The Louisiana sports betting scene is unique in that it operates throughout most, but not all, of the state. This guide explains where and how you can bet on sports in LA and offers advice for new gamblers.
Louisiana provides a somewhat unique sports betting experience in that online sports gambling is legal throughout most but not all of the state. When deciding whether to allow the practice, 55 of the 64 parishes approved the betting bill; those nine holdouts still don’t permit sports betting in their regions.
In this guide to Louisiana sports betting, we’ll explain what sports betting options are available and where in the state gamblers can participate. We will also offer tips for new sports bettors and provide a history of sports gambling in LA.
Below, we’ve ranked what we consider to be the five best sportsbooks in Louisiana. These operators were chosen for their quality mobile performances, rewards programs, and sports available on their platforms, among other factors.
bet365 Sportsbook lands among our list of best sportsbooks in Louisiana because of its impressive coverage of niche and mainstream sports. The bookie offers lines and odds for 29 sports with many leagues available across those categories, making bet365 a reliable option for odds shopping.
Additionally, we’ve found bet365 Sportsbook LA to consistently offer low eligibility requirements for welcome bonuses, with qualifying wagers as low as $1 unlocking hundreds in bonus bets. There are also flexible bonus offers where gamblers can choose the bonus that best aligns with their gambling goals.
Bettor In Green’s Opinion: bet365’s customer support team is very accessible and has been helpful and knowledgeable in our interactions. We’d like to see more banking methods available, but there aren’t too many things leading us to discount bet365.
Caesars Sportsbook Louisiana acts somewhat in the opposite direction of bet365 in its welcome bonuses, as players are able to unlock thousands in bonus bets through deposit matches and second chance bets. However, these bonuses often require a significant upfront investment to access which can make the bookie a bit less accessible for casual gamblers.
The bookie has a strong retail presence in Louisiana with four brick-and-mortar locations in the state. We also appreciate the ability to live-stream NFL games on the web interface and through the mobile app.
Bettor In Green’s Opinion: We usually describe Caesars as a bookie that caters more toward high-roller gamblers than casual bettors, but the operator does a reasonable job for both.
Fanatics is the only one of our top sportsbooks in Louisiana that not only lacks a retail sportsbook in the state but also does not offer a browser-based interface; users can only gamble through the mobile app. While this would typically be a big sticking point, Fanatics Sportsbook Louisiana is tied for the top-rated sports betting app in the Google Play Store.
One of the biggest benefits is FanCash, which bettors earn for every dollar wagered at the sportsbook. FanCash can be exchanged for bonus bets, but it can also be used for memorabilia and merchandise purchases at Fanatics’ e-tail partner sites (like NFLShop.com, The NBA Store, and MLBShop.com).
Bettor In Green’s Opinion: Fanatics’ sportsbook enterprise is working well in tandem with the merchandise vertical which will help both markets thrive. However, a web platform is needed for Fanatics to keep up with the other top sportsbooks.
BetRivers Sportsbook debuted at the Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh in March 2020 and has expanded its online platform to 14 states (the bookie is retail-only in Delaware). We would not be surprised to see BetRivers pursue retail expansion into Louisiana, though the state already has most of its retail facilities carrying other brands.
In 2024, BetRivers completely redesigned its mobile app and website (both of which desperately needed a modern aesthetic). These improvements also sped up load times and fixed bugs to keep things running smoothly.
Bettor In Green’s Opinion: BetRivers is a well-rounded sportsbook that should be included in your betting arsenal, especially when odds shopping to find the most favorable lines and profit potential.
Last in our top sportsbooks is BetMGM, which boasts one of the industry’s best rewards programs. The benefits do a sufficient job of balancing betting bonuses with non-gambling-related perks that escalate in value while moving through rewards tiers.
We’ve also noticed BetMGM Sportsbook LA is regularly the earliest operator to post futures odds; championship odds for the following season are regularly available within hours of the conclusion of the previous season. Additionally, bettors who prefer betting on single games will enjoy the frequency at which early cashout is available.
Bettor In Green’s Opinion: BetMGM’s lack of retail presence in Louisiana shouldn’t be a deterrent. The online platform performs well and is likely to become a regular in your rotation.
In addition to the five sportsbooks above, there are four other online sports betting options available to Louisiana gamblers. These sportsbooks are listed alphabetically, not in a ranked order.
ClutchBet is a much smaller operation compared to other sportsbooks in Louisiana, as it only carries a license in two other states (Iowa and Colorado). The unique ClutchCash product allows users to create custom head-to-head player prop bets for NFL and NBA contests, providing a fun variant to traditional sports gambling.
However, the bookie lacks the in-depth sports coverage other sportsbooks offer, putting ClutchBet at a disadvantage. It is a decent option but ClutchBet feels like an unfinished product at the moment.
DraftKings Sportsbook Louisiana dominated the daily fantasy sports (DFS) space along with FanDuel prior to the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018. The company quickly launched a sportsbook following the decision and is consistently one of the top three sportsbooks by betting handle in the states where it operates.
The in-play betting markets DraftKings offers are a popular draw, but the heavy use of AI in customer support is a point of concern for us. We also have experienced betting odds in niche markets to be juiced in DK’s favor to a greater degree than any other Louisiana bookmaker.
ESPN Bet is the top dog of the Louisiana retail sports betting space, accounting for five of the 19 brick-and-mortar facilities. Unfortunately, the mobile performance has yet to hold up, which is surprising given PENN Entertainment’s 10-year, $2 billion deal with ESPN for the branding rights of the betting product.
The mobile app is fine but unspectacular, though the web platform falls significantly behind. However, we do give ESPN Bet credit for the implementation of a rewards program and its daily promoted parlay offerings.
Last but not least, FanDuel Sportsbook LA is highly preferable for same game parlay (SGP) betting. Its selection of prop betting markets eligible for SGP inclusion is virtually unparalleled, and FanDuel’s mobile app is the highest-rated in the industry.
The desktop and mobile app platforms are great for beginners, but the lack of a rewards program may keep hardcore bettors away. Additionally, FanDuel has low caps on daily promos (especially for its profit boosts), which slightly curbs its upside.
Regardless of the sportsbook you choose to use, the steps to follow for betting on sports in Louisiana are largely the same. Here’s what you’ll need to do to place your first wager at an online sportsbook.
Once you’ve included this information, agree to the terms of service and privacy policy to complete the signup process and submit your registration.
Below, we have compiled the latest updates in Louisiana sports betting:
In June 2021, retail and online sports betting were legalized in Louisiana when Gov. John Bel Edwards signed three bills into law. However, only 55 of the state’s 64 parishes approved the ballot measure; the holdouts were Caldwell, Catahoula, Franklin, Jackson, La Salle, Sabine, Union, West Carroll, and Winn Parishes.
To this day, sports betting is illegal in those parishes. Sportsbooks will geo-block you from placing wagers if you are physically located within those parishes while attempting to bet.
Under state law, you must be at least 21 years old to bet on sports in Louisiana. This is the legal age across most of the United States.
Louisiana allows you to bet on college sports, including wagers on in-state teams. However, you won’t be able to place wagers on individual player prop markets.
Below is a brief history of sports betting in Louisiana.
Below is a list of all online sportsbooks in Louisiana:
Additionally, the following sportsbooks have closed their Louisiana operations:
Louisiana is unique in having a dramatically larger number of brick-and-mortar sports betting facilities than online operators. Here is the list of all retail sportsbooks in Louisiana:
One of the biggest advantages of using online and mobile sportsbooks is the ability to claim promotions and bonuses while gambling. Typically, these bonuses allow bettors to either wager without using real-money funds from their bankroll or increase the profits of their winning wagers.
Here are a few of the most commonly offered Louisiana sportsbook promotions and bonuses.
The majority of Louisiana sportsbooks have abandoned promo code redemption to claim welcome bonuses; instead, gamblers will opt-in to a promo offer or redeem a referral code during registration before disbursing the funds.
If you do end up receiving a promo code for a bonus at a Louisiana sportsbook, the process for redeeming the code will look like this:
Mobile sports betting accounts for the largest percentage of sports gambling revenue, at least 90% in any given month. Thus, it’s imperative that sports betting operators have a high-quality mobile app to provide a high-quality experience for gamblers of all experience levels and bankroll sizes.
Below is a list of the app store ratings for mobile sports betting apps in Louisiana from both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The ratings are accurate as of April 2025.
| Sportsbook | Apple App Store Rating | Google Play Store Rating |
|---|---|---|
| bet365 | 4.8/5 | 4.6/5 |
| BetMGM | 4.8/5 | 4.3/5 |
| BetRivers | 4.9/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Caesars | 4.7/5 | 4.5/5 |
| ClutchBet | 3.2/5 | 3.3/5 |
| DraftKings | 4.8/5 | 4.3/5 |
| ESPN Bet | 4.8/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Fanatics | 4.8/5 | 4.7/5 |
| FanDuel | 4.9/5 | 4.7/5 |
Louisiana requires different tax rates on sports betting winnings, with online tax rates higher than for retail sports gambling. This is to help make gambling at a brick-and-mortar facility a more preferable option, offsetting the convenience factor of placing a wager through a betting app or website.
The tax rate for online sports gambling winnings in Louisiana is 15%. Retail sports betting winnings are taxed at a 10% rate.
If you win at least $600 while sports betting, you will need to report the winnings on a copy of Form W-2G while filing your returns. However, if you win that total across multiple bookies, you may receive several versions of the form; you can also download the form from the IRS website.
Responsible gambling is a term used to describe all actions to ensure betting is conducted in as safe a manner as possible. This responsibility is shared by gambling operators and individual bettors, and as betting grows in popularity, it is imperative everyone abides by these best practices.
Gambling operators should always promote the use of account limits so users do not spend too much money or time on their platforms or at their facilities. They should also avoid advertising to vulnerable individuals (such as underage persons or those who have voluntarily self-excluded).
Similarly, bettors should always set limits and stick to them to avoid the temptation to gamble beyond their means. No wager or bonus is ever worth breaking your budget!!
In Louisiana, the following local resources are available:
Additionally, national-level resources are important to know:
In November 2024, Louisiana Representative Roger Wilder (R-Denham Springs) deferred House Bill 22, a bill he proposed that would have raised the online sports betting tax rate from 15% to 51%. While such a rate jump is highly unrealistic (and would likely be unpopular enough to unseat politicians sponsoring and approving the bill come election season), a tax increase seems likely in the near future but at a less dramatic rate than Wilder proposed.
Another potential impact on the future of sports betting in Louisiana would be the approval of online casino gambling. Online casinos are only legal in six states; supporters of online casino expansion point to increased revenues for the state while opponents argue this cuts into revenues for existing betting operators and leads to an increase in compulsive gambling behaviors.
Louisiana’s sports betting industry continues to grow year over year, and online gambling in particular is a major revenue generator for the state. Lifetime betting handle will pass the $10B mark in 2025, and Louisiana could surpass Iowa in lifetime handle before the end of the calendar year.
Now that you’ve learned a bit more about the Louisiana sports betting landscape, you may find yourself wanting to learn more about each sportsbook to find the options that best suit your goals. Never fear! Bettor In Green’s sportsbook reviews will point you in the right direction with detailed information about available sports, bonuses, rewards programs, and much more.
Good luck, have fun, and always gamble responsibly!!
You can know that a sports betting site is licensed and regulated in Louisiana by looking for the operator’s name on the Louisiana Gaming Control Board website. Additionally, check the sportsbook’s “Legal” page to review license information and locate the LGCB insignia.
Yes, you can bet on college sports in Louisiana, including wagers on in-state athletic events and teams. However, you will not be able to bet on individual player props.
The specific sports betting laws in Louisiana you should be aware of are the legal age requirement (21) and that nine parishes still do not allow sports betting (Caldwell, Catahoula, Franklin, Jackson, La Salle, Sabine, Union, West Carroll, and Winn). You should also know that online sports betting winnings are taxed at a higher rate than retail facilities. Finally, college sports betting is allowed, but you won’t be able to gamble on player props.
Yes, you can use credit cards to fund your sports betting account in Louisiana. However, we highly encourage you to choose a different method, as credit card deposits can increase the risk of developing a gambling addiction at a higher rate than other deposit options.
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