The Best Online Betting Sites in Louisiana to Play Legally in 2024
Louisiana has one of the youngest online betting markets in the USA, with the first mobile betting sites going online in January 2022. With the market still in its infancy, there’s never been a better time to get an overview of the best betting sites Louisiana has to offer.
| Best Betting Sites in The United States | Bonus Offers | Highlights | Rating | Secure Link | T&Cs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The Top Louisiana Betting Sites
- 🥇 BetRivers ✪ Best LA Sports Betting Site
- 🥈 DraftKings ✪ Best Welcome Bonus Offer
One of the best things about the Louisiana online sports betting industry launching later than other states is that bettors are getting access to well-developed and competitive gambling products – which you can compare in our list of online sportsbooks. Throughout this guide, we’ve provided a list of the top-scoring betting sites and discussed the methods we’ve used to test them.
| 🏆 Best Betting Site in Louisiana | BetRivers |
| 🔍Top New Site in LA | BetRivers |
| 🎁 Best for Bonuses | DraftKings |
| 📱 Top Mobile App | DraftKings |
| 📺 Best for Live Betting | BetRivers |
| 📈 Highest Payout Betting Site | BetRivers |
| 💳 Best Payment Options | DraftKings |
| 🛡️ Safest Sportsbook | BetRivers |
| 🎮 Best eSports Betting Website | DraftKings |
| ✨ Top for Extra Features | BetRivers |
It’s worth mentioning that in nine of the state’s 64 parishes, sports betting is illegal. Readers in those parishes may be wondering whether offshore betting sites are a worthy alternative, and it’s our mission to prove to you why it’s not just unwise to sign up to unlicensed bookies, but also potentially dangerous.
Louisiana Online Betting Sites List: All Legal LA Online Sportsbooks
Bettors in LA are spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing online betting sites. The state law requires that all operators must be partnered with a local licensed casino or racetrack, which has allowed seven mobile betting options to debut so far. Our Louisiana online sportsbook list includes:
- DraftKings Inc. – (DraftKings) – Registration with Louisiana Gaming Control Board
- Rush Street Interactive LLC – (BetRivers) – Registration with Louisiana Gaming Control Board
There is no clear best online Louisiana sportsbook. Instead, each site offers different perks to different players. Throughout this page, you will learn about the most important features of reputable online betting sites so you can make the most informed decision about what works for you.
How to Start Betting Online in Louisiana
One of the biggest perks to gambling online is that the process is extremely easy and convenient. You can set up an account, make a deposit, compare odds, and place bets anywhere that there is an internet connection. Below, we have created a three-step betting guide that details how to get started.
Visit the Sportsbook RI homepage on your mobile or desktop. You’ll need to download the app on your mobile. Provide your name, details, date of birth and submit ID. Make a deposit.
Head to the lobby to find pre-match and live betting odds. Find the events and sports that interest you, and filter the bet types in the market selection.
Click on the odds to add them to your bet slip. Add more odds to build your bet and choose to make a single or parlay bet. Set your stake, click to place your bet and confirm.
The most time-consuming part of the whole process is the registration. You will need to enter your personal details correctly before submitting your identification documents for verification. This prevents money laundering and minors from gambling. To speed up this process, keep a digital copy of your ID on hand.
The Criteria: How We Judge the Best Louisiana Betting Sites
To create the fairest and most accurate reviews, we have applied standard grading criteria to all of the legal and licensed Louisiana betting websites. Our team of expert reviewers created the criteria to ensure that bettor’s most important topics are covered. The main important categories are as follows.
We begin by looking at the safety and security features of each site and ensure that it has earned the appropriate licensing. We then move on to discuss other topics such as the bonuses and promotions, the odds and payouts, the mobile compatibility of the platform, and the customer support.
The best betting sites in Louisiana excel in all these fields.
Laws, Safety, and Security
Your number one priority when choosing a gambling site is that it meets the strict safety and security standards mandated by Louisiana’s gambling regulators. As a part of their licensing agreements, all Louisiana online sports betting sites will have had to prove that they are committed to providing a safe and healthy gambling experience.
When evaluating each Louisiana online sportsbook, we focused on some specific important topics that relate to the laws, safety, and security of each platform. In the following section, we’ve broken down each area of concern and explained how you can take steps to ensure that your selections meet each requirement.
Gambling Laws in Louisiana
The Louisiana State Legislature signed into law sports betting legislation in June 2021 after voters in 55 Louisiana parishes approved of the gambling expansion in the November 2020 election. There are nine parishes that opted out of the market, meaning that sports betting is still illegal in those areas.
All sports betting is regulated by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, with up to 20 sportsbook operator licenses available for operators. Each licensee can offer retail and online sports betting. These are available to the Harrah’s Casino, the state’s four racinos, and the 15 LA riverboat casinos.
The retail betting market was launched in October 2021, with the first legal betting sites in Louisiana debuting at the end of January 2022. Already, the online betting market has been hugely successful, with revenues dwarfing those made at the retail sportsbooks. There is little doubt now that a legal betting market will generate millions for the state each month.
Tax Rates on Sports Betting
There are different tax rates applied to the different types of sportsbook operations. All online and mobile betting sites, including the best Louisiana betting sites, pay a tax rate of 15 percent of all revenues. All in-person wagers, on the other hand, are taxed at a rate of 10 percent.
While the operators are in charge of paying those taxes, there are also taxes on betting winnings that individuals must consider. Any winnings over $600 must be declared on your annual tax return as income, while winnings over $5,000 will be taxed at a federal rate of 24 percent.
Data Security and Encryption
In any online industry where money exchanges hands at frequent high volumes, there is always going to be the threat of hacks and scams. This is true of Louisiana online sports betting, too.
To safeguard users’ private data and financial information from being intercepted by hackers, all LA betting sites must implement data encryption technology.
The most effective method to do this is by using strong SSL certificate encryption. All of the Louisiana betting sites online use this so your connections are secure. Another important security feature is the KYC verification system, which helps to accurately identify users and prevent money laundering and minors from gambling.
Minimum Louisiana Gambling Age
If you want to patronize a Louisiana sportsbook or betting venue, you must be 21 years old or over. This is in line with the state’s laws surrounding visiting a Class III gambling establishment and participating in the lottery. The only exception to this rule is pari-mutuel wagering, whereby bettors can be 18 years old.
Responsible Gambling
The best Louisiana betting sites will pay careful attention not to create a gambling environment that encourages reckless spending or risky gambling behavior. To do this, they will offer effective tools for users to manage their gambling habits. This includes self-limitation features such as time, bet, and deposit limits.
There should also be an option to take a cool-off period or to self-exclude. These tools are in line with the state Gaming Control Board’s requirements on responsible gambling practices. You will also find that the sites provide access to helpful resources provided by the Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling including a free problem gambling helpline.
Trust Certificates
There are several things that you can look out for to make sure the sportsbook you have chosen is a trustworthy gambling site. These helpful indicators are called certificates, which are official logos and links to organizations that the site works with to create a safe, healthy, and responsible gaming atmosphere.
The following are the types of certificates that you’ll see on the site.
- SSL Certificate – shows that your data and privacy is protected via encryption
- Responsible Gambling – displays that the operator works with gambling helplines
- Louisiana Gaming Control Board – the certificate of the site’s regulator, proves that it’s licensed
- Payment Methods – shows that the site is supported by reputable financial institutions
Often, these logos can be found at the bottom of betting site homepages. If you click on them, you’ll usually be taken to the partner organization’s website where you can look more into their credentials. Without any signs of licensing or secure gambling, there is no way that you can trust an online betting site.
Bonus Offers
There are plenty of different types of bonuses available for bettors at Louisiana sportsbooks. If you’re a new player to these sites, you can usually claim perks such as bonus funds, free bets, risk-free bets, or boosted odds. Returning customers can also take advantage of special daily bonuses and loyalty rewards programs.
These bonuses will be displayed on the front page of most betting sites that you haven’t signed up to or can be found on their Promotions pages. Before you claim them, though, it’s essential to read the terms and conditions. These will outline if you need to make a first-time minimum deposit or explain other restrictions on your bonus.
| Louisiana Betting Site | Welcome Bonus | Deposit Features | Rating | Secure Link | T&C’s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 BetRivers | $500 2nd Chance Bet | 1x, 30 days, -200 | Bet Here! | Full T&Cs Apply! New customer offer. Please gamble responsibly. 21+ Make your first-time deposit with code SPORTS and place your first sports wager with real money. If your first wager loses, receive a Free Bet, equal to your stake, up to a maximum of $500 ($100 max in NY). Free Bet will be awarded within 24 Hours of your qualifying wager settling as a loss and expire 14 days after issuance. |
|
| 🥇 DraftKings | 20% up to $1,000 First Deposit Bonus | 1x, 7 days, -200 | Bet Here! | Full T&Cs Apply! New customer offer. Please gamble responsibly. 18+ |
The best betting sites Louisiana has on offer will offer bonuses with long validity periods, low minimum deposit amounts, low wagering requirements on bonus funds, and reasonable minimum odds. You’ll find that all of the betting sites listed on this page offer promotions that are worth checking out.
Average Payout Rates at LA Sportsbooks
A sportsbook will rely on its payout rates to determine the quality of its odds. The payout rate, or RTP, is what percentage of the site’s revenues after expenses go back to players as winnings. The higher the RTP, the better it is for punters. Below, we’ve listed the average payout rates for the top LA online betting sites.
- BetRivers – 93.44%
- DraftKings – 93.98%
As you can see, the RTP rates are extremely fair, no matter where you choose to bet at. What is also worth considering is that different payout rates will be applied to different sports. For example, popular events such as the Super Bowl will have higher payout rates so that betting sites are more competitive.
Conversely, less popular leagues will have lower payout rates to make up for the larger giveaways in popular markets. Before you make any bet, it’s always worth doing an odds comparison between competitor sites. This way, you can make sure that you are getting the best price in case your wager is successful.
Live Betting Options
Live betting is an increasingly popular option that allows bettors to wager on sports in real-time. As games unfold, you can choose to make or even cash out bets, which amounts to a fast-paced and thrilling experience. With the clock against you, you’ll need to rely on your own knowledge and gut to bet successfully.
Thanks to a highly competitive market of Louisiana betting sites, locals have access to some of the best live betting options in the USA. To find these odds, you just need to select the Live or In-Play tab at the top of the lobby. You’ll then find a list of all in-play games. You will also have access to up-to-date statistics and infographics to aid your wagers.
Best Live Betting Bonus
- Bonus Code: Not needed
- Minimum Odds: -200
- Wagering requirement: 1x
- Validity: 7 days
Welcome Bonus
Ongoing Offers
Live Promotions
Another huge bonus that betting sites in Louisiana provides is that several sites including BetMGM have numerous live streaming opportunities. This means that you can watch several sports while you bet on them. These streams will frequently have odds overlays and bet suggestions for you to consider.
Betting Apps
With roughly 90 percent of all sports betting revenues in Louisiana generated online, the verdict is out that LA bettors prefer to wager while on the go or from their homes. For this reason, it’s essential that betting sites provide the best betting apps.
All of the best betting sites have created dedicated Louisiana sports betting apps that can be downloaded on any Apple or Android smartphone or tablet. Here, you can enjoy all of the same features as are available on the PC version, including creating an account, making deposits, and placing pre-match or in-play bets.
As long as you’re located in one of the 55 parishes with legal sports betting, you’ll be able to use the app to its full potential. If you don’t wish to download a Louisiana sports betting app, you can simply access the operator’s site through your device’s web browser and use the mobile-optimized platform through there.
Customer Support Options
The best betting sites in Louisiana understand that problems can happen. Whether it’s a technical glitch on the side of the operator or a mistake caused by human error, it’s important to know that you can always find help if an issue or query arises. This is why the best betting sites offer 24/7 customer support.
This round-the-clock service is ideal as it acknowledges that different bettors have their own schedules and wagering habits. Furthermore, users should be able to contact the team through various methods, including telephone, live chat, or email. Wait times should be low and customer support knowledgeable and friendly.
We were pleased to discover that all of the licensed sites on this page have versatile customer support options, with most being available 24/7. It’s worth mentioning too that betting sites will always have comprehensive FAQ sections that address myriad topics. These are worth reading if your problem isn’t too urgent.
New Betting Sites in Louisiana
Due to the fact that all of the online betting sites debuted in 2024, we consider all available betting sites to be new betting sites in Louisiana. The fact that the market is so fresh is a huge advantage for players in the Pelican State, as the websites have been refined over years of operation.
| New Louisiana Betting Site | Bonus Offer | Active from | Rating | Secure Link | T&C’s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetRivers | $500 2nd Chance Bet | 2020 | Bet Here! | Full T&Cs Apply! New customer offer. Please gamble responsibly. 21+ Make your first-time deposit with code SPORTS and place your first sports wager with real money. If your first wager loses, receive a Free Bet, equal to your stake, up to a maximum of $500 ($100 max in NY). Free Bet will be awarded within 24 Hours of your qualifying wager settling as a loss and expire 14 days after issuance. |
|
| DraftKings | 20% up to $1,000 First Deposit Bonus | 2020 | Bet Here! | Full T&Cs Apply! New customer offer. Please gamble responsibly. 18+ |
That said, with 20 online betting site licenses available and only seven sites on offer, you can expect that another 13 mobile sportsbooks are on the way. One of these is the BlueBet site, which will partner with the Louisiana Downs Racecourse and Casino and be released sometime in 2023.
It’s truly an exciting time for sports bettors in LA. With so many new Louisiana betting sites released in recent months and even more to come on the horizon, we expect that the market will quickly adapt and improve further. You should also expect more lucrative promotions that will be worth claiming to try new platforms out.
Offshore Betting Sites in Louisiana
With so many legal betting sites in Louisiana, it doesn’t make sense to join offshore bookies that have not been properly assessed by US regulators. These sites, while not prohibited under Louisiana law, pay no taxes to the US, and are likely not held to the same safety and security standards as those under LA jurisdiction.
- ⛔ BetUS
- ⛔ Bovada
- ⛔ MyBookie
- ⛔ XBet
- ⛔ BetOnline.AG
- ⛔ BUSR
- ⛔ Intertops
- ⛔ BetNow
- ⛔ BetAnySports
- ⛔ JazzSports
- ⛔ Lucky99
- ⛔ WagerWeb
The above sites are some offshore bookies that regularly advertise to Louisianans. They may seem like viable options, but consider that if something goes wrong, such as they refuse to pay out your winnings, you’ll have no legal backing in the USA. We strongly suggest you avoid offshore bookies and stick to the superior US gambling sites.
The History of Louisiana Gambling
Louisiana has one of the richest gambling histories’ in the United States, and at times it has been one of the most progressive gambling states in the country. Its beginnings can be traced back to 1806 when the state outlawed all forms of gambling except for in New Orleans. This saw the city thrive as a go-to tourist destination.
In the late 1800s, a private entity established the Louisiana Lottery. However, in time the operation became a corrupt enterprise and caused a national scandal that would see lotteries outlawed across the USA. It would be another 100 years before an authorized lottery would debut.
Louisiana has a history of being a popular gambling destination. Just like one can experience in the state of Nevada, it is possible to find casino-style gambling throughout the entirety of Louisiana . For readers to gain a perspective of the timeline of key gambling and sports betting moments in the state’s history, we’ve created a visual graphic which can be viewed below:
In the 1920s, horse racing betting was approved at the New Orleans Fair Ground, and not much progress happened until the 90s. It was this decade that saw a huge shift in attitudes towards gambling, when riverboat casinos, video poker, the state lottery, and one land-based casino were authorized in the state.
Since sports betting was legalized in 2019, the local community has adopted the activity at a surprising rate. In the first month of gambling websites in Louisiana’s operation, more than $211 million was gambled online alone. This represented roughly 90 percent of the whole handle. Roughly $2.3 million of that was collected in taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you still have more questions about the betting sites Louisiana has to offer? If so, you’ll find brief answers to common queries on the local LA betting market. If you’re looking for more details, you can click on the links provided to each to be taken to the relevant section of this guide.
🥇 What is the best betting site in Louisiana?
There are several great Louisiana betting sites to choose from, with each offering their own unique features. Sports betting is available in 55 parishes throughout the state, with many offering a number of great betting features and promotions. We particularly recommend live betting and streaming sportsbooks.
🔎 Are there any new betting sites in Louisiana?
All of the sites that we have recommended on this page are new betting sites. This is because the online market began in 2022 and only seven of the potential 20 online betting sites have launched. You can expect many more sites to debut in the next few years, all of which will be linked to the state’s land-based casino, racinos, and riverboat casinos.
📜 Is there a list of the Louisiana betting sites?
We started this page with a list of top betting sites for Louisiana. We suggest you check out all of the options and get a feel for the platforms. Fortunately, you won’t need to make an account to peruse the betting lobby and the in-play options. Be sure to check out the new player promotions to take advantage of huge deals.
🛡️ Are Louisiana betting sites safe?
Yes, the licensed betting sites listed on this page are safe and secure as they are licensed by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. This licensing process ensures that sites are encrypted to protect user data, follow responsible gambling guidelines, and have fair odds. Make sure you never join offshore betting sites as they could be dangerous or untrustworthy.
💵 How does Louisiana make money from betting sites?
There are income taxes which apply to all sports betting winnings in Louisiana. For land-based sportsbooks, operators must pay a tax of 10 percent on their takings. Online betting sites must pay a 15 percent tax on revenues. Considering that most bets are taken online, this is great news for the state’s coffers.
⚖️ Is online betting in Louisiana legal?
Sports betting is legal in 55 of the state’s 64 parishes thanks to recent changes to the LA gambling laws. As long as you are located in these parishes, you can sign up to all available betting apps. Just make sure that they are licensed. While offshore betting sites aren’t illegal, you can’t guarantee that you’ll be paid out your owed winnings.
👮 How can I solve a dispute with a Louisiana online sportsbook?
If you have any disputes with any of the online sportsbooks listed on this page, you should contact customer support. Most sites provide numerous contact methods such as telephone, live chat, and email services. They should also be open 24/7 so that all bettors can seek the help they need when they need it.
Conclusion
Now that we’ve concluded this guide to the best Louisiana betting sites, we hope that you realize how many great options you have. There has never been a better time to be a sports betting fan in the Pelican State, with seven high-quality betting sites already launched and more than a dozen still to hit the market.
Whether you’re into pre-match betting or live betting, there are plenty of great options to choose from. All of the recommendations on this page are verified to be trustworthy and fair through licensing. If you’re curious about how other US states regulate gambling or are considering traveling soon, we recommend you check out more online sports betting sites guides.