How to Bet on Sports Online in Louisiana

Online sports betting in Louisiana has grown rapidly, offering bettors access to a wide range of options, from NFL spreads and NBA player props to live MLB wagers, futures, parlays, and even smaller niche markets. Whether you’re an experienced bettor or just getting started, Louisiana provides plenty of platforms and betting styles to match the way you like to wager.

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All licensed sportsbooks in Louisiana, including major operators like FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, and BetMGM, are regulated by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, ensuring a secure and reliable betting experience. You simply need to be of legal age, physically located in the state, and signed up with a licensed platform.

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This guide will walk you through everything that matters before placing a bet: legal requirements, state taxes, betting restrictions, standout sportsbooks, types of bets, and tips to maximize your experience in the Louisiana sports betting market.

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Louisiana?

Sports betting has been legal in Louisiana since 2019, and both retail sportsbooks and mobile apps have gradually rolled out across the state since 2021. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) oversees licensing, enforces fair play, safeguards player information, and ensures all operators comply with state regulations, providing a secure and regulated betting environment.

To bet legally in Louisiana:

• You must be 21 years or older.
  
  
• You must be physically located in Louisiana when placing a wager. Mobile apps use geolocation to confirm your location.
  
  
• Each operator allows one account per person, with standard KYC verification via ID or the last four digits of your SSN.

Taxes & Betting Restrictions in Louisiana

Louisiana treats gambling winnings as taxable income, generally reported on your federal and state tax returns. While most casual bettors won’t face issues, keeping track of wins and losses is wise if you wager frequently.

Betting restrictions:

• No wagers on high school sports.
  
  
• Some colleges may have restrictions, so always confirm whether a matchup is eligible.
  
  
• Professional leagues and out-of-state college games are fully available.
  
  

Top Online Sportsbooks in Louisiana

Louisiana offers a wide range of licensed sportsbooks:

• FanDuel – Smooth interface, strong promotions, and great for live and same-game parlays.
  
  
• DraftKings – Deep market coverage and reliable odds, especially for props and futures.
  
  
• Caesars Sportsbook – Trusted payouts and loyalty rewards.
  
  
• BetMGM – Broad sports markets with competitive odds and regular promos.
  
  
• BetRivers – Beginner-friendly with simple navigation and solid bonuses.
  
  
• Bally Bet – Offers straightforward markets for casual bettors.
  
  
• WynnBET – Adds additional options with reliable service.

Heads up: Avoid offshore or unlicensed sportsbooks. Only licensed platforms guarantee safety, fair play, and secure withdrawals.

How to Start Betting in Louisiana (Practical Walkthrough)

1. Pick a Licensed Sportsbook – Stick with LGCB-approved apps like FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, BetMGM, BetRivers, Bally Bet, or WynnBET.
   
   
2. Create & Verify Your Account – Enter your details and complete KYC checks.
   
   
3. Enable Geolocation – Ensure the app confirms your location in Louisiana.
   
   
4. Deposit Funds – Cards, PayPal, bank transfer, and other methods are available.
   
   
5. Claim Bonuses – Read terms before accepting welcome offers or boosts.
   
   
6. Place Your Bet – Moneylines, spreads, totals, props, parlays, and live bets are available. Start simple and avoid high-risk bets at first.
   
   
7. Cash Out – Withdrawals are secure and typically fast; PayPal is often instant, while cards and bank transfers take 1–3 days.

Louisiana’s Biggest Teams & Popular Markets

Louisiana sportsbooks cover major professional leagues, global sports, and popular niche markets:

Major Professional Leagues

• NFL (Football): Saints dominate local betting, with moneylines, spreads, player props, and live in-game wagers.[Read more: NFL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Football Season]
  
  
  
• NBA (Basketball): Pelicans and broader NBA markets feature points, rebounds, assists, and player matchups.[Read more: Everything You Need to Know About NBA Prop Betting]
  
  
• MLB (Baseball): Daily bets include totals, home runs, strikeouts, and game outcomes.
  
  
• NHL (Hockey): Limited local draw, but the NHL offers goals, period winners, and live bets.[Read more: NHL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Hockey Season]

Global & Specialty Sports

• Soccer & MLS: Bet on international leagues, including EPL, Champions League, and MLS teams like New Orleans Jesters.
  
  
• Tennis & Golf: ATP, WTA, and PGA markets include match winners, set totals, top-10 finishes, and head-to-head matchups.
  
  
• UFC & Boxing: Wager on fight winners, rounds, and methods of victory.
  
  

College Sports

• Bets on Louisiana-based colleges like LSU are allowed for out-of-state matchups, but with certain restrictions. Player props for local colleges are limited.
  
  

Smart Betting Tips for Louisiana Players

• Start with the basics: Get comfortable with spreads, props, and parlays before increasing your stakes.
  
  
• Bet on what you know: Focusing on teams you follow and understand, like the Saints, Pelicans, or your favorite MLB clubs, helps you make more informed decisions.
  
  
• Compare odds across apps: Lines vary slightly by sportsbook, so shopping for the best number can boost long-term value.
  
  
• Set a clear budget: Louisiana’s competitive market makes it easy to overspend, so establish limits and stick to them.
  
  
• Use promos strategically: Bonuses and boosts can help, but always check the terms to understand rollover and restrictions.
  
  
• Be selective with live bets: Only place in-game wagers when you’re watching closely and understand the game flow.
  
  
• Track your results: Keep a simple log of wins, losses, and betting patterns to refine your approach over time.

FAQs – Online Betting in Louisiana

• Is sports betting legal in Louisiana?
  Sports betting is fully legal in the state, with both retail and online platforms regulated by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board.
  
  
• What are the age and location requirements?
  Bettors must be 21 or older and physically located within an approved Louisiana parish.
  
  
• Are winnings taxed?
  Sports betting winnings must be reported on both federal and Louisiana state tax returns.
  
  
• Which sportsbooks are legal?
  Licensed operators in the state include FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, BetMGM, BetRivers, Bally Bet, and WynnBET.
  
  
• Can I bet on college sports?
  College wagering is allowed, though college player props are prohibited, and certain in-state events may have restrictions.
  
  
• What types of bets are available?
  Louisiana sportsbooks offer moneylines, spreads, totals, props, parlays, futures, and live betting

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• How do I withdraw winnings?
  Withdrawals are typically available through bank transfer, cards, or PayPal, with processing times usually between one and a few business days.
  
  
• Are offshore sportsbooks safe?
  Offshore platforms lack regulation and consumer protections, making licensed Louisiana sportsbooks the safer choice.

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• What should I do if I think I’m betting too much?
  If you feel your gambling is becoming a problem, you can use built-in sportsbook tools like deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion options. You can also seek help through 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 800gambler.

Conclusion

Louisiana’s sports betting market is competitive, accessible, and built on a solid regulatory foundation. With licensed platforms, diverse betting options, and smart strategies. You can enjoy wagering on your favorite teams while keeping the experience secure and smooth.

Check out our full betting toolset to start spotting profitable lines.

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