Louisiana Betting: Where to Bet on Sports

Online sports betting is become the dominant method for bettors in Louisiana. Some of the biggest names in the industry have launched their platforms in the state, including BetMGM, FanDuel, Caesars, DraftKings, and others.

Best betting sites in Louisiana

While 55 parishes have approved sports betting, retail betting options are currently limited to a few locations. However, there is potential for growth, with the possibility of up to 20 retail sportsbooks in the state. As of now, there are 15 retail sportsbook locations in Louisiana.

Top betting events

The New Orleans Saints are the most prominent team, with a massive following during the NFL season. 

The New Orleans Pelicans of the NBA also have a strong fan base, driving significant betting volume activity during basketball season.; The Louisiana State Tigers are another team bettors tend to bet on here.

ℹ️The legal sports betting age in Louisiana is set at 21 years old. You are allowed to bet on college sports within the state. Oh, and e-sports betting is also allowed, but the Louisiana Gaming Control Board must approve each esports competition before it can be offered as a legal option. 

Advice for bettors

Here are some tips to increase your chances of success if you are betting on sports for the first time (this applies to everyone, not just bettors in Louisiana):

• Set a budget: Decide how much you are willing to invest and stick to this amount, even if you experience some initial losses.
• Understand the bet types: Familiarize yourself with the various types of bets available to make informed decisions.
• Don't bet everyday: Not every day will present ideal betting opportunities. Be patient and only place bets when you feel confident in your choice.

For more tips, read our betting guides and betting tips articles.

Background

In January 2022, Louisiana officially launched sports betting, quickly becoming a popular form of gambling in the state. However, nine parishes have not legalized sports betting: Caldwell, Catahoula, Franklin, Jackson, La Salle, Sabine, Union, West Carroll, and Winn

When Louisiana approved sports betting on a parish-by-parish basis, 55 parishes gave the green light. Then it took over a year for online sportsbooks to launch. Unlike other states that quickly legalized and launched sports betting, Louisiana's process took a bit longer. 

Retail betting is limited to racetracks, riverboat casinos, and one land-based casino (see list above). Initially, the Louisiana Lottery was expected to play a significant role by offering retail betting at bars and restaurants, but this plan fell through when the lottery ended its search for a sports betting partner. In the first year of online sports wagering, the total handle reached $1.8 billion, which is a lot of money but to put this in perspective, New York saw 1.6 billion in the first month!