Best Sports Betting Bonuses and Promos in Louisiana

Louisiana sports betting launched in October 2021 (retail) and January 2022 (online), becoming one of the most successful markets in the South. Between BetMGM, Fanatics, DraftKings, Caesars, bet365, FanDuel, BetRivers, and ESPN BET, new Louisiana bettors can claim over $6,500 in combined welcome bonuses. Louisiana generated $11.24 billion in total handle and $200.6 million in tax revenue since launch. At Shurzy, we keep it real: Louisiana's bonuses are solid, but that tax jump could start squeezing promos.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Louisiana?

Yes, sports betting is fully legal in Louisiana if you're 21 or older. Louisiana voters approved sports betting on November 3, 2020 through parish-by-parish ballot measures. 55 of Louisiana's 64 parishes authorized sports betting. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board oversees all operations.

You can bet in person at retail sportsbooks at 20+ casino locations throughout the state, or you can bet online from anywhere within the 55 authorized parishes. Geolocation tech confirms your location automatically.

Here's what you need to know:

• Must be 21+ and physically in an authorized parish
• Can bet on pro sports and college games (LSU Tigers, Tulane Green Wave, Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns)
• Louisiana allows full college player props with no restrictions on in-state teams
• Louisiana originally taxed betting at 10% (2021-2022), then increased to 15% (January 2023), then increased to 21.5% (July 1, 2025)

Read more: NFL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Football Season

Best Sports Betting Bonuses and Promos in Louisiana

Louisiana has 8 legal sportsbooks. Here are the top six.

1. BetMGM Louisiana - Up to $1,500 First Bet Offer (Code: COVERS or LABETSBONUS)

BetMGM offers the biggest welcome bonus in Louisiana. Sign up using promo code COVERS or LABETSBONUS, deposit at least $10, and place your first bet. If it loses, you get back up to $1,500 in bonus bets. For bets under $50, you get a single bonus bet matching the stake. For bets of $50 or more, you receive five separate bonus bets, each worth 20% of the original stake. Bonus bets expire in seven days.

Best for: Biggest safety net bonus.

2. Fanatics Sportsbook Louisiana - Up to $2,000 in No Sweat Bets FanCash OR Bet $50, Get $250

Fanatics offers the highest total value in Louisiana with two options. Option 1: Place a $1 bet each day for 10 days. If any bet loses, you get up to $200 in FanCash per day (total $2,000). Option 2: Bet $50, Get $250 in FanCash guaranteed. Use FanCash for bonus bets or redeem it for Saints, Pelicans, LSU, and Tulane gear.

Best for: Maximum total value and merch rewards.

3. DraftKings Louisiana - Bet $5, Get $300 + 3 Months of NBA League Pass + 20% Deposit Match up to $1,000

DraftKings stacks serious value in Louisiana with three separate welcome offers. Sign up, deposit at least $5, and place your first $5 bet. If it wins, you get $300 in bonus bets (twelve $25 tokens) plus three free months of NBA League Pass. Plus, DraftKings offers a 20% deposit match up to $1,000. Bonus bets expire in seven days.

Best for: Multiple bonuses and deep markets.

4. Caesars Sportsbook Louisiana - Bet $1, Double Your Winnings on Your Next 20 Bets (Code: COVERS20X or ACTION20X or ROTO20X)

Caesars flips the script with a creative bonus structure. Sign up using promo code COVERS20X, ACTION20X, or ROTO20X, deposit at least $10, and place your first $1 bet. You'll unlock 20 Profit Boost Tokens that double your winnings on your next 20 bets, up to $2,500 each. That's a potential $50,000 in value if you max out each boost. Each token is valid for 14 days.

Best for: Maximum potential value through profit boosts.

5. bet365 Louisiana - Bet $5, Get $200 Win or Lose OR $1,000 First Bet Safety Net (Code: COVERS)

bet365 launched in Louisiana in November 2023 as the state's eighth operator. Sign up using promo code COVERS, deposit at least $10, and place your first $5 bet. Option 1: Get $200 in bonus bets guaranteed, win or lose. Option 2: Choose the First Bet Safety Net up to $1,000. Bonus expires in seven days.

Best for: Guaranteed rewards or maximum safety net.

6. FanDuel Louisiana - Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins

FanDuel is the most popular sportsbook in the U.S. Sign up, deposit at least $5, and place your first $5 bet. If it wins, you'll get $150 in bonus bets within 72 hours. Bonus bets expire in seven days. FanDuel offers same-game parlays, live betting, daily odds boosts, and one of the smoothest mobile experiences in the game. No promo code required.

Best for: User-friendly app and $150 guaranteed if you win.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About NBA Prop Betting

How to Choose Your Louisiana Sportsbook

With 8 legal options, here's how to decide:

• Compare welcome bonuses. BetMGM offers the biggest safety net at $1,500. Fanatics stacks up to $2,000 in FanCash. bet365 gives you a guaranteed $200 win or lose.
• Check app speed. FanDuel and DraftKings run smoothly during live games when timing matters.
• Look for loyalty perks. BetMGM's M life Rewards and Caesars Rewards turn your bets into hotel stays, meals, and free play.
• Match your sports. If you're into football and basketball, DraftKings and FanDuel dominate. Soccer or international leagues? bet365 is your move.

Shurzy tip: Louisiana's tax jumped from 15% to 21.5% in July 2025, and lawmakers are considering another progressive tax that could push rates as high as 40%. 

How to Claim a Sportsbook Bonus in Louisiana

Claiming your bonus is quick. Here's the breakdown:

• Step 1: Pick a licensed sportsbook. Choose from BetMGM, Fanatics, DraftKings, Caesars, bet365, or FanDuel.
• Step 2: Create your account. Visit the sportsbook's website or download the app. Enter your name, address, date of birth, email, phone number, and the last four digits of your SSN.
• Step 3: Enter promo codes (if needed). For BetMGM, use code COVERS or LABETSBONUS. For Caesars, use code COVERS20X, ACTION20X, or ROTO20X. For bet365, use code COVERS. For BetRivers, use the code SBOBONUS. FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics don't require a code.
• Step 4: Fund your account. Most books require $5 to $10 to qualify. Use a card, PayPal, Venmo, or online banking.
• Step 5: Place your qualifying bet. Follow the bonus terms. Some promos require minimum odds or a specific bet type.

Shurzy tip: Bonus bets expire in 7 days. Don't let them sit. Use them on games you're actually watching, not random midweek soccer you won't even care about.

Read more: NHL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Hockey Season

Sports Betting Tips for Louisiana Bettors

Louisiana's market is solid. Here's how to navigate it smart:

• Check if your parish allows betting. 55 of Louisiana's 64 parishes authorized sports betting. Make sure you're in an authorized parish before signing up.
• Leverage college player props. Louisiana allows full college player props with no restrictions. Take advantage of extra betting options on LSU, Tulane, and Louisiana Tech games.
• Watch Saints and Pelicans games for live betting. Louisiana games tend to have solid line movements. If you're comfortable with live betting, these games offer chances to find value mid-game.
• Stack Caesars' profit boosts strategically. With 20 tokens worth up to $2,500 each, save them for games where you've done your homework. Don't waste them on random Tuesday bets.
• Use Fanatics' 10-day offer if you're patient. Placing a $1 bet each day for ten days is low-risk. Even if you lose a few, you're banking FanCash that turns into free bets or Saints gear.

Shurzy tip: Louisiana's tax went from 15% to 21.5% in July 2025, and 25% of that new revenue goes to fund college athlete NIL payments. 

Responsible Betting in Louisiana

The Louisiana Gaming Control Board oversees responsible gaming programs. All regulated sportsbooks offer deposit limits, self-exclusion, and timeout features.

If you need help, contact the Louisiana Problem Gamblers Helpline at 1-877-770-7867 (STOP), available 24/7. Visit laproblemgamblers.org for additional resources and treatment options.

Final Take

However, the July 2025 tax increase from 15% to 21.5% and pending progressive tax proposals could reduce promotional offerings over time. The 21.5% rate allocates 25% of new revenue ($6.1M annually) to 11 public universities for NCAA athlete NIL payments, scholarships, and the House v. NCAA settlement.

Sign up for multiple accounts while bonuses remain competitive. If you're betting on the Saints on Sunday, Pelicans through the NBA season, or LSU on Saturday nights, Louisiana sportsbooks deliver. Keep it simple: use the best bonus, play responsibly, and enjoy the action.

Shurzy tip: No spreadsheets, no stress. Just fast picks, good promos, and wins you can flex. That's the Shurzy way.