was the author of the one that made it through. It gave Louisiana bettors the opportunity to approve it via ballot measure. They did just that in November, giving the Louisiana Gaming Control Board authority to regulate and license sportsbooks.

2019

Close, But No Go

Sen. Danny Martiny was the main proponent of the regulation of sports betting in the state. However, he was unable to manoeuvre and gain the support necessary to pass his bills. Her tried until the very last day of the session when the vote failed.

Louisiana Sports Betting Resources

Trent Reinsmith

Trent is a professional sports journalist specializing in UFC, MMA, and esports coverage. His work has been featured in prestigious publications such as USA Today Sports, Vice, Bloody Elbow, Fight! Magazine, UFC 360, and Narratively. Trent's connection to MMA dates back to the early days when he and his friends pooled their resources to purchase the pay-per-...

Read More About the Author