Louisiana Online Casino Real Money – Gambling Laws in the Pelican State
Looking for an online casino in Louisiana because you’re feeling lucky today? Don’t look any further because you’ve come to the right place.
The state is relatively new to commercial gambling, only having first legalized it back in 1990. Since then, options in LA have exploded, offering numerous legal possibilities for in-person betting. Despite this favorable climate, the Louisiana online casino market is lagging behind.
The state’s only forms of regulated Internet wagering are sports, including horse racing and fantasy games. However, gamblers can still access offshore online casinos and poker rooms. There are no known cases of law enforcement prosecuting players in the Bayou State.
Let’s take a deeper look at the legal options in Louisiana and the sites you can join.
Summary of LA Gambling Laws
Louisiana offers plenty of options, including a limited number of online alternatives.
Here’s a summary of legal betting in LA.
| Gambling | Louisiana |
|---|---|
| Is Online Gambling Legal? | Yes |
| Playing at Online Casinos | Offshore Only |
| Legal Age Online | 21 |
| Land-Based Casinos | Yes |
| Legal Age Land-Based | 21 |
| Online Sports Betting | No |
| Charitable Gambling | Yes |
| State Lottery | Yes |
| Social Gaming | Yes |
Is Gambling Legal in Louisiana?
Despite being in the heart of the South, Louisiana has a remarkable number of legal in-person gambling options.
Here’s a breakdown of the legal forms of betting in Louisiana.
| Gambling | Louisiana Legal Status |
|---|---|
| Casino Gambling | Casino play is legal in Louisiana at state-regulated Riverboats and land-based venues. There are also four racino locations and three Native American casinos. |
| Poker | Live poker is legal in regulated and tribal casinos. Home poker is permitted as long as the host does not profit from operating the game. |
| Video Poker | Video poker has a separate section under state law and can be found all around the state in bars, restaurants, and truck stops. |
| Horse Racing Betting | Horse racing is legal at racinos and OTB facilities. Online betting through Advance Deposit Wagering (ADW) is available at licensed racebooks and sportsbooks. |
| Dog Racing Betting | Dog racing is illegal in Louisiana |
| Lottery | The Louisiana Lottery is available at retail locations only. You can play scratch tickets, fast-play games, and Mega Millions. |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | Daily fantasy sports are legal in 47 parishes and launched in 2021. You can only bet on DFS sites licensed by the state. |
| Sports Betting | Sports betting is legal in Louisiana. However, it’s only permitted in 56 of 64 parishes. |
| Charitable Gaming | Louisiana law permits charitable bingo, Keno, and raffles. Electronic bingo machines for charitable organizations are also legal. |
| Social Gaming | Social betting is legal in Louisiana, provided that the person hosting the event does not make a profit from running the game. |
| Online Gambling | There are no regulated in-state online casinos under Louisiana law. However, authorities focus on stopping illegal businesses rather than chasing down someone playing at offshore sites. |
Best Louisiana Online Casinos
While Louisiana outlaws “computer gambling”, you can still access real money online casinos regulated in foreign jurisdictions. No one has been charged with playing at offshore sites.
We recommend playing at licensed and reputable out-of-state sites, such as the ones listed below.
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Where to Gamble in Louisiana
Louisiana has many options for those looking to bet in person legally. They also offer regulated online sports betting and horse racing.
Learn more about the permitted options available in the Bayou State.
Land-Based Casinos in Louisiana
23 licensed brick-and-mortar facilities are operating in Louisiana. They fall under four classifications. Many are Riverboats.
The rest are racinos and Native American venues, and there is a single land-based state-regulated casino.
Up until 2018, state-regulated operations were only allowed to serve on Riverboats. Lawmakers decided to allow land-based casinos; thus far, only a single venue has opened.
However, this will soon change as multiple properties are planning moves to land-based facilities.
The state has approved multiple projects; at least 15 current riverboats will move.
Here are all of the casino locations:
– Amelia Belle
500 Lake Palourde Rd, Amelia, LA 70340
Acadiana
– Bally’s Shreveport
451 Clyde Fant Pkwy, Shreveport, LA 71101
Northwest
– Belle of Baton Rouge
103 France St, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Capital
– Boomtown Bossier City
300 Riverside Dr, Bossier City, LA 71111
Northwest
– Boomtown New Orleans
4132 Peters Rd, Harvey, LA 70058
Southwest
– Coushatta Casino Resort
777 Coushatta Dr, Kinder, LA 70648
– Cypress Bayou Casino
832 Martin Luther King Rd, Charenton, LA 70523
Acadiana
– Delta Downs
2717 Delta Downs Dr, Vinton, LA 70668
Southwest
-Evangeline Downs
2235 Creswell Ln, Opelousas, LA 70570
Acadiana
– Fair Grounds Race Course
1751 Gentilly Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70119
Southeast
– Golden Nugget Lake Charles
2550 Golden Nugget Blvd, Lake Charles, LA 70601
Southwest
– Harrah’s New Orleans
8 Canal St., New Orleans, LA 70130
Southeast
– Hollywood Casino Baton Rouge
1717 River Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Capital
– Horseshoe Bossier City
711 Horseshoe Blvd, Bossier City, LA 71111
Northwest
– Horseshoe Lake Charles
100 Westlake Ave, Westlake, LA 70669
Southwest
– Jena Choctaw Pines Casino
149 Chahta Trails, Dry Prong, LA 71423
Acadiana
– L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles
777 Ave L’Auberge, Lake Charles, LA 70601
Southwest
– L’Auberge Casino Baton Rouge
777 L’Auberge Ave, Baton Rouge, LA 70820
Capital
– Louisiana Downs
8000 E Texas St, Bossier City, LA 71111
Northwest
– Margaritaville Resort Casino
777 Margaritaville Way, Bossier City, LA 71111
Northwest
– Paragon Casino Resort
711 Paragon Pl, Marksville, LA 71351
Acadiana
– Sam’s Town Shreveport
315 Clyde Fant Pkwy, Shreveport, LA 71101
Northwest
– Treasure Chest Casino
5050 Williams Blvd, Kenner, LA 70065
Southeast
Horse & Dog Tracks
Horse racing and betting on horse racing are legal in Louisiana and regulated by the Racing Commission.
You can bet on horses at the four racinos in the state, along with 20 off-track betting locations throughout the state.
Advance Deposit Wagering is legal but is only available through licensed sportsbooks and racebooks.
Please note that ADW is illegal in parishes where sports betting is not permitted.
Racebooks are required to use geolocation. However, you can travel to other parishes where it’s legal.
Online Sports Betting
Authorities legalized online sports betting in 56 of 64 parishes in 2020.
It is still illegal to bet on sports online in Caldwell, Catahoula, Franklin, LaSalle, Sabine, Union, West Carroll, and Winn.
If you live in a parish where sports betting is illegal, you can still travel to parishes where it is lawful and gamble.
Bets are available on all college and pro sports. High school sports betting is not permitted.
Also, any player, coach, or referee is prohibited from betting on their sport.
Bingo Halls and Charitable Gambling
Charitable gambling is legal in three forms in Louisiana. Philanthropic organizations can offer raffles, Keno, and bingo games.
Organizations need a license from the Office of Charitable Gaming.
LA regulates all areas of charitable wagering and requires manufacturers and distributors of supplies and machines to get a license.
Electronic bingo is legal and requires a separate permit.
There are over 100 sites throughout the state. You can find a list of the upcoming games at the Office of Charitable Gaming website.
Social Gaming at Home
Louisiana is lenient in its social gambling laws. They are more concerned over commercial operations than someone holding a football betting pool or home poker hand.
Social gaming is legal as long as the host is not profiting.
They can participate but cannot charge rake, entry fees, or accept tips for services provided.
Home poker games and tournaments are also legal. Tournament buy-ins are not illegal as long as all money is returned as prize money to the winners.
Poker Rooms and Clubs
Currently, ten live poker rooms in Louisiana offer cash games and tournaments. All are in casinos and have Texas Hold’em and Omaha Poker.
Some even have Seven Card Stud, Lowball, and more.
LA does not regulate in-state online poker, including sweepstakes sites. However, you can play at social or offshore poker rooms.
Video Poker
State laws allows bars, restaurants, and truck stops to operate video poker.
Furthermore, an establishment with a liquor license in the state can have up to three machines.
Video poker games can also be found inside “truck stops”, casinos and racinos.
If you see discrepancies on other websites on the number of gambling operations in Louisiana, it is likely because they include establishments that call themselves casinos but only offer video poker.
Casino Cruises
While there are many Riverboat casinos in Louisiana, they are primarily docked boats that never sail.
The state law allows commercial cruise lines to offer casinos.
Carnival Cruise Lines offers casino cruises that leave out of New Orleans. Usually, these cruises allow gambling once the ship hits international waters.
Real Money Online Casino Louisiana – Games You Can Play
Offshore casinos offer an alternative to land-based facilities for Louisiana players.
Here are the different online casino games you can play at out-of-state sites.
Online Slots
Louisiana hasn’t yet regulated online casinos within its borders, but you can still play real money slots at offshore sites without fear of prosecution.
All offshore casinos offer a much greater variety than what you’ll find in brick-and-mortar regulated venues.
You’ll find everything from classic single lines to modern mechanics like scatter pays, bonus buys, and cascading wins.
Also, you can try your luck at small fixed jackpots or massive progressives with up to seven-figure prizes.
Online Poker
In-state online poker rooms are not currently permitted under LA law. The good news is you can still access sites regulated outside.
The best offshore card rooms for Louisianans are operated by established brands and offer games and tournaments in Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Let Em Ride, and Pai Gow.
The other options for poker in the Bayou State are all in person. Either at land-based facilities or playing for fun at home.
Blackjack
Online blackjack is only available via gambling sites regulated outside of Louisiana.
Variants you can find include European Blackjack, Vegas Blackjack, Pontoon, 21+3 Blackjack, Perfect Pairs Blackjack, and more.
Blackjack is the most popular table game in LA live casinos, and there are plenty of possibilities to play in land-based facilities.
Live Dealer Games
These live dealer titles offer the same games as brick-and-mortar casinos, along with a few unique options.
Possibilities in offshore sites include live dealer blackjack, roulette, baccarat, Hold’em poker, Sic Bo, and lottery-style.
Game shows are also popular, with Music Wheel among the most popular.
Other Available Games at Louisiana Online Casinos
Louisiana online casinos offer more games than you’ll find inside brick-and-mortar equivalents.
Take a look at some examples below.
Top Bonuses at Gambling Sites for Louisiana Players
The best Louisiana gambling sites offer players excellent value on their deposits.
Check out some of the top welcome bonus offers available to gamblers in the Bayou State.
Louisiana Online Gambling Laws
LA prohibits any gambling activity that is not regulated or exempt by law. This includes in-state online casinos.
The Gaming Control Board regulates most in-person betting, while the Louisiana Racing Commission regulates horse racing.
The State Police in the Bayou State has a division dedicated to enforcement.
Is Online Gambling Legal in Louisiana?
Some forms of online gambling are legal in Louisiana. Online sports betting is permitted in 56 of 64 parishes, and fantasy sports is lawful in 47.
Advance Deposit Wagering is allowed throughout the state, but you can only bet at licensed sportsbooks and racinos.
All other forms of online wagering are not licensed under LA law. Violators can be subject to fines and potential jail time.
However, the State Police tend to go after those operating illegal businesses rather than players.
Players in the Bayou State can still access out-of-state online casinos.
Penalties for Illegal Gambling
Louisiana defines gambling as any business operating a game of any type where a “person risks the loss of anything of value in order to realize a profit.”
Anyone who commits the crime can be subject to a fine of up to 500 and potential jail time of up to six months.
Penalties for operating, managing, or financing an illegal business are quite severe, with fines of up to $20,000 and up to five years in prison.
Computer Gambling Illegal
Louisiana law also covers “Gambling by Computer,“ which makes all unregulated online betting outlawed.
The penalties are the same as for standard gaming.
Punishments for operating an illegal online business cover the operators and managers but also site developers and server administrators.
The sentences are the same as for operating a standard prohibited business.
Video Poker Special Law
The Video Draw Poker Devices Control Law covers video poker.
Casinos, racinos, and certain businesses can offer up to 3 machines.
Licensed establishments cover those that have liquor licenses for on-premises consumption. This includes off-track betting parlors, restaurants, bars, and qualified truck stops.
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board issues the licenses.
Legal Forms of Gambling Under State Law
Several gambling activities are exempted from Louisiana gambling laws. They are as follows:
- Riverboat and tribal gambling
- Video Poker at licensed establishments
- Charitable gaming
- Pari-mutuel betting and Advance Deposit Wagering
- Slot machines at horse racing facilities (Racinos)
- Louisiana State Lottery
- Fantasy sports
- Sports betting
While legal at the state level, some activities, like fantasy sports and sports betting, are still illegal in select parishes.
*Please be advised that the information provided on this page does not constitute legal advice. Our team strongly recommends you seek professional counsel from a qualified attorney regarding your specific questions or concerns on the topic.
Louisiana Online Gambling vs. Neighboring States
Despite being reasonably liberal on live gambling, Louisiana is restrictive on online wagering within its borders.
Let’s take a look at how the state compares to its neighbors.
| US State | Playing at Online Casinos | State Regulated Casinos | Social Casinos | Online Sports Betting | Lottery | Fantasy Sports | Charitable Gaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | Illegal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Arkansas | Gray Area | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Mississippi | Gray Area | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Texas | Gray Area | Legal – Native American | Legal | Illegal | Legal | Gray Area | Legal |
Louisiana is the only state where in-state online casinos are explicitly prohibited. Texas is the outlier for Internet sports betting and will likely not consider the issue again until 2025.
If you plan to play at online casinos in LA or any of its neighbors, we recommend only joining sites licensed by a major regulator like the Malta Gaming Authority or the Curaçao Gaming Control Board.
Louisiana Online Casino – Tips to Play Safely
If you choose to play at offshore casinos in the Bayou State, you must tread carefully and avoid scams.
Here are some tips for playing safely at Louisiana gambling sites.
Avoid Unlicensed Casinos
Reputable sites hold a license from a regulator like the Curaçao Gaming Control Board.
Casinos that are licensed follow strict practices for player safety and game fairness.
Pick Brands With an Established Reputation
Your best option for finding safe Louisiana gambling sites is to look for those with an established history.
Most importantly, look for casinos with numerous reviews and feedback from other players. This helps you weed out unscrupulous operators or those with questionable prestige.
Pay Attention to the RTP and House Edge
The RTP and house edge will tell you how much you can expect to win or lose over time.
The higher the return to player, the better your odds of winning.
Learn How to Play the Games Before Risking Money
Before spending a dime on casino games, ensure you understand the game’s rules.
When applicable, learn basic strategies for games. Many titles offer free-play demo versions that allow you to play the game before wagering for real.
Only Deposit What You Can Afford to Lose
Online gambling should be viewed as entertainment, so only deposit money you can afford to lose.
Never play with money needed for any purpose, like groceries or rent money.
Pros & Cons of Gambling in Louisiana
As a whole, Louisiana is a welcoming state for most gamblers.
However, it needs to become a bit more progressive in its legalization of online betting.
Here are some of the pros and cons of gambling in the Bayou State.
Pros
- Live casinos and racinos available.
- Online sports betting and ADW are legal.
- Numerous charitable gambling locations are available.
- Home games and social play are legal.
- Players can access offshore casinos.
Cons
- In-state online casinos and poker rooms are not regulated under the law.
- Sports betting illegal in 8 parishes.
- Fantasy sports illegal in 17 parishes.
The Future of Online Gambling in Louisiana: Our Prediction
Louisiana will be a bit slower than other states to legalize online gambling. That is because an online gambling resolution will need to be voted upon in each parish, similar to what happened for sports betting and fantasy sports.
Odds are that online casinos will not pass in every parish, making law a hodgepodge similar to what we see for the state’s current legal options.
There are no bills on the horizon for regulation, and there doesn’t appear to be a significant push for one at present.
Our prediction is that Louisiana could take up to another decade to regulate online casinos within its borders. The only way we see this timeline accelerated is if neighboring states start pushing toward regulated gambling.
In the meantime, Louisiana players can still access offshore online casinos. Remember, you have no legal resort against fraud on unregulated sites, so there is a bit of risk.
However, you can avoid it by playing at licensed and legitimate online casinos, such as those on our recommended list.
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Answers to Our Readers’ FAQs
Here are some of the most common questions we receive about Lousiana online gambling.
How will my gambling winnings be taxed in Louisiana?
Louisiana gambling winnings are taxable. You will pay a state tax of six percent and a federal tax rate of 24%
Is there any risk of being prosecuted for playing at online casinos that are outside of Louisiana?
Yes. Gambling at online casinos can net you a fine and potential jail time. However, there is no registered prosecution for anyone playing at offshore sites. Instead, the State Police focus on illegal gambling businesses.
Are there real money online casinos in Louisiana with no deposit bonuses?
You will seldom find real money Louisiana online casinos offering no deposit bonuses. Their bonuses require a deposit, but most offer free spins as an added incentive.
