Online Gambling in Louisiana (2026) | Laws, Sports Betting & Casino Guide
Quick Legal Status
| Field | Status |
|---|---|
| State | Louisiana |
| Online Casino Games | Not legal — no iGaming law as of May 2026 |
| Online Sports Betting | Legal — launched January 2022; available in 55 of 64 parishes |
| Online Poker | Not legal — no licensed online poker market |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | Legal — parish-by-parish; 47 of 64 parishes allow DFS (18+) |
| State Lottery | Yes — Louisiana Lottery Corporation; louisianalottery.com |
| Minimum Gambling Age | 21 casino / sports betting · 18 lottery / DFS |
| Regulatory Body | Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) |
| Last Legal Update | November 2024 — sports betting tax increase bill (HB 22) deferred, not passed |
Legal Overview
Louisiana has one of the most complex gambling landscapes in the United States, shaped by the state’s unique parish-level voting system. Sports betting is legal and active — but only in the 55 of 64 parishes that voted to allow it in November 2020. Online casino gaming (iGaming) is not yet legal in Louisiana, and no active iGaming legislation was introduced for the 2025–2026 session.
Louisiana was an early mover on sports betting, passing enabling legislation in 2021 after the landmark November 2020 parish vote. Nine online sportsbooks launched beginning in late January 2022 and now operate across approved parishes. The state’s 20 commercial gaming venues — 15 riverboats, 4 racetracks, and the single land-based Harrah’s New Orleans — provide a robust retail casino ecosystem, but Louisiana residents have no access to a licensed online casino as of May 2026.
Unlike West Virginia and New Jersey, Louisiana has not pursued iGaming legislation. Residents seeking online casino gaming either use sweepstakes-model social casinos (legal gray area) or offshore-licensed platforms — neither of which offer state-backed consumer protections.
What’s Legal
- Online sports betting: Legal since January 2022. Nine sportsbooks active in 55 approved parishes. Minimum age: 21.
- Retail sports betting: 19 in-person locations at riverboat casinos and racetracks across approved parishes. Minimum age: 21.
- Daily fantasy sports (DFS): Legal on a parish-by-parish basis. 47 of 64 parishes voted to allow DFS. FanDuel and DraftKings both operate in approved parishes. Minimum age: 18 (operator-set).
- Land-based casino gaming: 20 licensed venues statewide — 15 riverboats, 4 racetracks, 1 land-based casino (Harrah’s New Orleans). Minimum age: 21.
- State lottery: Louisiana Lottery Corporation. Draw games and scratch-offs available statewide. Minimum age: 18.
What’s Not Legal
- Online casino gaming (iGaming): No Louisiana law authorizes real-money online slots, table games, or online poker on a licensed platform. No active legislative proposal as of May 2026.
- Online poker: No licensed online poker market. No MSIGA membership.
- Sports betting in 9 opt-out parishes: Residents in the 9 parishes that voted against sports betting in November 2020 cannot legally access sports betting.
- DFS in non-approved parishes: DFS is not permitted in parishes that declined DFS in the same ballot system.
Key Legislation
| Year | Law / Event | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Original riverboat casino authorization | Louisiana authorizes riverboat gaming; later expanded to 15 riverboats and a land-based casino in New Orleans |
| November 2020 | Statewide parish ballot | 55 of 64 parishes vote to allow sports betting; 47 of 64 allow DFS |
| 2021 | Sports betting enabling legislation (3 bills) | Authorized 20 venues for retail + online sports betting; up to 40 online skins; set 15% online / 10% retail tax rates |
| January 2022 | Online sportsbooks launch | FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, BetMGM, and others go live in approved parishes |
| August 15, 2024 | Fanatics Sportsbook launches | Louisiana’s 9th online sportsbook enters market |
| November 2024 | HB 22 deferred | Bill to raise online sports betting tax from 15% to 51% deferred in special session; not passed |
Regulatory Structure
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) is the primary regulatory authority for commercial casino, sports betting, and gaming activities in Louisiana. The Louisiana State Police Gaming Enforcement Division handles enforcement and revenue reporting.
| Authority | Jurisdiction | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) | Commercial casinos, sports betting, video poker, gaming devices | lgcb.dps.louisiana.gov |
| Louisiana State Police Gaming Enforcement Division | Enforcement, revenue reporting, compliance | lsp.org |
| Louisiana Lottery Corporation | State lottery products | louisianalottery.com |
Licensed Online Platforms
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Louisiana does not have a licensed online casino market. The licensed online platforms available to Louisiana residents are limited to sports betting — and only in the 55 approved parishes.
Licensed Online Sports Betting Operators
Nine online sportsbooks are licensed and active in Louisiana’s approved parishes as of May 2026. All require geolocation verification confirming you are physically within an approved parish.
| Operator | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FanDuel Sportsbook | Active | Available in approved LA parishes |
| DraftKings Sportsbook | Active | Available in approved LA parishes |
| BetMGM Sportsbook | Active | Available in approved LA parishes |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Active | Available in approved LA parishes |
| Fanatics Sportsbook | Active | Launched August 15, 2024 |
| bet365 Sportsbook | Active | Available in approved LA parishes |
| ESPN Bet | Active | Available in approved LA parishes |
| ClutchBet | Active | Louisiana-focused operator |
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Number of licensed operators | 9 online sportsbooks (as of May 2026) |
| Parish availability | 55 of 64 parishes (9 opt-out parishes do not allow sports betting) |
| Minimum age | 21 |
| Tax rate | 15% online; 10% retail |
| Regulator | Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) |
Online Casino (iGaming)
Louisiana has no licensed online casino market. No state law authorizes real-money online casino gaming on a licensed platform. Residents seeking online casino gaming options should review the Offshore Online Casinos section below, with the understanding that offshore platforms operate outside Louisiana state oversight.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)
Daily fantasy sports are legal in the 47 of 64 Louisiana parishes that voted to allow DFS. Northern and central parishes largely declined DFS in the ballot process. FanDuel and DraftKings both operate in approved parishes.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Legal status | Legal — parish-by-parish (47 of 64 parishes allow DFS) |
| Minimum age | 18 (operator-enforced) |
| Active operators | DraftKings, FanDuel |
| Regulatory basis | 2020 parish ballot vote; 2021 enabling legislation |
Offshore Online Casinos
Because Louisiana has no licensed iGaming market, offshore online casinos are the only option for Louisiana residents seeking real-money online casino gaming. MobileCasinoParty reviews five offshore platforms that accept Louisiana players. These operators are licensed in international jurisdictions (Curaçao, Panama) and operate outside Louisiana Gaming Control Board oversight.
Important: Offshore casinos are not licensed by any Louisiana or US state gaming authority. They operate outside state consumer protection frameworks. Players accept additional risk when using offshore platforms — there is no state-backed recourse in the event of a dispute, and offshore platforms cannot be held to Louisiana’s self-exclusion program.
All five platforms reviewed by MobileCasinoParty accept Louisiana players.
| Operator | LA Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bovada | Accepts LA players | Not LA-licensed; Curaçao-licensed; LA not in restricted states |
| Wild Casino | Accepts LA players | Not LA-licensed; Panama Gaming Commission; LA not in restricted states |
| Ignition Casino | Accepts LA players | Not LA-licensed; LA not in restricted states (DE, MD, NV, NJ, NY only) |
| Cafe Casino | Accepts LA players | Not LA-licensed; LA not in restricted states (DE, MD, NV, NJ, NY only) |
| Slots.LV | Accepts LA players | Not LA-licensed; LA not in restricted states (DE, MD, NV, NJ, NY only) |
Land-Based Casinos
Louisiana has 20 licensed gaming venues — more than almost any state in the South. All operate under LGCB oversight. Harrah’s New Orleans is the only land-based casino; the remaining venues are riverboats or racetrack casinos.
| Casino | Location | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harrah’s New Orleans | New Orleans, LA | Land-based casino | Only land-based casino in Louisiana; major property; retail sportsbook on-site |
| Horseshoe Bossier City | Bossier City, LA | Riverboat | Part of Caesars Entertainment portfolio |
| Horseshoe Lake Charles | Lake Charles, LA | Riverboat | Caesars property |
| Golden Nugget Lake Charles | Lake Charles, LA | Riverboat | Golden Nugget-branded; retail sportsbook |
| Sam’s Town Shreveport | Shreveport, LA | Riverboat | Boyd Gaming property |
| Boomtown Bossier City | Bossier City, LA | Riverboat | Penn Entertainment property |
| Paragon Casino Resort | Marksville, LA | Tribal casino | Operated by the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana |
| Evangeline Downs | Opelousas, LA | Racetrack/casino | Horse racing + gaming |
| Delta Downs | Vinton, LA | Racetrack/casino | Horse racing + gaming |
| Louisiana Downs | Bossier City, LA | Racetrack/casino | Horse racing + gaming |
Louisiana has 15 riverboat casinos in total. Paragon Casino Resort (Marksville) is the state’s primary tribal gaming property, operated by the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe. All 20 licensed venues are eligible to offer retail sports betting in approved parishes.
Recent Legal Changes
Fanatics Sportsbook Launches (August 15, 2024): Fanatics became the state’s 9th online sportsbook, completing the initial wave of market entrants following Louisiana’s 2022 launch.
Sports Betting Tax Hike Deferred (November 2024): House Bill 22 proposed raising Louisiana’s online sports betting tax rate from 15% to 51%. It was deferred following pushback from operators and did not pass. Louisiana’s 15% online tax rate remains in effect.
Betway Exits US Market (2024): Betway exited the US market in 2024. Louisiana’s sportsbook count dropped before Fanatics’ entry restored the operator tally.
LGCB Bans Prop Bets on Individual College Athletes (2024): The Louisiana Gaming Control Board prohibited proposition bets on individual college athletes.
No iGaming Legislation in 2025–2026 Session: No bill to legalize online casino gaming was introduced in Louisiana’s 2025 or 2026 legislative session.
Responsible Gambling Resources
| Resource | Contact | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Problem Gamblers Help Line | 1-877-770-7867 | Toll-free; state-specific; 24/7 |
| Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling | 318-227-0883 | helpforgambling.org; Bossier City, LA |
| LGCB Responsible Gaming | lgcb.dps.louisiana.gov | Official LGCB responsible gambling resources |
Self-Exclusion Program
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board administers the Voluntary Exclusion Program. Enrollment requires an in-person appearance at a Louisiana State Police, Gaming Enforcement Division location.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Administrator | Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) |
| Enrollment | In-person at Louisiana State Police Gaming Enforcement Division location |
| Website | lgcb.dps.louisiana.gov/voluntary-exclusions/ |
| Phone | (225) 925-1846 or 1-888-295-8450 |
| Address | 7901 Independence Blvd., Building A, Baton Rouge, LA 70806 |
| Office hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm |
National Resources
| Organization | Phone | Website | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCPG | 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738) | ncpgambling.org | 24/7/365 |
| NCPG Text/Chat | Text 800GAM / ncpgambling.org/chat | — | 24/7/365 |
| Gamblers Anonymous | (909) 931-9056 (office) | gamblersanonymous.org | Meetings vary |
| 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | 988 (call or text) | 988lifeline.org | 24/7/365 |
| SAMHSA | 1-800-662-4357 (HELP) | samhsa.gov | 24/7/365 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is online gambling legal in Louisiana?
Online sports betting is legal in 55 of 64 parishes. Online casino gaming (iGaming) is not legal — no licensed online casino market exists in Louisiana as of May 2026.
Can I bet on sports online in Louisiana?
Yes, if you are in one of the 55 approved parishes. Nine sportsbooks operate statewide, including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, Fanatics, bet365, and ESPN Bet. Minimum age: 21.
Is online casino gaming legal in Louisiana?
No. Louisiana has no iGaming law. No active legislation was introduced in 2025 or 2026. Residents can use offshore platforms or sweepstakes casinos, neither of which carry state-backed consumer protections.
What is the minimum gambling age in Louisiana?
21 for casino gaming and sports betting. 18 for the state lottery. DFS operators set 18 as minimum age (operator-enforced).
Which parishes allow sports betting in Louisiana?
55 of 64 parishes. Nine parishes voted against in November 2020. All sportsbook apps use geolocation to verify you are in an approved parish.
Can Louisiana residents use offshore casinos like Bovada?
All five MCP-reviewed offshore casinos (Bovada, Wild Casino, Ignition, Cafe Casino, Slots.LV) accept Louisiana players. Louisiana is not on any operator’s restricted-state list. Offshore platforms carry no state-backed consumer protections.
Is DFS legal in Louisiana?
Yes, in 47 of 64 approved parishes. FanDuel and DraftKings both operate. Minimum age: 18 (operator-set).
Does Louisiana have a self-exclusion program?
Yes. The LGCB Voluntary Exclusion Program requires in-person enrollment at a Louisiana State Police Gaming Enforcement Division location. Call (225) 925-1846 or 1-888-295-8450, or visit lgcb.dps.louisiana.gov/voluntary-exclusions/.
Related Guides
- Responsible Gambling Policy — Support resources and helplines
- Casino Review Process — How we evaluate and rate casinos
- USA Online Casinos — Full state-by-state guide hub
- New Jersey Gambling Guide — Legal iGaming since 2013; online poker available
- Michigan Gambling Guide — Legal iGaming since 2021; active online casino market
- Mississippi Gambling Guide — Neighboring state; retail casino gaming; no iGaming
- Texas Gambling Guide — Neighboring state; no legal casino or online gambling
- Arkansas Gambling Guide — Neighboring state; retail sports betting; no iGaming
- Bovada Casino Review — Accepts LA players; not state-licensed
- Wild Casino Review — Accepts LA players; not state-licensed
- DraftKings Sportsbook Review — Licensed LA sportsbook operator
