Louisiana Gambling Laws – Are We There Yet?
For the last three decades, the Louisiana gambling laws have been favoring the people willing to play games of luck. Casinos are legal in the state as well as many other forms of gambling. Bettors can enjoy numerous sportsbooks scattered across the Pelican State and four excellent racetracks!
What Are the Gambling Laws in Louisiana?
For many people, gambling is just playing casino games or wagering on horses. Well, Louisiana is a good example of the infinite opportunities that type of enthusiasts have. The state is home to hundreds of land-based betting facilities, including gaming centers, sports bats, and riverboats.
Offline and online sports betting is not a mirage anymore, thanks to the tireless efforts of the LA legislators. Of course, there are a few steps further to take, but Louisiana is one of the states with the most liberal understandings about gambling.
History of Louisiana Gambling
In 1753, Louisiana became home to the first casino run by the Government. In addition, New Orleans became an exception to the Federal ban on gambling. That happened much later, in 1812. The LA State Lottery was established in 1866 and cut off in 1895.
Over the next century, the Louisiana gambling laws were much stricter! Until 1991, a revolutionary period for the state, pari-mutuel wagering on horses was the only legal form of betting. However, during that year, the new Lottery, 14 riverboats, and one land-based casino establishment were launched.
Louisiana Casino and Riverboats
Gambling fans will be very satisfied with the variety of gambling facilities in Louisiana. As of 2022, they can visit six riverboats, many Indian casinos approved on a Federal level, and around 100 state-licensed establishments. Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel in Charenton is one of the biggest, offering 1,100+ slots and nearly 100 table games.
Of course, most of the gambling points are small gaming centers, but there are a few really massive casinos. Here are five more that deserve your attention:
- Harrah’s Casino & Hotel – 228 Poydras Street, New Orleans
- Coushatta Casino Resort – 777 Coushatta Dr, Kinder
- Jena Choctaw Pines Casino – 149 Chahta Trails, Dry Prong
- Belle of Baton Rouge Casino Hotel – 102 France St, Baton Rouge
- Eldorado Resort Casino – 451 Clyde Fant Pkwy, Shreveport.
Many of these facilities provide excellent accommodation and plenty of amenities. They also serve as OTB centers, so if you like horse betting, look around!
Betting on Horses and Sports
Besides the 16 off-track betting facilities across Louisiana, fans of horse races must visit the four main scenes. They all organize Thoroughbred and Standardbred sprints and provide simulcast screens. Harrah’s Louisiana Downs in Bossier City and The Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans are our top picks.
Besides the above-mentioned events, wagers are accepted on Arabians, Quarter Horses, and many other exotic races. Delta Downs Racetrack in Vinton and Evangeline Downs Racetrack in Opelousas are also great locations to visit if you love horses and enjoy casino-style machines. Each facility provides premium-class dining services, too!
Online Sportsbooks
January 2022 turned out to be the month when the long-awaited transition from offline to online sports betting took place. Over the last couple of years, a few casinos were authorized to provide odds and accept wagers on limited sports activities. The overwhelming interest convinced Louisiana lawmakers to take the next step.
Reputable books like BetRivers, BetMGM, and Caesars are now accessible from every point of the state. Daily Fantasy Sports are also legal, and punters can use the services of popular apps like FanDuel and DraftKings. However, each one must obtain a license from the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, so don’t forget to check that!
Online Casinos Status
Despite the tremendous progress, the Louisiana gambling laws remain strict in regards to online casinos. They are not just outlawed, but serious charges expect those that offer such games or players using unlicensed offshore platforms. The online sportsbooks operating in Louisiana have locked their casino sections, and LA players can’t get access.
Players will explore exclusive selections of slots and table games at the best online casinos in the USA. They wait patiently for different states to change their legislation. In regards to the Pelican State, there are no indications of that happening soon. For now, players can only use social platforms and play casino-style games for free.
FAQ
We often reply to inquiries sent by our readers about the current gambling laws in Louisiana. The situation changes fast, and we always strive to be informative and provide the latest news. Take a look at the detailed replies we’ve published below to some common questions or email us directly.
1️⃣ What forms of gambling are allowed in Louisiana?
According to the Louisiana gambling laws, residents can visit brick-and-mortar or riverboat casinos. They can also enjoy off-track and pari-mutuel wagering on horse races. The state provides several premium tracks, offering casino games too. Overall, the gambling options are enough to satisfy every player's taste.
2️⃣ Can I play casino games online from Louisiana?
At the moment of writing, playing at online casinos is illegal in Louisiana. Players risk charges if they use offshore international gambling sites. The Pelican State is known for its hundreds of land-based casino establishments. Visit them and enjoy thousands of the hottest games while waiting for the online casino status in Louisiana to change.
3️⃣ What are the top LA casino facilities?
There are more than a hundred land-based casinos in Louisiana. New Orleans and Shreveport are two cities with the biggest concentration of such gaming venues. But, the biggest one - Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel, is located near Baton Rouge, in Charenton.
4️⃣ Is sports betting legal in Louisiana?
Fortunately for the residents, sports betting is legal in Louisiana. All sports are on the list, including football, baseball, and basketball college games. You can place wagers on the Tigers, the Pelicans, and the Saints. You can find the best odds in the newly-launched casino sportsbooks and betting shops.
5️⃣ Are there legal online sportsbooks in Louisiana?
Yes, online sports betting went online in January 2022, and all major operators received licenses from the LA Gaming Control Board. You are now safe to register on platforms like DraftKings, BetRivers, and Caesars and place real-money wagers. With the growth of online sports betting in Louisiana, many high-quality mobile apps are also free for download.