Louisiana Sports Betting: Best LA Sportsbooks in January 2025

Yes, it is. In June 2021, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards signed three bills — SB 247, SB 142, and HB 697 — into law to legalize and regulate retail and online sports betting in the Pelican State. Online wagering did not launch until January 2022, but there are now nine of the industry's best sportsbooks for LA residents and visitors to choose from. Keep in mind that online sports betting is legal in 55 out of 64 parishes in the state, so make sure you’re in an approved parish before betting.

With nine Louisiana betting apps available, you may be wondering where to start. After all, LA is home to some of the biggest gambling operators in the U.S., which are known for their awesome betting features, top-tier mobile capabilities, and competitive odds. That’s where we can help. With decades of experience behind us, we’ve tested each online betting site to uncover the top five Louisiana sportsbooks in the state.

21+ in LA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-770-STOP

Bet $5, Win $300 in Bonus Bets

New customers only. 21+. Wager your first $5+ and you'll get $300 in bonus bets if you win. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. FanDuel available in AZ, CT, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, NC, PA, OH, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY.

Claim $300

Dubbing itself “America’s #1 Sportsbook,” FanDuel first launched in 2009 as a daily fantasy sports (DFS) platform. Then, in 2018, FanDuel Sportsbook was established with backing from Flutter Entertainment, the world’s largest sports betting and gaming operator. It wasn’t until January 2022 that FanDuel Sportsbook launched in Louisiana.

Arguably the best Louisiana sportsbook, the platform stands out largely due to its award-winning FanDuel app, which boasts seamless navigation and speed, earning it high ratings on both the Apple App Store and Google Play store. While we’ve seen better loyalty rewards elsewhere, the vast selection of betting markets at FanDuel makes up for this. Withdrawal times vary depending on your chosen payment method but can be as fast as 24 hours with debit cards, PayPal, and prepaid Play+ cards.

For more on this esteemed Louisiana sports betting site, read our FanDuel review

Bet $5, Get $200 + $1K Deposit Bonus

New customers only. Min. $5 deposit. Min. $5 bet. $200 issued as eight (8) $25 non-withdrawable bonus bets. 21+ and present in most states. Full T&Cs apply.

Claim $200

DraftKings launched its DFS platform — the FanDuel vs DraftKings debate is long-running — in 2012, and its sportsbook first launched in New Jersey in August 2018. It joined the group of sportsbooks Louisiana offers with legalized online sports betting in January 2022. 

Since then, DraftKings has grown into one of the top online sportsbooks, covering all major leagues and providing more betting markets than most of its competitors. One of its best features is its dedicated player pages, which are super helpful for prop bettors. Plus, there are plenty of regular deals for you to enjoy, like odds boosts, no-sweat bets, and more.

To discover more about one of the best Louisiana sportsbooks, dig into our thorough DraftKings review. 

Bet $1, Get 10x 100% Profit Boosts

New users only. Bet $1 to get 10x 100% profit boosts. Boost tokens expire within 14 days. Full terms apply. 21+ and present in AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

Claim Boosts

One of the premier sports betting apps in Louisiana, Caesars Sportsbook arrived in the Pelican State in January 2022. The mobile betting app is sleek and easy to use, which explains its high ratings on iOS and Android app stores.

You can choose from a huge variety of sports and leagues with some of the industry’s strongest, most competitive odds. Unfortunately, Caesars doesn’t offer real-time stats as part of its live betting experience, and as a result, you can get a better in-play betting interface with some of the other LA sportsbooks found in this guide.

Whether you play on your browser or the Caesars Sportsbook app, you can enjoy all the same features. And you’ll be awarded for every wager with the Caesars Rewards loyalty program. Additionally, the staff at Caesars process withdrawals 24 hours a day, and the remaining time depends on a variety of payment methods. We recommend PayPal for the fastest payouts.

Rifle through our detailed Caesars review for more expert insight.

Up to $1,500 Back In Bonus Bets

One new customer offer only. 21+. Place your first wager and receive up to $1,500 back in bonus bets if it loses. Bonus bets expire in 7 days. Add’l terms apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

Claim $1,500

A highlight of BetMGM Sportsbook is its MGM Rewards loyalty program, allowing you to earn rewards for every dollar you spend. The welcome bonus is also one of the most generous Louisiana sportsbook promos available — offering up to $1,500 back in bonus bets by using the BetMGM bonus code ODDSBONUS — and there are plenty of regular promotions, including a quality sportsbook referral bonus. 

Take a look at our complete BetMGM review to uncover more about the Louisiana sports betting site.

Bet $5, Get $150 or $1,000 Offer

New customers only. 21+ (18+ in KY). Full T&Cs apply. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ, CO, IN, KY, LA, NC, NJ, OH, VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). Registration required.

Claim Now

bet365 has emerged as a major player since the launch of legal online Louisiana sports betting. As a global brand, this sportsbook has millions of customers worldwide and thrives due to its excellent odds and fun features, like live streaming.

This is one of the few Louisiana betting sites that lets you choose between two enticing new-user sportsbook promotions. You can either opt for the "Bet $5, Get $150 in bonus bets" offer or the "$1,000 First Bet Safety Net" by entering the bet365 bonus code ODDSBONUS during sign-up.

Comb through our bet365 review for additional intel on the Louisiana betting site.

Each top Louisiana sports betting site offers numerous sportsbook promos and bonuses for first-time bettors and existing users. We've laid out the full list of Louisiana sportsbook bonuses and promo codes for your convenience:

🔥 FanDuel Louisiana bonus — Perhaps the most popular Louisiana online sportsbook, you can get a bet $5, win $300 offer from FanDuel. Simply wager at least $5 on any sports market, and a win will unlock $300 in bonus bets. The bonus is easy to claim, with a minimum deposit requirement of just $5. No FanDuel promo code is necessary, but you must download the app to claim it.

🔥 DraftKings Louisiana bonus — At DraftKings Sportsbook Louisiana, you can snag a newbie-friendly bet-and-get promo. Just make a minimum deposit of $5 or more and a qualifying $5+ wager. You'll receive $200 in bonus bets. The reward will come split into eight $25 bets. No DraftKings promo code is required here. On top of that, you can also claim a deposit bonus worth up to $1,000.

🔥 Caesars Louisiana bonus — By using the Caesars Sportsbook promo code OPBONUSDYW to sign up, you'll quickly unlock a package of profit boosts. Simply make a deposit and place a bet of $1 or more to receive 10 tokens, each offering a 100% profit boost. You can use these tokens to try and double your winnings.

🔥 BetMGM Louisiana bonus — As one of the more historic sportsbooks in Louisiana, it's no surprise that BetMGM offers a quality welcome bonus. After signing up and inputting BetMGM bonus code ODDSBONUS, you can place your initial wager of any amount on any sports market. Should it lose, you'll get your stake back, up to $1,500, in bonus bets. Remember: Bonus bets expire within seven days, and you may only claim one BetMGM welcome offer per account.

🔥 bet365 Louisiana bonus — It's clear why bet365 is a top choice for sports betting enthusiasts: it provides two enticing welcome bonuses for Louisiana users, but you can only claim one. You can either choose the bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets offer or opt for a $1,000 first bet safety net.

The first option is straightforward—just place a $5 bet with minimum odds of -500 and you'll receive $150 in bonus bets. The second option gives you a safety net for your initial wager, allowing you to get back up to $1,000 in bonus bets if your first bet doesn’t win. Don’t forget to use bet365 promo code ODDSBONUS when claiming either offer.

LA bettors currently have access to nine Louisiana sportsbooks. Per state law, up to 40 online betting sites could arrive in the future. Twenty sports betting licenses are up for grabs among riverboat casinos, horse tracks, and land-based venues, each permitting two online operators.

Louisiana online and mobile sportsbooks

Retail Louisiana sportsbooks

Sports fans in Louisiana have plenty of retail sportsbooks to choose from across the state. The legal changes made in 2021 paved the way for the state’s casinos and horse tracks to open their own retail sportsbooks.

Legal Louisiana sports betting has already proven highly successful and profitable in its first few years. The U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, granting individual states the freedom to decide their own sports betting laws. Since then, Louisiana lawmakers have done just that. 

Take a look at the timeline below for the latest Louisiana sports betting news and updates:

Dec. 23, 2024: FanDuel moves welcome offer to a bet $5, win $250 offer.

Nov. 13, 2024: Louisiana shelves a bill that would increase the state’s sports betting tax to 51% — the nation’s highest rate.

Sept. 26, 2024: Louisiana's sports betting handle rises 27% in August.

Sept. 16, 2024: ClutchBet pulls out of the U.S. market.

Aug. 27, 2024: The Louisiana Gaming Control Board sends a cease-and-desist order to Bovada's parent company, Harp Media BV.

Aug. 20, 2024: Louisiana's sports betting handle dips to an 11-month low.

Aug. 15, 2024: Fanatics Sportsbook officially goes live in Louisiana.

July 24, 2024: Louisiana's online sports betting handle dips below $200 million for the first time in nearly a year.

July 17, 2024: Louisiana drops gambling and fraud charges against New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte.

May 10, 2024: Ronnie Johns, Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, retires from his position.

April 4, 2024: The Louisiana Gaming Control Board announces it will ban college player prop bets starting Aug. 1, 2024, joining an increasingly long list of states that have already outlawed the bet type.

March 1, 2024: Republican Rep. John Illg Jr. and Democratic Rep. Steven Jackson file HB 473, which would increase the sports betting promotions deduction limit for operators.

Jan. 30, 2024: ClutchBet sets its online Louisiana sportsbook live in the state.

Nov. 21, 2023: The online Louisiana sports betting market welcomes bet365 into the fold.

Nov. 14, 2023: Sports betting in Louisiana adds another member, with ESPN BET launching its online sportsbook in the state, replacing Barstool as PENN Entertainment's entry.

Jan. 28, 2022: Legal Louisiana sports betting officially launches, with LA online sportsbooks such as Caesars, FanDuel, and DraftKings opening their virtual doors. 

What makes a Louisiana sportsbook one of the best? In our selection process, we closely examine every detail of a Louisiana betting site, allowing us to gain a clear, full picture of what it offers and what might be missing.

Markets and betting features

The sports and markets available to bet on are among the most important factors to consider. The best Louisiana sportsbooks will cater to all types of bettor preferences by covering a wide range of sports and leagues, with many betting types available.

Safety and security

Your safety is our top priority. We would never recommend a sportsbook that didn’t meet our safety standards. We look for a valid gambling license, SSL encryption, responsible gambling tools and resources, and reputable payment options.

User interface

A premier Louisiana sports betting site should be easy to use, whether via desktop or mobile. We seek out legal sportsbooks designed for easy navigation, including clear menus optimized for different screen sizes. The best sites will also load quickly, and will have a modern design for a top-notch user experience.

Bonuses and promotions

A good sportsbook will have a generous welcome offer for new customers, such as bet credits, a deposit match or an insurance bonus. But the deals won’t stop there. You’ll also find a generous selection of offers for existing players. These can come in the form of odds boosts, parlay insurance, bet credits, payout boosts, and more.

Customer support

There must be attentive customer support available in case you run into any issues while using the LA sportsbook. A detailed FAQ section is always preferred, alongside methods for contacting the customer support team, like 24/7 live chat, email, or telephone.

Before you can enjoy placing bets on your favorite sports at the top Louisiana sportsbooks, you’ll need to register for an account. Don’t worry if you’re not familiar with the process. Below are the steps you’ll need to follow:

1. Choose a Louisiana sportsbook

Select a Louisiana online sportsbook from our list of recommendations. Follow the links in this guide to access your chosen desktop site or mobile app. If you want to download the app, head over to your Google Play store or Apple App Store. 

2. Enter the necessary information

Fill out the details requested by the site, including your email, date of birth, and social security number. You’ll also need to create a username and password for your account. Be sure to remember these, as you’ll need them for future logins.

3. Deposit funds

Now that you’ve successfully registered for a Louisiana sportsbook account, head to the cashier page, where you can make a deposit. Select your preferred payment method and enter the amount you’d like to put down. 

4. Place your first wager

Now you're ready to make your first wager with the LA sportsbook you've chosen. Browse the betting menu and pinpoint the markets you wish to add to your bet slip. When you're ready, confirm your transaction.

We take the task of rating Louisiana sportsbooks seriously. Our testing process is careful and thorough, and our experts know what to look for in a top online Louisiana sports betting site, including the following:

Reputation and trustworthiness

We only ever endorse trustworthy sportsbook sites that hold a valid license with the Louisiana Gaming Control Board and comply with Louisiana’s gambling regulations. This also involves checking customer reviews to ensure a positive track record.

Sports and events

The best Louisiana sports betting sites will offer over a dozen sports and hundreds of markets, including more niche options. They’ll also cover major events like the Super Bowl, NBA Finals, NHL Stanley Cup, and MLB World Series.

Odds competitiveness

Of course, competitive odds are essential for maximizing your potential winnings and building your bankroll. We carefully assess the odds offered by the best Louisiana sportsbooks to ensure they align with industry standards and provide good value to users.

Payment systems

Another important step is looking for a variety of popular and secure deposit and withdrawal options. Additionally, we assess the security measures in place to protect user financial information and ensure transactions are processed safely and efficiently.

With multiple sportsbooks recommended in this guide, you may be tempted to try out more than one. Fortunately, there are a handful of benefits to doing this.

Odds comparisons

If you have an account with multiple sportsbooks, you’ll be able to compare odds and lines to ensure you get the best possible value for your bets. This has the potential to boost your profits over time.

Claiming a wide range of bonuses

You’ll also be able to boost your bankroll with more sportsbook betting offers and rewards. Taking advantage of various offers across different platforms maximizes your chances of earning extra cash and enhancing your overall betting experience.

Reducing interruptions

Being able to bounce from one sportsbook to another provides a handy backup plan in case one platform experiences technical issues. This ensures that you can continue betting without interruption.

The best Louisiana betting sites boast a wide variety of betting options. You’ll be able to place the following wagers on most sports and markets, meaning you have an endless range of betting combinations to pick from. Most of these can also be applied to parlays, whether it’s a same-game parlay or one across a variety of markets. 

Moneylines

First, there’s the moneyline bet, which simply involves picking the team or player that you believe will win the game or match. This straightforward bet type is often the most popular among sports bettors.

Spreads

Another common type of bet is the point spread bet. A handicap is given to the favorite team, meaning they must win by a certain number of points for the bet to pay out. This helps level the playing field between the two teams.

Futures

Futures betting involves wagering on season-long markets, meaning you won’t know the outcome until the end of the season. Popular examples include the winner of the Super Bowl or the NBA Finals. Futures bettors enjoy a large payout if their wager hits because the odds are almost always long. 

Props

Finally, there are proposition bets, or “prop bets” for short. You can place these on various random outcomes that have nothing to do with the final result of the event. There are both game props and player props for you to choose from when it comes to the most popular and best sportsbooks in Louisiana. For example, you might bet on which team will score first or how many yards a player will run.

Not every single resident and visitor in LA can place a bet at one of the top online Louisiana sportsbooks. There are a few restrictions to bear in mind. Here’s who is eligible:

🏠 Louisiana parishes — Sports betting passed voting in 55 out of the 64 parishes in Louisiana, so only customers based in these parishes can legally bet. Parishes that did not approve legal Louisiana sports betting are Caldwell, Catahoula, Franklin, LaSalle, Sabine, Union, West Carroll, and Winn.

🔞 Legal age — You must be at least 21 years old to bet on sports online or at retail locations in Louisiana. Online sportsbooks will request that you upload a copy of your photo ID to prove your age.

📱 Mobile betting and remote registration — You can register with Louisiana sportsbook apps from your own home so long as you're within one of the 55 eligible parishes. Some LA sportsbooks even require you download their respective mobile betting app to claim promos and bonuses.

🏢 Retail sportsbooks — Besides the state’s nine online sportsbooks, you can also place wagers at any of the retail options listed in this guide.

Sports betting can be traced back to the ancient Greeks, who enjoyed betting on races and gladiatorial battles in the Olympic Games. Today, you have a whole host of sports and markets to place wagers on, from NFL odds to NBA odds to NHL odds to MLB odds. Whatever you prefer, you'll find it at the top LA sportsbooks. 

Here are some of the most popular sports markets available:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Beach Volley
• Cricket
• Darts
• Football
• Formula 1
• Golf
• Handball
• Hockey
• MMA
• Motorsports
• Olympic Games
• Rugby League
• Rugby Union
• Soccer
• Tennis

Starting Aug. 1, 2024, placing prop bets on college athletes in Louisiana will be illegal. However, you can still wager on the state’s major sports teams. The most popular Louisiana-based teams include:

New Orleans Saints 🏈

The New Orleans Saints are Louisiana’s professional American football team, established in 1967. The team is part of the NFL and has played at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans since 1975. The Saints have won the NFC South division title seven times and made it to the Super Bowl once. Louisiana is also one of the few states that allows bets on the NFL Draft. Check out our guides on the best football betting sites and Super Bowl betting sites if you plan to bet consistently on the NFL.

New Orleans Pelicans 🏀

Another famous team in Louisiana is the New Orleans Pelicans. This NBA team was initially called the New Orleans Hornets when it was established in 2002. After the 2012-13 season, the team changed its name to the Pelicans. Read our guide on the top NBA betting sites should you prefer wagering on hoops.

New Orleans Gold 🏉

Louisiana has its own professional rugby union team, the New Orleans Gold, stylized as NOLA Gold. The team has played in Major League Rugby since 2017 and plays its home games at the Gold Mine on Airline in Metairie, Louisiana.

Louisiana bettors have access to a wide range of sports, leagues, and markets in 55 parishes. However, there are a few restrictions worth keeping in mind.

🏆 Entertainment award ceremonies — Wagering on award shows, such as the Oscars, is prohibited in Louisiana.

🗳️ Politics — Federal law prohibits political wagering, meaning no legal Louisiana online sportsbooks will offer politics as a betting option.

What about college sports?

Louisiana is currently one of the few states with no restrictions on betting on college games. However, starting this August, the Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) is banning prop bets on college athletes.

What about esports?

You can bet on esports in Louisiana. However, all events must meet the requirements set by the eSports Integrity Commission (ESIC) and are approved on a case-by-case basis.

Can I bet on the NFL Draft?

Yes, you can bet on the NFL Draft if you're 21 or older and physically located within one of the 55 parishes in Louisiana that offers legal sports betting.

Want to find out more about legal sports betting in Louisiana and staying safe when wagering online? You can check out these helpful resources for more information:

Louisiana Gaming Control Board — The state’s gambling regulator.

LGCB Sports Wagering Catalog — Features information on Louisiana sports betting rules and regulations.

Louisiana problem gamblers helpline — 1-877-770-7867

National gambling hotline — 1-800-GAMBLER

Louisiana has been home to legal online and retail sports betting since 2022. And while over 30 states have joined LA in legitimizing the practice, there are still a number of outliers. Here are a few locales that may legalize sports wagering in the future:

🏈 Alabama — After the Alabama House approved HB 151 and HB 152 in early 2024, the Senate stripped them of betting language, resulting in a conference committee. The bills would legalize up to seven casinos, retail and online sports betting, and a state lottery.

🌪️ Missouri - Missouri's sports betting ballot was approved by voters during the 2024 U.S. Election. The state is expected to launch its legal market in 2025.

🎵 Mississippi — In the Magnolia State, Sen. Casey Eure filed HB 774, which would permit each of the locale's 26 retail casinos to link up with an operator to deliver online sports betting. 

If you're looking for the best betting apps for your specific region, check out the following links:

Sportsbook bonuses vary from location to location. A specific sportsbook might even switch up its promotions depending on what state you're in. Here's a breakdown of all the best deals by locale.