With the Pelican State having legalized gambling in January 2022, you can now sign up with numerous Louisiana sportsbooks. Finding the best one can be challenging, but understanding the key features to look for helps make the perfect choice.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the current LA gambling legal status and the sign-up process at top sportsbooks. You’ll also learn about the best payment methods to deposit and withdraw with, some of the bonuses you can claim, and the most popular sports to bet on.
There may be only fewer than ten decent LA betting sites now, but they collectively provide a brilliant selection of bonuses, markets, and other features. I ranked these sites based on how they perform in the most important areas.
Without beating about the bush, we’ll go straight into our top LA betting sites and what they do best.
| Feature | Best Sportsbook |
|---|---|
| 💰 Best Sign Up Bonus | Bet365 |
| 📈 Most Competitive Odds | BetMGM |
| 🏈 Biggest Choice of Markets | Caesars |
| 🤝 Best Loyalty Promos | FanDuel |
| 🎯 Best Same Game Parlays | BetMGM |
| 🆕 Newest Sportsbook | BetRivers |
| 📱 Best Mobile App | Bet365 |
| ⏳ Best for Live Betting | DraftKings |
| 💳 Most Trusted Payments | BetRivers |
| 💬 Best Support | Caesars |
Sportsbooks in Louisiana offer a variety of promotions and bonuses. You can apply the details in the table below to take advantage of the promo codes.
| Bet365 Louisiana Bonus Code |
| BetMGM Louisiana Bonus Code |
| Fanduel Louisiana Promo Code |
| Caesars Sportsbook Louisiana Promo Code |
| Draftkings Louisiana Promo Code |
| Fanatics Sportsbook Louisiana Promo Code |
As with other legal states, Louisiana’s online sports betting story started with the US Supreme Court overturning the PASPA in 2018. Legislators wasted no time in organizing a similar change in local laws, but this effort fell short on the last day in 2019.
Things turned out better in 2020, as 55 of LA’s 64 parishes approved legal betting. The first retail sportsbooks, Paragon and Betfred, opened in 2021. Six online betting sites came online in 2022, and by 2023, Louisiana’s gambling handle had risen to $282.2 million.
The list below highlights the standout sportsbooks online in Louisiana and what makes them special. With the impressive lineup I handpicked, there’s something for everyone.
Choosing the right sportsbook can make all the difference in your betting experience. In this section, I’ll provide concise yet comprehensive reviews of the best Louisiana sportsbooks. Each mini-review highlights the unique strengths, standout features, and potential drawbacks of these platforms.
Bet365 stands out as the definitive top choice for Louisiana bettors, offering a comprehensive betting experience that rivals the best LA sportsbooks in the industry. With coverage of over 45 sports, including popular options like NFL, NBA, and MLB, as well as niche offerings such as futsal, the site casts a wide net.
The site is particularly popular for its impressive in-play betting features, which often include live streaming for many events. New users can also take advantage of a generous welcome bonus, typically in the form of bet credits. The mobile app, available for IOS and Android, boasts a 4.6/5 rating on the App Store and seamlessly replicates the desktop experience.
Just when you thought it couldn’t get better, the site additionally offers unique features like early payouts on certain sports if your team takes a significant lead. Deposits and withdrawals are processed through various methods, including credit cards, eWallets, and bank transfers.
BetMGM has set itself apart as a top-tier option for Louisiana sports bettors, leveraging its strong casino background. Offering markets on over 20 sports, from NFL and NBA to chick options like water polo, BetMGM caters to almost all interests. Their NFL coverage is particularly impressive amongst Louisiana betting sites, with 130+ betting options per game.
If you’re just signing up, you can enjoy a generous welcome offer promising up to $1,500 in bonus bets if you use the code BETMGMBONUS when you sign up. This is a limited time offer though, so you need to act fast if you want to claim it before it gets discontinued.
As is the case for many newly launched betting sites in Louisiana, live betting is a strong suit for BetMGM, which offers some of the best odds and a wide variety of in-game props. All of this rounds up the site as a top online gambling choice for LA bettors.
Known for its Same Game Parlay feature, FanDuel excels in providing unique betting experiences for major sports like NFL, NBA, and MLB, as well as niche options like handball and snooker. As a new user, you’re also welcome to claim a deposit match worth up to $200 in bonus bets on signing up, as long as you deposit $5 or more. Additionally, the platform’s live betting section is robust, covering more events than other sportsbooks in Louisiana, with a live streaming feature, constantly updated odds, and thousands of betting markets available each week.
If you’re big on mobile gambling, FanDuel offers a highly rated app, with a 4.8/5 on the App Store from over 600,000 user reviews. That being said, the website is just as good as the app. It has an easily navigable homepage that places all the covered sports neatly on the left-hand side and all the best betting markets near the top of the page.
BetRivers offers LA bettors a solid sports betting experience with room for improvement. In addition to all the major sports and leagues you’d expect to receive coverage, there are also plenty of unconventional sports, like Jai Alai and snooker, to wager on. Like some other Louisiana sportsbooks I reviewed, the site does show a preference for NFL games, providing extensive futures markets and in-season bets for you to try out.
When you first sign up, you can potentially claim up to $1,500 in bonus bets. All you have to do is make a first deposit of at least $10 then place your first bet. If this bet loses, the site will refund your bet in full up to a limit of $1,500. The BetRivers mobile app, available for iOS and Android, replicates the desktop experience, offering live streaming for wagered events. However, it can be said that the site’s UI seems a bit cluttered compared to other LA betting sites.
As one of the biggest Louisiana betting sites, DraftKings offers Louisiana bettors a comprehensive sports betting experience with its extensive market coverage and user-friendly platform. Available on both iOS and Android, the DraftKings mobile app boasts an impressive 4.8/5 rating from over 250,000 user reviews, showcasing its popularity and functionality.
The sportsbook covers a wide range of sports, and NFL bettors particularly benefit from an extensive selection of markets, including player and team props. DraftKings also sets itself apart in its live betting and live streaming options, providing real-time statistics and allowing users to engage with events as they happen.
DraftKings is well-known for its competitive welcome bonus and ongoing promotions, with newcomers being able to benefit from offers like the “Bet $5, Get $150” in bonus bets. The best part is unlike other betting sites, DraftKings allows users to withdraw winnings from every wager, including those made purely with bonus funds.
Whether you’re placing bets on the mobile app or website, navigation on Caesar’s Sportsbook is streamlined. The top toolbar is perfectly designed to feature leagues, while the bonus carousel displays the running promotions.
While the sports coverage on Caesar’s isn’t as extensive as some of its competitors, Caesar’s offers deep market coverage for the most popular American leagues, including the NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL. The welcome bonus is also rather generous, offering you a risk free bet up to $1250 when you first sign up.
Another area where Caesar’s shines is in its range of payment methods. While you can use staple online gambling options like Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, and bank transfer, the site also offers less common ways to fund your account, like an exclusive Caesar’s prepaid card, cash deposits, eChecks, and even Venmo. Additionally, Caesar’s is one of the few PayPal sportsbooks out there.
If you constantly shop for the best lines before placing a bet, Clutchbet will usually save you the hassle. The LA betting site consistently offers sharp odds and loads of daily promos. You also get a decent choice of markets.
The excellent range of payment methods on PointsBet makes it a great option for LA players. Both the iOS and Android PointsBet apps have high ratings and great security, including 2FA. Logging in is easy, and the apps are super-smooth.
ESPN BET is relatively new, but it has already made a mark in Louisiana. It currently offers a top-tier live betting experience, and can only continue to grow and improve in other areas. You won’t want to miss features like Parlay+ and the generous welcome offer.
WynnBET had a short run in Louisiana but wound down operations in August 2023. It’s not all doom and gloom, though, as you can still play at the other sites I previously reviewed.
If you’re in the market for the newest betting features and better bonuses, the newest betting sites are usually your best bet. Check out the LA betting new kids on the block.
| Sportsbook | Launched | Licensing / Partnership |
|---|---|---|
| ESPN BET | November 2023 | PENN Entertainment |
| Bet365 | November 2023 | Amelia Belle Casino |
With a rich sports culture and passionate fan base, bettors in Louisiana have access to a variety of popular sports to wager on. Below is a list of some of the most popular.
The NFL is probably the most popular sports league in Louisiana, particularly with the New Orleans Saints. Bettors on sportsbooks in Louisiana can place wagers on various NFL markets, including point spreads, moneyline, and player props. Combining the excitement of game day and the Saints’ passionate fanbase makes NFL betting a top choice.
While extremely popular, professional football doesn’t get all the shine. College football is another major betting option on Louisiana online betting sites, especially with the LSU Tigers. Louisiana bettors can wager on all NCAA games, including in-state teams, which adds a local flavor to the betting experience.
Fans of the New Orleans Pelicans will know that the NBA garners significant attention. While the best Louisiana sportsbooks often show a lot of preference for football, basketball fans have plenty of NBA betting options, including game outcomes, player performances, and in-game betting.
Major League Baseball, being the 2nd or 3rd most popular sport in the state, depending on who you ask, has a large following of bettors in Louisiana. The Atlanta Braves are a popular State team due to their proximity, and most sportsbooks provide a wealth of betting markets and promotions for baseball fans when the season comes around.
While hockey may not be as popular in Louisiana as the sports above, the NHL still has its fans and there are plenty of sportsbooks for NHL betting. Bettors can place wagers on games involving the nearby Dallas Stars or other teams, enjoying options like moneylines and puck lines.
Although LA betting is now legal, you can’t legally bet on various types of events. For starters, Louisiana bettors can’t wager on political events. You also can’t bet on entertainment events like the Grammys or Academy Awards.
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board oversees and regulates all Louisiana sportsbooks and their activities. House Bill 697, signed into law in June 2021, established the framework for sports betting in the state, allowing both in-person wagering and sportsbooks online. Retail sportsbooks launched in October 2021 and online betting followed in January 2022. This development came after voters in 55 of Louisiana’s 64 parishes approved sports wagering in November 2020.
Under the current legislation, up to 20 licenses can be issued to operators in Louisiana. It’s important to note that using sportsbooks in Louisiana is only permitted in the 55 parishes that voted to allow it, with the remaining nine parishes opting out. This unique parish-by-parish approach sets Louisiana apart from other states with legalized betting.
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-877-770-STOP, or visit https://www.helpforgambling.org/
Before we wrap up, here’s a summary of how each of the top LA sportsbooks ranks in terms of bonuses, odds, app UI, and other core features.
| Category | Ranking | Score |
| Bonus | ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ | 7/10 |
| Competitive Lines | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | 8/10 |
| App Experience | ★★★★★★★★★☆ | 9/10 |
| Payment Options | ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ | 7/10 |
| Market Variety | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | 8/10 |
| Support | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | 8/10 |
| Summary | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | 8/10 |
| Category | Ranking | Score |
| Bonus | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | 8/10 |
| Competitive Lines | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | 8/10 |
| App Experience | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | 8/10 |
| Payment Options | ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ | 7/10 |
| Market Variety | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | 8/10 |
| Support | ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ | 7/10 |
| Summary | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | 8/10 |
| Category | Ranking | Score |
| Bonus | ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ | 8/10 |
| Competitive Lines | ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ | 10/10 |
| App Experience | ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ | 9/10 |
| Payment Options | ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ | 8/10 |
| Market Variety | ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ | 7/10 |
| Support | ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ | 7/10 |
| Summary | ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ | 8/10 |
| Category | Ranking | Score |
| Bonus | ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ | 7/10 |
| Competitive Lines | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | 8/10 |
| App Experience | ★★★★★★★★★☆ | 9/10 |
| Payment Options | ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ | 7/10 |
| Market Variety | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | 8/10 |
| Support | ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ | 7/10 |
| Summary | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | 8/10 |
| Category | Ranking | Score |
| Bonus | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | 8/10 |
| Competitive Lines | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | 8/10 |
| App Experience | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | 8/10 |
| Payment Options | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | 8/10 |
| Market Variety | ★★★★★★★★☆☆☆ | 7/10 |
| Support | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | 8/10 |
| Summary | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | 8/10 |
| Category | Ranking | Score |
| Bonus | ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ | 7/10 |
| Competitive Lines | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | 8/10 |
| App Experience | ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ | 7/10 |
| Payment Options | ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ | 7/10 |
| Market Variety | ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ | 7/10 |
| Support | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | 8/10 |
| Summary | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | 8/10 |
Yes, sports betting is legal in Louisiana. It was approved in 55 out of 64 parishes in November of 2020. Retail sportsbooks launched in October 2021, and online betting became available in January 2022, regulated by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board.
The legal age for sports betting in Louisiana is 21. This applies to both online and retail sportsbooks. Operators are legally required to verify the age of all users before allowing them to place bets or withdraw winnings.
Yes, betting on college sports is allowed in Louisiana. This includes both in-state and out-of-state college teams. However, prop bets on individual college athletes are prohibited to maintain the integrity of amateur sports.
Several major online sportsbooks operate in Louisiana, including Bet365, BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings, and Caesars. While they have plenty of similarities, each offers unique features, promotions, and betting markets that make it special.
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