Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Louisiana?

Online Sports Betting Louisiana: When It Launched

Sports betting in Louisiana was approved by voters in a November 2020 referendum. Out of 64 parishes, 55 voted yes. That gave lawmakers the green light to move quickly.

• Retail sportsbooks launched on October 7, 2021.
  
  
• Online sports betting online followed on January 28, 2022.
  
  

The timing was perfect for NFL betting season, giving Saints fans and casual bettors legal access to wagers just before the Super Bowl.

Read more: Looking for the ultimate guide to NFL betting this season? We've got you covered right here!

Is Sports Betting Legal Online in Louisiana?

Yes. Sports betting legal online is active throughout most of Louisiana. Anyone 21 or older can register, deposit, and wager as long as they are inside a parish that approved sports betting. Geolocation technology ensures this rule is followed.

The industry is regulated by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, which licenses operators and enforces compliance. This makes Louisiana a secure market, unlike offshore sportsbooks that don’t provide consumer protections.

Online Sports Betting Apps in Louisiana

Louisiana allows each casino to partner with sportsbook operators, creating a competitive market. As of 2025, major apps live in the state include:

• DraftKings
  
  
• FanDuel
  
  
• Caesars
  
  
• BetMGM
  
  
• bet365
  
  
• ESPN BET
  
  
• Fanatics
  
  

Example: A Saints fan can log into Caesars, take the Saints to cover the spread, add a parlay with Alvin Kamara to score a touchdown, and finish with the game total going over. That wager is fully legal on mobile apps in Louisiana.

Competition between online sports betting apps means plenty of promos, odds boosts, and sign-up bonuses, making the market one of the most player-friendly in the South.

Online Sports Betting How To: Step by Step

New to betting in Louisiana? Here’s how to get started:

1. Pick a licensed sportsbook app in Louisiana.
   
   
2. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play.
   
   
3. Create an account and verify your identity.
   
   
4. Deposit funds with debit, PayPal, or online banking.
   
   
5. Browse betting markets—NFL betting, NBA spreads, MLB moneylines, or NCAA football totals.
   
   
6. Select your bet type: spread, moneyline, parlay, or prop.
   
   
7. Confirm and place your wager.
   
   

It’s that simple. Louisiana’s system makes online sports betting legal, quick, and safe.

Taxes, Regulation, and Market Performance

Sports betting in Louisiana is taxed at 10% for retail wagers and 15% for online bets. The revenue funds state projects, early childhood education, and regulatory enforcement.

The market has taken off. In 2024, Louisiana bettors wagered more than $3 billion. Monthly handles often cross hundreds of millions, driven by NFL betting and March Madness.

The Louisiana Gaming Control Board continues to regulate the market, ensuring fairness and protecting players.

What You Can Bet On in Louisiana

Louisiana offers a broad betting menu. Bettors can wager on professional leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. College sports betting is also legal, including in-state programs like LSU.

There are some restrictions:

• You cannot bet on high school sports.
  
  
• Starting in 2024, college player prop bets are banned. You can still bet on team outcomes and totals.
  
  

Outside of these rules, the betting options in Louisiana are as wide as any other sports betting legal states.

Louisiana Compared to Other Sports Gambling Legal States

Louisiana is one of the most competitive sports betting legal online markets in the South. Neighboring states like Texas still haven’t legalized, which makes Louisiana a regional hub for betting.

Compared to bigger states like New Jersey or New York, Louisiana’s market is smaller but still thriving. Multiple online sports betting apps keep promos flowing, and retail sportsbooks in casinos add extra options for players who prefer in-person betting.

Online Sports Betting Example: LSU Game Day

Picture this: LSU is facing Alabama in a Saturday night showdown. A bettor in Baton Rouge opens DraftKings and builds a parlay with LSU +7, Jayden Daniels to throw for over 250 yards, and the total to go over 55 points.

That parlay is legal in Louisiana, though after 2024 the player prop leg would no longer be allowed. Still, spreads, moneylines, and totals on college sports remain a core part of the betting experience.

The Future of Online Sports Betting Louisiana

The future looks strong for Louisiana. More sportsbook operators may enter as licensing expands. Betting kiosks and local partnerships could bring more access in approved parishes.

The biggest change on the horizon is the restriction on college player props. While that limits some betting options, NFL betting, NBA games, and other pro sports remain wide open.

Overall, Louisiana’s online sports betting legal framework is stable, competitive, and built for growth.

Final Thoughts on Online Sports Betting Louisiana

Online sports betting Louisiana is legal and thriving. Since 2022, bettors have had access to retail sportsbooks and mobile apps covering NFL betting, NBA games, college sports, and more.

With strong regulation, multiple online sports betting apps, and billions in wagers each year, Louisiana has cemented itself as a sports gambling legal state to watch. Whether you’re betting a Saints spread, an LSU line, or a Super Bowl prop, it’s all part of the legal market.

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