Legal Louisiana Sportsbooks 2026: LA Sports Betting & Legislation Updates

Quick Summary of Online Sports Betting in Louisiana

Louisiana Online Sports Betting Updates

• September 2, 2025 – The Louisiana Gaming Control Board published an updated Sports Wagering Catalog (Version 62), reflecting changes to approved leagues and wager types.

• August 1, 2025 – Louisiana’s higher online sports betting tax rate (21.5%) took effect; 25% of sports wagering tax revenue is now dedicated to the Supporting Programs, Opportunities, Resources and Teams (SPORT) Fund for public Division I athletes’ benefits.

• June 20, 2025 – Governor Jeff Landry signed House Bill 639 (Act 298), raising the online sports betting tax from 15% to 21.5% and establishing the SPORT Fund.

• June 17–18, 2025 – The Louisiana Gaming Control Board announced a crackdown on illegal offshore wagering and sweepstakes, issuing roughly 40–42 cease-and-desist orders to unlicensed operators.

• January 16, 2025 – Meeting minutes show the Louisiana Gaming Control Board considering a sports wagering license application connected with Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana (sportsbook approval item on the agenda).

Best Louisiana Sportsbooks Reviewed

Louisiana’s sports betting scene is one of the most competitive in the South, with nine licensed online sportsbooks. Each brand brings its own style, from market-leading live betting platforms to generous rewards programs and creative promotions tied to local teams. Whether you follow the New Orleans Saints, LSU Tigers, or the New Orleans Pelicans, there’s a sportsbook that caters to your interests:

Bet365 LA Sportsbook

Pros & Cons

• Competitive Odds
• Personalized Display Options
• Iconic & Pleasing Design

• Interface can Feel Outdated

Bet365 entered Louisiana in late 2023, partnering with a local casino to bring one of the world’s most respected sportsbooks to the Pelican State. Known for its sharp lines and deep betting menu, Bet365 also offers live streaming for select events, giving fans a front-row seat without leaving the app.

Louisiana bettors will find targeted promos for major events like LSU football games, Pelicans matchups, and the Saints’ NFL schedule. Having the choice between two different welcome offers also adds flexibility for new players.

Editor’s Note: Bet365 is the go-to choice for serious bettors who want competitive odds and custom display options. Its live streaming and bet boosts make it particularly strong for in-play wagering.

Read our Bet365 Sportsbook review here.

Sports Promo

4.7/5

Bet $5 & Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose

Welcome Offer

Open Bet365

Get Bonus

BetMGM LA Sportsbook

Pros & Cons

• Edit My Bet Feature
• Wide Sports Coverage
• Trusted MGM Resorts Brand

• Not Many Niche Sports

BetMGM delivers a balanced platform for Louisiana bettors, combining major US sports with some international options. The Edit My Bet feature allows players to adjust their wagers after placing them, offering flexibility when game situations change.

Promos often feature local favorites like the Saints, LSU Tigers, and even Tulane Green Wave football. BetMGM also runs odds boosts on nationally televised NBA games, making it attractive for Pelicans fans.

Editor’s Note: BetMGM is a solid all-around pick for Louisiana bettors. Its Edit My Bet feature is especially useful for live betting adjustments, giving players more control over their wagers.

Read our BetMGM Sportsbook review here.

Sports Promo

4.8/5

Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win

Welcome Offer

Open BetMGM

Get Bonus

Caesars LA Sportsbook

Pros & Cons

• Caesars Rewards Program
• Frequent Odds Boosts
• Strong Brand Reputation

• Basic Design & Theme

Caesars Sportsbook has a strong retail presence in Louisiana, including its flagship Harrah’s New Orleans location. Online, it backs that presence with a rewards program that lets bettors earn credits redeemable for dining, hotels, and entertainment at Caesars properties.

Odds boosts often focus on Saints games, LSU football, and major events like the Sugar Bowl and the Super Bowl. Louisiana players also benefit from regular parlay insurance offers.

Editor’s Note: Caesars is great for those who want to combine betting with real-world rewards. The integration with its hotel and casino network is a big draw for frequent travelers.

Read our Caesars Sportsbook review here.

Sports Promo

4.8/5

New Customers: Bet $5+ and get $300 in Bonus Bets if it wins!

Welcome Offer

Open DraftKings

Get Bonus

FanDuel LA Sportsbook

Pros & Cons

• User-Friendly App
• Competitive NFL Odds
• Same Game Parlay Builder

• Customer Support Can Be Lackluster

FanDuel offers one of the smoothest sports betting apps in Louisiana. Its Same Game Parlay tool is a favorite during NFL season, particularly for Saints fans looking to combine player props and game outcomes.

The brand also rolls out regular boosts for Pelicans games, LSU football, and March Madness. FanDuel’s quick payouts and strong live betting platform make it one of the most trusted operators in the state.

Editor’s Note: FanDuel excels in parlay customization and live betting. It’s perfect for Louisiana bettors who enjoy building wagers around local and national events.

Read our FanDuel Sportsbook review here.

DraftKings LA Sportsbook

Pros & Cons

• Extensive Live Betting
• Betting Pools Feature
• DFS Integration

• No 24/7 Live Chat

DraftKings has both sportsbook betting and daily fantasy sports, giving Louisiana players two ways to engage with their favorite teams. Its betting pools feature allows users to compete against others in tournament-style contests.

Local promotions often center on LSU football, Pelicans games, and major college basketball tournaments. DraftKings also runs Super Bowl and March Madness leaderboards for additional rewards.

Editor’s Note: DraftKings is the best choice for bettors who also enjoy DFS. Its smooth app experience and unique betting pool contests add variety beyond standard wagers.

Read our DraftKings Sportsbook review here.

Sports Promo

4.8/5

New Customers: Bet $5+ and get $300 in Bonus Bets if it wins!

Welcome Offer

Open DraftKings

Get Bonus

Popular Sports to Bet on in Louisiana

Louisiana’s sports betting scene thrives on a mix of professional franchises, powerhouse college programs, and marquee events. From NFL Sundays in the Superdome to March Madness games in New Orleans, the state’s sportsbooks offer markets for every kind of fan.

NFL

The New Orleans Saints are the heartbeat of Louisiana football, drawing passionate betting interest every season. Markets include moneylines, spreads, totals, and prop bets, with special promos often tied to Saints games. Nearby NFL teams like the Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys also have strong followings among local bettors.

NBA

The New Orleans Pelicans provide an NBA betting focal point for the state, with popular markets on stars like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. Sportsbooks frequently offer boosted odds on Pelicans games, especially for player performance props and same-game parlays.

NCAA

College sports betting is massive in Louisiana, led by the LSU Tigers, whose football program has claimed multiple national championships. Bettors also follow Tulane, Louisiana Tech, and other in-state programs across football, basketball, and baseball. NCAA basketball tournaments hosted in New Orleans generate significant wagering activity, though individual college player prop bets are restricted under state rules.

Other Popular Events

Louisiana is home to high-profile sporting events like the Sugar Bowl, Zurich Classic of New Orleans (PGA Tour), and Bayou Classic football game between Grambling State and Southern University.

Louisiana Sports Betting Legislation

Louisiana’s path to legal sports betting was shaped by its parish-by-parish approach, making it unique among US states. In November 2020, voters in 55 of the state’s 64 parishes approved sports betting, prompting lawmakers to establish a framework for both online and retail wagering. Governor John Bel Edwards signed the enabling legislation in June 2021, setting the stage for launches across approved parishes.

Retail sportsbooks began taking bets in October 2021, with online betting following in January 2022. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board oversees the industry, which allows up to 40 online sportsbook licenses. The state imposes a 15% tax on online revenue and a 10% tax on retail betting. However, betting on individual college player props is prohibited, in line with recent legislative changes.

Timeline of Key Events

• May 2018 - US Supreme Court overturns PASPA, allowing states to legalize sports betting.
• May 2020 - Louisiana Senate passes SB 130, placing the issue on the November ballot for each parish.
• November 2020 - 55 of 64 parishes vote in favor of sports betting.
• June 2021 - Governor John Bel Edwards signs legislation regulating sports betting.
• October 2021 - Retail sportsbooks open in Louisiana.
• January 2022 - Online sports betting launches in approved parishes.
• January 2023 - Betway and bet365 launch in Louisiana.
• August 2024 - Fanatics Sportsbook launches, becoming the ninth online sportsbook in the state.
• July 2024 - Louisiana bans prop betting on individual college athletes.

Other Louisiana Betting Options

While sports betting is a major focus in Louisiana, the state also offers several other legal wagering options. From the long-standing state lottery to a vibrant horse racing industry, bettors have plenty of ways to get in on the action outside of sportsbooks.

Louisiana Lottery

The Louisiana Lottery has been in operation since 1991, offering draw games like Powerball, Mega Millions, and Lotto, along with scratch-off tickets and Fast Play games. Tickets are available at retailers across the state, and a portion of proceeds supports public education.

Horse Racing and Pari-Mutuel Betting

Louisiana is home to four live horse racing venues: Fair Grounds Race Course, Delta Downs, Evangeline Downs, and Louisiana Downs. Pari-mutuel wagering is available at these tracks and through licensed off-track betting (OTB) locations. Residents can also bet on horse races online via platforms like TVG and TwinSpires.

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)

Daily fantasy sports are legal in Louisiana but only in the 47 parishes that approved the activity in a 2018 vote. Operators like DraftKings and FanDuel offer DFS contests, but players must ensure they are physically located in an approved parish when entering paid contests.

Retail Betting Locations in Louisiana

In addition to its robust online betting market, Louisiana offers plenty of in-person wagering opportunities. Retail sportsbooks are located at riverboat casinos, racetracks, and the state’s single land-based casino:

• Paragon Casino Resort - 711 Paragon Place, Marksville, LA 71351
• Harrah’s New Orleans - 228 Poydras St., New Orleans, LA 70130
• Horseshoe Bossier City - 711 Horseshoe Blvd., Bossier City, LA 71111
• Horseshoe Lake Charles -100 Westlake Ave., Westlake, LA 70669
• Golden Nugget Lake Charles - 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd., Lake Charles, LA 70601
• Amelia Belle Casino - 500 Lake Palourde Road, Amelia, LA 70340
• Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino - 2235 Creswell Lane, Opelousas, LA 70570
• Delta Downs Racetrack & Casino - 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton, LA 70668
• Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino Shreveport - 315 Clyde Fant Parkway, Shreveport, LA 71101
• Treasure Chest Casino (- 5050 Williams Blvd., Kenner, LA 70065
• Louisiana Downs - 8000 E Texas St., Bossier City, LA 71111
• Boomtown Bossier City - 300 Riverside Drive, Bossier City, LA 71111
• Boomtown New Orleans - 4132 Peters Road, Harvey, LA 70058
• L’auberge Casino Hotel Baton Rouge - 777 L’Auberge Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70820
• L’auberge Casino Hotel Lake Charles - 777 Avenue L’Auberge, Lake Charles, LA 70601
• Margaritaville Resort Casino - 777 Margaritaville Way, Bossier City, LA 71111
• Coushatta Casino Resort - 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder, LA 70648
• Fairgrounds Race Course - 1751 Gentilly Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70119
• The Queen Baton Rouge - 1717 River Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70802

DFS Sites in Louisiana

Daily Fantasy Sports are legal in Louisiana, but only in the 47 parishes that approved DFS in the 2018 vote. Within those areas, players can legally enter contests on select platforms offering pick’em games, salary-cap formats, and creative lineup-based challenges.

ParlayPlay

ParlayPlay: Pros & Cons

• Two-part generous welcome offer
• Wide range of DFS contests
• Downloadable mobile app

• No live chat support

Visit ParlayPlay

ParlayPlay is fully accessible in Louisiana’s approved DFS parishes and offers classic over/under pick’em contests. The platform stands out with unique stat-range picks, insured entries, and free-to-play contests with real prizes. Sports include NFL, NBA, MLB, and more, with contests available daily.

Louisiana players can join instantly - no deposit is required to try the free contests.

OwnersBox

OwnersBox: Pros & Cons

• Easy-to-use website.
• Great welcome bonus
• Weekly fantasy contests are consistent
• Multiple game options, like Lightning Lineups

• No eSports

Visit OwnersBox

OwnersBox brings innovative DFS formats to Louisiana players in approved parishes. SuperFlex contests let you use two quarterbacks, while Lightning Lineups offer a spin-to-win approach to team-building. It’s ideal for fantasy football fans looking for a fresh take beyond traditional pick’em.

Louisiana users can download the app and start playing beginner-friendly contests right away.

Louisiana Sports Betting FAQ

Gamble Responsibly

Playing at online sportsbooks, real money casinos, and sweepstakes sites should always be safe and enjoyable. Keep control of your activity by following responsible gambling guidelines such as:

Set a Budget:

Decide on a budget you’re comfortable with and stick to it. Once it’s gone, stop playing.

Don’t Chase Losses:

Trying to recover losses often leads to overspending.

Play with a Clear Head:

Avoid playing under the influence, or when angry, stressed, or tired.

Set Time Limits:

Take breaks and ensure gambling doesn’t cut into time with family or friends.

Know Your Stuff:

Learn the rules, bet types, odds, and payouts before playing to avoid mistakes.

Use Responsible Gambling Tools:

Make use of features like budget limits and self-exclusion.

If you or someone you know is struggling to gamble responsibly, these free, confidential resources can help:

Gamblers Anonymous

National Council on Problem Gambling

Gaming Addicts Anonymous

To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Damien Souness as part of our fact-checking process.