Last Updated: February 4, 2024, 2:29PM PST |
6 min. read
Louisiana boasts a healthy selection of brick-and-mortar casinos and racetracks, but it has yet to legalize online casinos. While online sportsbooks have been operating in state since January 2022, residents of Louisiana still need to use out-of-state options for their online casino fix.
In this article, we’ll assess the legal status of gambling in Louisiana, as well as the gambling options that are available there. If you want big bonuses, a safe and secure site, and a top-of-the-line gambling experience, this is where to get started.
Best Online Casinos Available in Louisiana by Category
We’ve identified the best online casinos that are available in Louisiana. These casinos don’t just perform well in their given category, but also across the six metrics we rate online casinos for that we’ll discuss later. Across these sites, you’ll also find a wide variety of slots and roulette options, which are among the most popular casino games in Louisiana.
Bovada — Best Sportsbook. Bet on over 25 sports, including leagues like the NFL, NBA, and MLB. Place pari-mutuel wagers at the race book, which features races at the nation’s most famous racetracks.
DuckyLuck — Best Loyalty Program. Take advantage of daily match bonuses and cashback, and enjoy birthday gifts and personal hosts for VIPs.
Ignition — Best Poker Room. Dive straight into the action at a poker lobby that’s full of games and tournaments 24/7. If you’re a beginner, play for free and learn about the game from self-help guides. If you’re a high roller, enter tournaments with massive prizes up to $12,000,000 for high rollers.
Wild Casino — Best for Live-Dealer Games. Play one of 16 live games, which are set in a casino realistic live setting and with betting limits ranging from $1–$20,000.
SlotsandCasino — Best for Slots. Enjoy over 500 slots, including favorites of Louisiana like Golden Buffalo and Reels and Wheels XL. 30+ slots with progressive jackpots to play.
Bovada Casino
Best Sportsbook: Bovada has been a provider of online gaming since the early 2010s, gaining most of its notoriety because of its industry-leading online sportsbook. With over 25 sports to bet on, this is one of the most complete sportsbooks we’ve reviewed. All the Louisiana favorites are there, including football, basketball, and baseball. All the betting types we expect to find when conducting reviews are there; including singles, parlays, and round robins. For those into horse racing, Bovada’s racebook allows you to place bets on races at some of the best racetracks in the US, including Louisiana’s own Evangeline Downs. For the best sportsbook and a great casino to boot, check out Bovada.
Earn rewards points for every dollar you bet, ranging from 2 points per dollar for singles to 25 points per dollar on teasers and round robins. Points can be redeemed for cash bonuses that can be used to bet on the sports and racebooks
Sportsbook welcome bonus of 50% match up to $250 on your first deposit
Live betting available, which allows you to place bets and sometimes cash out bets on games that are already in play
Message board dedicated to sports betting, where you can discuss bets with other users and have your sports betting queries answered
Cons
Some matches are not added to the sportsbook until later in the day, e.g., after 2PM EST
No greyhound racing in the racebook
DuckyLuck Casino
Best Loyalty Program: DuckyLuck’s rewards program — DuckyBucks — offers a greater range of awards than you’ll find at any other online casino. These daily deposit matches — ranging from 50%–90% — are the highest you’ll get. The DuckyBucks rewards program has four levels, which players progress through as they accrue points. (Earn a point for every $20 deposit you make.) Benefits range from cashback and daily free spins, to personal hosts and custom bonus packages at the highest level. By making one deposit of at least $20, you reach the first level — called Lucky Duckling — and reach the next level after earning 100 points. Players can also choose to opt into the Crypto Elite program, whereby they earn greater rewards, like higher matches and more cashback. Players in this program are limited to only making deposits and withdrawals with crypto. If you want to be treated well, look no further than DuckyLuck.
Rewards program with daily free spins with value between $0.50–$5.00 and 5% cashback
Players can claim reloading mega bonuses, which are available seven times a day — these bonuses offer large deposit matches but have high wagering requirements
DuckyBucks program offers unlimited easy-win reload bonuses, which have no cashout limits and low wagering requirements
Loyal players receive birthday gifts, ranging from free spins and chips at the Minted Mallard level and personalized gifts at the Golden Goose level
Cons
To reach the second level of the rewards program, you need to have deposited $2,000
Players who are identified as “skilled” (i.e., wins too much) will not be able to earn rewards
Ignition Casino
Best Poker Room: If you can’t get down to Harrah’s in New Orleans, you can get your poker fix at Ignition. It boasts one of the best poker lobby platforms we’ve reviewed, as it combines a host of great features with a wide array of poker types and tournaments. Not only is it sleek and easy to use, it also offers games of Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Omaha Hi/Lo, and free play should you wish to practice. Once you’ve got the hang of the game, you can join one of Ignition’s great tournaments, and dive straight into the action with the Quick Seat feature. This allows players to be playing cash games within seconds. There are tournaments for players of all levels, with the highlight being the Black Diamond Open, in which $12,000,000 is up for grabs. To top it off, there’s a 100% poker welcome bonus up to $3,000 to get you going. For all things poker, give Ignition a visit.
Customizable poker user interface. Change the color of the table and the card designs
Community poker forum where players can discuss their strategies and log any issues they may have
Helpful articles to help new players learn the rules, including a beginner’s guide and 5 Poker Tournament Tips for more experienced players
Practice mode available to try before playing with cash
Cons
Poker bonus only active for first 30 days after deposit
No live-dealer poker games
Wild Casino
Best for Live-Dealer Games: Fans of the live-dealer experience should look no further than Wild Casino. There’s no other casino with the same degree of quality and variety around. Wild Casino has 16 live-dealer games, whereas most online casinos only offer three or four. The classics, like blackjack, roulette, and craps are there, as well as more specialty games, like wheel of fortune and Andar Bahar. All the games feature a live host, who is visible in high-definition video and audio. Players can communicate with the dealer via chat, giving the sensation of being in a brick-and-mortar casino. The dealer sits in a room with other dealers, and it is clear that Wild Casino has put in the effort to make the environment feel like a casino. This is a level of detail you do not find at many other casinos. On top of that, there’s a table for every kind of bettor, with limits ranging from $1–$20,000 depending on the game.
Payment Options:
American Express, Discover, Mastercard+14 more
, Visa, Avalanche, Binance, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Solana, Stellar, Tether, Bank Transfer, Check By Mail, Money Order, Interac
see less
Pros
Two live-dealer lobbies, featuring classic table games but also specialty games like keno and bingo
Experience the in-person casino experience but with anonymity
VIP blackjack tables have a betting limit of $20,000
Funds gained in reload bonuses — like the Tuesday Top Up — can be used on live-dealer games
Cons
Welcome bonus cannot be used on live-dealer games
Due to the popularity of the lobby, it can be hard to find a seat at the low limit blackjack tables in the main lobby
SlotsandCasino
Best for Slots: As evidenced by the thousands of machines at casinos like Margaritaville, slots are one of Louisiana’s favorite games. Online slot lovers in the Pelican State should look no further than SlotsandCasino. State favorites like Golden Buffalo and Reels and Wheels XL are available, as well as over 500 more slot games to choose from. It’s one of the biggest game libraries we’ve seen. You’ll find games from the industries big names, like Rival Gaming and Betsoft. Fans of big wins can also indulge in over 30 games with progressive jackpots, in which a sum of money builds up like a lottery and gets paid out at a random. It’s fair to say that SlotsandCasino has an offering that rivals anything you’ll find on the riverboats of Louisiana.
For us to recommend an online casino to the people of Louisiana, it needs to perform well in six key areas:
Safety & Security
Does the online casino possess the protocols and policies to keep your data safe? Is the casino available in Louisiana? Is it internationally regulated and licensed?
Game Quality & Variety
Do the games on the site look great? Are they fun to play?
Bonuses & Promotions
Does the casino offer a good bunch of promotions for old and new players alike? Are the wagering requirements fair and how do they compare to the industry standards?
Payment Options
Can players deposit and withdraw with a variety of options that have low fees and fast transaction times?
Customer Support
Does the casino provide players with the information they need? Can they resolve issues quickly?
UI & Mobile Support
Does the casino have an eye-catching and unique theme? Is it easy to use on both desktop and mobile?
The following types of gambling are permitted in Louisiana, providing the organizer has a license from one of the state’s gaming regulators:
Riverboat casinos
Tribal casinos (Class I, II, and III)
Sports betting
Video Poker machines
Charitable gaming (e.g., raffles, bingo, keno)
Racetracks, with pari-mutuel wagering and slot machines
Fantasy sports
There are three regulators that govern gambling in Louisiana. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board oversees the riverboat casinos, video poker machines and any other gambling activity that’s not pari-mutuel wagering, charitable gaming or tribal casinos. The Office of Charitable Gaming looks after charitable gaming, while the Racing Commission oversees pari-mutuel wagering. The tribal casinos are governed by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and must agree compacts with the state if they want to run casino-style games.
Louisiana State Gambling Laws and Regulations
Louisiana Revised Statutes (LRS) 14:90 et seq — Primary legislation that governs gambling in Louisiana. Lays out which types of gambling are legal in Louisiana and establishes the regulators who oversee them.
LRS 14:90:3— Primary legislation that prohibits gambling by computer. LRS 14:90:3A states that it’s the legislature’s intention to stop activities like gambling via the internet.
LRS 27:201 et seq — Law that creates and defines the Louisiana Economic Development and Gaming Corporation and its duties.
LRS 4:149.5 — Primary legislation that allows for pari-mutuel wagers to be made electronically.
Louisiana Office of Charitable Gaming — The Office tasked with ensuring that charitable gaming is conducted fairly and that the proceeds go towards the correct causes.
Louisiana Racing Commission — Oversees racetracks and pari-mutuel betting in Louisiana. It has existed for over 60 years.
Indian Gaming Regulatory Act — Primary legislation that grants recognized Native America tribes the power to run gambling premises on their lands. Tribes can run Class I and II style games as they please, but need to sign gambling compacts with the state to run Class III, also known as slot style games.
Are Online Casinos Available in Louisiana?
You can access online casinos in Louisiana. Although Louisiana does not permit in-state online casinos, residents of the Pelican State can play at internationally regulated, out-of-state providers. These casinos offer the same action you’d find in the state’s brick-and-mortar establishments.
Online poker is available in Louisiana. Although there are no in-state operators, residents have a selection of great international options are their disposal. These online casinos have all the action that can be found at the state’s biggest poker rooms.
Yes. Residents can place bets at one of eight in-state sportsbooks that have been operating since January 2022. They can also choose to bet at one of our recommended sportsbooks, which are based abroad and many of which are internationally regulated and do not withhold winnings.
They are. Residents can select among eight racebooks that are regulated and licensed by the state. Alternatively, they can choose one of international racebooks we recommend at Best US Casinos, where no part of player winnings are withheld.
Residents of Louisiana have several types of land-based gambling options at their disposal. The state boasts 15 riverboat casinos, one commercial casino, five tribal casinos, and a host of sportsbooks and racetracks. With so much on offer, it’s no surprise that Louisiana was in the top 10 states for gambling revenue in the American Gaming Association’s State of the States 2023 report.
Riverboat Casinos in Louisiana
As the Louisiana state law used to stipulate that casinos must be on tribal lands or riverboats, the majority of Louisiana’s casinos can be found on the water. In May 2018, The Louisiana Senate passed SB 316, which allows riverboat casinos to move 1,200 feet on land. This allows the casinos to build a separate facility on land. As of October 2022, only three riverboat casinos had decided to make the move.
Variety of table games, including Mississippi Stud and Pai Gow
Commercial Casinos in Louisiana
As the law in Louisiana stipulated until 2018 that casinos had to be on water, there is only one casino on-land in Louisiana. However, a change in the law in 2018 means that riverboat casinos can now move ashore. This means that Louisianians can expect to find more casinos on land in the coming years.
Louisiana has five tribal casinos that are run by three tribes: the Tunica Biloxi, the Coushatta, and the Chitimacha. All three tribes have compacts with the state and can therefore offer Class III gaming, which allows for slots machines, table games, and other Vegas-style gaming. As per the IGRA, they can also offer Type I and Type II gaming, which allows for keno and bingo style games.
Video Poker Machines, including Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild.
Five table games, with blackjack and roulette.
Regular visitors can earn benefits by joining Club Paragon, which includes discounts on hotel and dining, and free play on casino games.
Sportsbooks in Louisiana
As of 2023, there were eight in-state sportsbooks where LA residents can place bets. These sports books are formed by partnerships between national sportsbooks — like Draft Kings — and local casinos. These include Boomtown Casino, L’Auberge Casino Hotel, and Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino. These sportsbooks can also offer online sports betting throughout the state.
Can bet on: football, basketball, hockey, soccer, baseball, golf, tennis, auto racing, rugby, cycling, boxing and MMA, eSports and cricket
Special events for headline sporting events, UFC and the Super Bowl
Racetracks in Louisiana
Horse racing has been legal in Louisiana since 1923. Back then, Fair Grounds in New Orleans was the only racetrack in the state, and it remains open today. Live racing takes place all year round, and the Louisiana Derby — one of the nation’s biggest races and a warm-up for the Kentucky Derby — runs in late March each year.
The Louisiana lottery has been running since 1991. Residents can pick from a host of different games, including Mega Millions, Powerball, and Easy 5.
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There’s even a Louisiana lottery app that allows residents to place their bets from their mobile devices.
In the fiscal year 2022, the Louisiana lottery raised $191.2 million dollars for the state treasury. The money was used to fund local education as well as the local health service.
Charitable Bingo, Keno & Raffles
Louisiana allows for charitable games like bingo, keno, and raffles to take place, as long as the organizer has a license. A session can last for a maximum of six hours and the total prize can be up to $25,000 in cash or items.
Players can head to one of the many bingo halls across the state, such as Gretna Bingo Palace in New Orleans, which offers games every day and prizes up to $25,000.
Social & Sweepstakes Casinos
Social gambling is permitted in Louisiana, as long as nobody makes a profit. Social and sweepstakes casinos are online entities that allow players to play for in-game coins rather than for real money. However, players should be careful as many of these casinos follow the “freemium” model in which they incorporate in-app purchases when players run out of coins or wish to play certain games. To try out one of these casinos, residents can head to sites such as Pulsz or Chumba Casino.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)
Daily Fantasy Sports have been legal in Louisiana since-November 2018. They allow you to build teams in major sports like football, basketball, and baseball and then compete them against others. You build a team and pay a fee, and the winner of the competition is decided by how the actual athletes perform in that day’s fixtures. You can pick players from teams in Louisiana, like the Saints and Pelicans.
History of Gambling in Louisiana
Here is a brief history of the history of gambling in Louisiana:
July 2023
Online casinos remain illegal, but Louisianians can place online sports bets at one of eight in-state sportsbooks or one of our recommended out-of-state alternatives. They can also play in person at the state’s tribal casinos, Harrah’s and racetracks.
June 2020
Senate Bill 130 passes, which allows for online sports wagering to take place. In November, 55 parishes vote to allow sports betting, and nine vote against. Sports betting becomes legal in the parishes that vote in favor.
November 2018
After the Louisiana Legislature approves House Bill 484, 47 parishes out of 64 authorize fantasy sports as part of a ballot measure. Fantasy sports become legal in the parishes that vote in favor.
May 2018
Senate Bill 216 passes, allowing riverboat casinos to move 1,200 feet onto land. Within months, three riverboats announce that they intend to move ashore.
The first tribal casino, run by the Tunica-Biloxi tribe, opens its doors.
November 1992
Louisiana signs its first gambling compacts with the Coushatta and Tunica-Biloxi tribes. The compacts authorize the tribes to run Class III games.
September 1991
First scratch off sold as part of the state lottery, called Louisiana Treasures.
July 1991
Louisiana legislature legalizes riverboat casinos. The bill allows for up to 15 paddlewheel casinos that are to travel up the waters of Louisiana. Once launched, the casinos find ways to keep the riverboats moored rather than travel the waterways.
October 1990
Voters approve a constitutional amendment that reintroduces the lottery Louisiana Lottery Corporation.
c. 1991
Video poker machines legalized at truck shops and in taverns.
October 1988
The US Congress passes the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. This allows tribes to offer keno and bingo style games on their land, and to enter compacts with their states to offer casino-style games.
c. 1923
Horse racing is legalized. At this point, the Fairgrounds track in New Orleans is the only place to gamble legally in the state.
December 1893
State lottery is outlawed after the charter that permitted it expires.
c. 1866
Gambling is banned in New Orleans and the Louisiana state legislature creates the first state lottery.
c. 1813
The government outlaws all casinos except those in New Orleans.
Early 1800s
Louisiana has the highest number of the casinos in the US, mostly based in New Orleans.
c. 1753
First state gambling in the form of a government run lottery.
With no new bills in favor of online casinos in the pipeline, it’s tough to call in which direction events will proceed in the future.
Most Popular Casino Games to Play in Louisiana
These are the games players in Louisiana lean towards when they head to the casino.
Slots
Slots rank consistently as Louisiana’s most popular game type, which is why Harrah’s offers 1,100 of them. Online, you’ll find all the different types of slots you’d find in the casino — like 3-reel and video slots — and some state favorites, like Golden Buffalo and 10 Times Vegas, are available at casinos like Bovada.
According to Google Trends, poker is up there with slots as one of Louisiana’s most popular casino games. Such is the popularity that the Word Series of Poker (WSOP) has a dedicated room at Harrah’s and runs weekly tournaments. Online, residents of Louisiana can head to casinos like Ignition, which offer dedicated poker rooms where there’s always a game to jump into.
Another group of games that keep residents of the Pelican state coming back for more are the table games. According to Google Trends, three of the most popular table games are roulette, blackjack, and baccarat. If you can’t get to Margaritaville, online casinos like SlotsandCasino have got you covered.
Whether it’s placing bets on the Saints or the Pelicans, sports betting has taken the state by storm, with sportsbooks raking in billions in revenue. As well as the in-state operations, there are a host of sportsbooks like Bovada where you can place bets on all the most popular pro sports leagues, like the NFL, NBA, and MLB.
When you want to sign up for an online casino, you will want to make sure you complete a few key steps, so you don’t miss anything important.
1
Research and Choose an Online Casino
Start by researching and comparing a trustworthy online casino that accepts Louisiana players, such as the ones we recommend. Consider factors like game selection, bonuses, reputation, and payment options, and look for licensed and regulated platforms with positive reviews.
2
Register for an Account
Visit the selected online casino’s website and click on the “Register” or “Sign Up” button. Provide your personal information, including name, address, date of birth, and email address. Create a username that is unique and a strong password for your account. A link will then be sent to your email that you’ll need to verify before you can proceed to the next step.
3
Explore Available Bonuses
Before making your first deposit, we suggest checking if the online casino offers any welcome bonuses or promotions to increase your bankroll and improve your playing experience. Make sure you read the bonus terms and conditions carefully.
4
Choose a Payment Method
Select the best payment method for you to make your deposit. Most online casinos offer various options, including debit/credit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers and cryptocurrency. Be sure to choose the method that works best for you.
5
Make a Deposit
Ensure you are logged in to your casino account. Navigate to the “Cashier” or “Deposit” section. Choose your preferred deposit method, then put in the amount you can deposit, then follow the instructions to complete the transaction. Be aware of any minimum or maximum amounts for the deposit imposed by the casino. Your funds should be credited to your account instantly or within a short period.
6
Claim Your Bonus
If you are eligible for a bonus, you must claim it during the deposit process. Some casinos might then request that you enter a bonus code, while others activate it automatically. Ensure you read the terms and conditions carefully to understand any wagering requirements.
7
Confirm the Deposit
Upon completing your deposit, the online casino will typically provide a confirmation message or display your updated account balance. Make sure to jot down any transaction reference numbers for future reference.
8
Browse and Choose Games
Remember that online casinos available to Louisiana players like the ones we suggest have a wide range of games. These games include slots, table games, live dealer games, and more. It’s crucial to choose a game that interests you and suits your playing style and budget. Before placing bets, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the pay table and game rules to ensure you understand the game strategy and increase your chances of winning!
9
Start Playing and Have Fun!
With funds in your online account, you can now place your bets and start playing. Remember to manage your bankroll responsibly and responsibly gamble within your limits. Enjoy your online casino experience in Louisiana!
Gambling Safely & Responsibly in Louisiana
Players in the Pelican state have a world of gaming choices within their reach. But it’s important to enjoy them responsibly, which means to enjoy them within reasonable limits and have controls in place to know when it’s time to walk away. Players should also recognize the signs of problem gambling and gambling addiction and stop or seek help when you see them.
To stop things before they become an issue, gamble responsibly. Here are some tips to that will help keep the gaming fun:
Decide limits — Know how much time and money you are going to spend before you start playing.
Manage your bankroll — Never bet more than 1%–2% of your bankroll per bet.
Stick to reputable casinos — Stick to casinos that take problem gambling seriously and have measures in place to detect it and support those who suffer it.
Online Casinos
Online Sportsbooks
Card Rooms
Tribal Casinos
Racebooks
Commercial Casinos
Commercial Sportsbooks
