Laws have been updated through the December 2020 Elections. View a Specific Law: Children's Code Civil Code Code of Civil Procedure Code of Criminal Procedure Code of Evidence Constitution Ancillaries House Rules Joint Rules Louisiana Constitution Revised Statutes Senate Rules. No Louisiana laws touch on “social gambling,” but based on the laws that are written on gambling, social gambling is illegal. Gambling is only authorized in licensed casinos and businesses licensed to offer slot machines. But it’s not uncommon to find small-stakes home games, which the law enforcement seems to tolerate in Louisiana.

The state of Louisiana is well-known for crawfish, beignets, and Mardi Gras. The focus for residents and visitors is fun and food, and entertainment opportunities include plenty of gambling.

In the 19^th and early 20^th centuries, the Pelican State had quite a bit of back and forth with legal betting emerging, only to be later taken off the books, then return. Things have been solid since the 1990s, with a consistent expansion that includes casinos, lottery, and pari-mutuel. There are also out-of-state Louisiana online gambling sites providing their services to residents.

Real money online gambling for Louisiana is not currently available from in-state providers. That may change though, possibly as early as 2021. Daily fantasy sports (DFS) and online sports betting are likely to be viable options initially.

There are still a few hurdles to jump, but many voters are in favor of new ways to contribute to the state coffers.

In the meantime, access to casino, poker, and sports betting sites is limited to gambling websites that are regulated outside of state borders. We’ve assessed the various options and ranked the top gambling sites for LA currently available.

As all of the regulation for real money gambling online in Louisiana is outside of the state, you’ll want to select the best of the best services. Safety, security, and fair gaming are essential, and there are several LA gambling sites that meet that criteria. But some are much better than others.

Whether we’re reviewing online gambling sites for Louisiana players or any of the other jurisdictions, we’ve got a team of experts who combine their impressions with an extensive list of criteria. Our ranking process begins with individual reviews. It’s effectively endless, as we go back and revisit websites regularly.

We’ll get into more of the specifics regarding our process in a bit. But you can be sure that our recommended gambling sites for Louisiana each have comprehensive reviews that cover everything from payment options to games to reputation.

If you’re ready to give it a go and register with one of the top Louisiana online gambling sites, we suggest that you start by looking through our list. But, from there, be sure to do a spot check on your preferred option.

While we all tend to skim past any online site’s terms and conditions, it’s best to read them carefully when gambling online for real money. You also want to be sure that you have access to the best payment option so you can transfer money effortlessly and without significant fees. Taking a few extra minutes for due diligence could have a positive impact on your wallet.

Laws on Gambling in Louisiana

Since the 1800s, Louisiana has been an active gambling state.

Lottery, casinos, and horse racing provided real money gambling opportunities, but they were short-lived. Each was approved, then the social and governmental mindset changed and took them off the books.

Lasting change in Louisiana gambling laws didn’t occur until the 1990s, though. That’s when the lottery reemerged, and casinos began popping up across the state. While riverboats were first on the list, tribal casinos and racinos soon followed.

Currently, Louisiana houses four race tracks, a state lottery, 21 casinos and racinos, and video poker machines at 2,000 venues throughout the Pelican State.

You certainly can’t say that there’s a lack of land-based gambling. It’s not only a Louisianan activity either, as all of the casinos and machines are appealing to residents in neighboring Texas and Arkansas. They frequently cross the state border to do some gambling.

Online gambling in Louisiana has been a different story, though. There aren’t any in-state operators who are approved to accept bets. Some are out of the area, and they are regulated elsewhere and not on the officially sanctioned list in LA.

That could change, though. There’s a good chance that punters will soon be able to make cash predictions in-person and through a website or mobile apps, on their favorite professional and collegiate teams.

In April of 2020, two bills in favor of sports betting in Louisiana advanced one step closer to the voting booth when they passed in the state Senate. The previous year, voters gave the nod to daily fantasy sports. However, they are still waiting to participate until legislators finalize regulations and the tax structure.

So, it’s likely that both DFS and sports betting will kick off “official” online gambling in Louisiana, as the sports package includes mobile access as well.

• Casinos – Riverboats, racinos, tribal casinos, and Harrah’s land-based casino
• Racetracks – Pari-mutuel on horse racing permitted; Dog tracks prohibited; four racetracks
• Video Poker – Approved not only for in-casino use, but venues with liquor licenses elsewhere can have up to three machines
• Lottery – Legal and active
• Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) – Voter-approved in 47 out of 64 parishes; awaiting legislative direction on regulations and tax rates
• Sports Betting – could be on the ballot in November of 2020; passed the state senate in Spring of 2020
• Online Gambling – pending legislation as DFS and sports betting could provide the first authorized in-state online gambling opportunities

We previously touched on our general approach for developing the list of best online gambling sites for Louisiana.

The process includes starting with a complete list of operators that opened their virtual doors to Louisianans. That’s just the beginning, though.

It’s not enough for the sites to accept you, as you need to deem them worthy of your time and money.

So, we access every online casino, sportsbook, and poker room, and methodically work our way through an extensive list of criteria to come up with detailed reviews and comparative rankings.

The financial end of things is one of the first that we examine. As you’re a US player, you don’t have access to many of the e-wallet and alternative web-based banking solutions, of which punters in other jurisdictions benefit. While all of the sites accept debit and credit cards, you’ll typically need to settle for checks or bank transfers when it’s withdrawal time.

So, at least one cryptocurrency option is essential to at least give you a backup plan, even if it’s not your number one choice.

We also document any imposed banking fees, payout turnarounds, and minimums. You’ll find that you can get the ball rolling with a Louisiana online gambling site for as little as $10 or $20 but may need to accumulate over $100 in winnings before you can claim them.

Aside from the financial services, our findings include not just a new player bonus offer, but other promotional incentives.

We like to see real money gambling sites offer on-going promotions, such as loyalty schemes, in addition to welcome bonuses for new customers.

Other aspects that we evaluate include the user-friendliness of the site, mobile access, customer services, terms and conditions transparency, reputation, and player feedback. Plus, we integrate our impressions based on a comparison of other similar sites.

The entire process produces accurate results that are then compared to see which are the best real money gambling sites for Louisiana players.

Safe and Secure LA Online Gambling

Safety, security, and fairness are the three most important things to look for when it comes to online gambling in Louisiana or anywhere else for that matter.

If you’re considering using an online casino, sportsbook, or poker room, you know that they’re not licensed and regulated in the state of Louisiana. So, it’s even more imperative for you to weigh your options.

You can access reviews and a variety of articles on all aspects of the virtual gambling experience right here on this website. So, don’t rely on a simple Google search, as that’s only part of the picture. Your results may be extensive, but not discretionary.

We’ve done quite a bit of the legwork for you by rating and ranking the sites that we’ve reviewed. But you can also make your comparisons.

Additionally, to help you even more, we’ve narrowed down your selections based on the gambling opportunities you prefer. Not all sites will have a sportsbook or poker room. So, if those are your games of choice, then you can access our Louisiana online gambling options based on categories.

Louisiana doesn’t quite cover the extent of gambling that you’d find in Las Vegas. But it’s a progressive state when it comes to casinos and other in-person betting opportunities.

While you’ll quickly find brick and mortar casinos, racinos, lottery sales outlets, and video poker machines throughout the state, the virtual gaming landscape is comparatively barren. Aside from the out-of-area Louisiana online gambling sites, regulation isn’t happening within the state lines.

Louisiana Gambling Age Laws

However, things could be changing with gambling online in Louisiana if voters have their say in 2020. Residents are leaning toward approved sports betting just as they’ve already given the nod to DFS.

As one of the few states with laws on internet betting, legal online gambling for Louisiana residents is hard to come by. The state legislature has imposed fairly strict limitations on those who would participate in online betting. This includes sports betting, horse racing betting, casino games, and bingo cards. If you live in the state, you have come to the right place to learn about the legalities of online gambling in Louisiana. Those who are aiming to enjoy this form of gambling will find that there are a number of different complications that can arise from gambling on the Internet, all because the legislature has decided to impose restrictions on personal freedoms in the name of safety. We have decided to explore the laws in order to see if there is anything that can be done, and whether or not Louisiana residents are afforded the luxury of legal online gambling for USA players.

Online Gambling Age For Louisiana Residents

The 2021 legal online gambling age for Louisiana residents depends on what type of gambling you want to partake in. We have taken it upon ourselves to first document the age requirements of gambling in the state of Louisiana. The legislature has imposed strict gambling ages of 21 on casinos and poker games, both online and offline. Even the lottery requires you to be 21 years of age. Those who are 18 can play bingo, both online and in the real world, and also bet on horses and dogs. The online sportsbooks then require you to be 21 in order to play.

Louisiana Online Gambling Laws

Few states have such a comprehensive code of laws related to online gambling as Louisiana does. When we started looking into the state's laws, we found that there are strict bans imposed on the games. LA Rev Stat § 14:90.3 is appropriately titled “Gambling by computer”. The law states that gambling is a crime in Louisiana if it is done with a venue unlicensed by the state, which could be interpreted to include offshore books. The state is very clear about this - whoever commits the crime of gambling by computer shall be fined not more than $500, while there can also be an imprisonment of up to six months - or both. This should be clear cut enough that online gambling is a crime when done in the borders of the state of Louisiana. We do not condone breaking the law, nor do we recommend you do so.

Gambling Sites That Accept Louisiana Residents

In spite of the laws pertaining to online gambling in the state of Louisiana, you will still find a number of sites that accept residents from the state. We have come to the conclusion that while we do not want you to break the law, we are sure that some of you are going to do so regardless. If you are going to gamble online, you may as well do so safely. Failure to choose the right gambling sites could end up sending you to a jail cell. We do not want this, as we are law-abiding citizens, but we can tell you that there are safe havens for you to gamble if you decide it is worth the risk.

Bovada: Online Casino Betting and More!

Many bettors have noticed all the sporting events that you can participate in on Bovada but with an online casino as an option, this will grab a lot of the bettors and also add new ones. You have many different casino options like blackjack and slots that will give you chances to earn an extra payday. Along with these online casino options, there will be promotions for those who participate in these games. These promotions will reward players with different things like extra funds to play these slot games blackjack games. Also what is included with the online casino on Bovada is a live dealer which will make you feel as if you are at a real casino! Go To Bovada!

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BetOnline: Live Betting On LSU Football Games

Even if you’re sitting in the bayou, it’s easy to connect to the best overall gambling site in Louisiana. BetOnline offers its players the best way to look over the sportsbook online and make great wagers. This site has many different ways for people to make their wagers. This online casino offers a wide assortment of online casino games and poker rooms with weekly tournaments and high payouts. Signing up is always free for anyone over the age of 21. After an easy sign-up process, log into the football sportsbooks and see the schedule for upcoming games and all the different lines that BetOnline has to offer for NFL, NCAA, or CFL games.

Signing up is easy. Simply click the “Join Now” button at the top of the page and enter your contact info. Once you create an account, a confirmation will be sent in minutes. Deposits can be made in any number of methods that include but aren’t limited to debit/credit cards, money orders, bank wire transfers, and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. The fees are always as low as the processing times and new players can be making their first bets and wagers within minutes of joining. Go To BetOnline!

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ALL STATES

Online Casinos That Accept Louisiana Residents

Online casinos are available to Louisiana residents, although there are problems with Louisiana’s gambling laws. The laws in the state specify that use of any non-state licensed gambling provider is not allowed, and while these sportsbooks are usable - and indeed, are used by many LA residents - they are not state sponsored. There are many online casinos accepting Louisiana residents, all of which utilize the latest technology and software. We have made it our point to root out the quality sites, and we have been steadfast in bringing our readers only the best gaming sites around. Lucky Red, Slots.lv, and Aladdin’s Gold have slots, blackjack, roulette, and more. Quite a few casinos have made the cut, and we are sure you will find one of the more generous options out there.

Online Sports Betting Sites That Accept Louisiana Residents

Sports betting in Louisiana was approved by voters in November of 2020, but sportsbooks themselves are not set up yet in the state. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic among other factors, it is taking some time to get sports betting up and running. This presents a problem to bettors in the state due to Louisiana's laws about online gambling, which prohibit the use of non-state-licensed providers. Players can turn to the Internet to find various betting options online. Bovada and MyBookie are just two of the available options that feature the latest odds on the New Orleans Saints and other popular teams. These sportsbooks have been individually tested and we can tell you that some solid options are available. However, use of these sportsbooks is likely to contravene the above laws, so make sure to consult a lawyer if you have questions.

Online Poker Sites That Accept Louisiana Residents

In spite of the changes to the online poker world, there are still many options available for poker players. We have tested the remaining poker rooms on the market, and we can tell you that there are various options available for legitimate, safe poker play. While still not permitted by law, sites like BetOnline and SportsBetting are two of the main online poker sites that accept Louisiana residents.

Online Bingo Sites That Accept Louisiana Players

Those who want to hit the bingo cards will find that several options exist. While local bingo halls will not make you a wealthy person, online bingo rooms offer a chance for some earnings and, more importantly, a lot of fun. Downtown Bingo is the most popular of the online bingo sites that accept Louisiana players, with huge bonuses and cash prizes. Should you stick to the options we have found, you will be able to enjoy the game of bingo in a trusted environment.

Is Online Gambling Legal In Louisiana?

Unfortunately, Louisiana has some very strict laws when it comes to gambling, some of them specifically targeting online gambling. In this state, if you gamble at a location, either land-based or via the internet or another telecommunication method, that is not licensed by the state you are in violation of the law. The laws listed in Louisiana’s state code actually specifically target the bettor, which is different from many laws of this nature. With that being said, you may still attempt to use online, offshore gambling sites. Many gamblers in the state do. There are potential fines of up to $500 and potential jail time of up to six months.

Are Online Casinos Legal In Louisiana?

Online casinos are a form of online gambling. Louisiana’s laws require that all gambling take place at state sanctioned providers. Louisiana does not sanction any providers of online casinos. You see the problem? There is currently no 100% legal option for bettors in Louisiana. The offshore casinos are close, and in most states would be fine, but LA’s specific laws present a problem for them. Many gamblers in the state still use them, but please understand that you do so at your own risk.

Is It Safe For Louisiana Residents To Play At Online Casinos?

While the state of Louisiana has laws in place against online gambling, they have no way of enforcing these laws on the end user, the Louisiana resident. Rather, Louisiana goes after anyone that owns or operates an online casino on Louisiana soil because they are cutting into the profits of the state-regulated casinos from which the state gets a cut of the revenue. Louisiana prefers its residents to travel to its gaming centers, however, residents have nothing stopping them from joining an online casino and playing games for real cash from the comfort of their home. We recommend several casinos for Louisiana residents on this page that can be trusted for fair gaming as well as for having a payout level as good as or better than those found in the casinos in New Orleans, Shreveport, etc if you choose to take the risk.

Is Online Sports Betting Legal In Louisiana?

Online sports betting could be on the way in 2021, as voters approved it in November of 2020. However, there are currently no licensed sportsbooks within the state of Louisiana. Regulatory bodies have yet to decide what form Louisiana’s sportsbooks will take: all online, all retail, or a mix of the two. Without any state approved sportsbooks at the moment, it would seem that the Internet is your only option to wager on sports.

Louisiana Sports Gambling Laws

Is Online Poker Legal In Louisiana?

Residents of Louisiana will also find that problems can arise by playing online poker. Even if it is something of a game of skill, it is essentially bound to the same foolish laws that have made it a crime to gamble online in the state of Louisiana. Poker players will have to find another way to play, unfortunately, as online poker is a criminal activity in the state of Louisiana.

Can I Bet On Horse Racing In Louisiana?

Louisiana has a number of racetracks in the state available to its residents. These racetracks will offer horse racing betting on races taking place at the track or at other tracks in the state, through simulcast wagering. You can also bet on horse racing online. Using a racebook that is regulated by the state is best, but you can access online, offshore racebooks from Louisiana if you want. The safest ones are those that are licensed and regulated by gaming commissions in their countries.

Best Funding Methods For Louisiana Gambling Sites

The best funding methods for Louisiana gambling sites are wholly dependent on what you’re looking for. Some are designed for speed but have low deposit limits by certain standards. Others have very high or nonexistent deposit standards, but take a little while to fund your account. Below are the top three funding methods for Louisiana gambling sites.

Checks – This method takes a few days to credit your account but usually has a high deposit limit of up to $10,000. Sending a check requires that you use a courier service like FedEx and supply the gambling site with your tracking number.

Credit/Debit Cards – Cards are known for fast deposits. But their limits tap out around a few thousand dollars at most, sometimes coming in lower than that. Credit cards are also subject to declination from time to time. If this happens, we recommend using a prepaid card. They work in the same way that credit cards do, but don’t have to go through a bank so don’t get declined. They have the same limits.

Bitcoin – This is a digital currency that is both fast and has a high deposit limit. You can deposit up to $25,000 to your account in a single transaction. Because it is an independent currency, it is not subject to the same restrictions as credit cards. Bitcoin combines speed with high limits (and zero fees) for the best deposit method for Louisiana gamblers.

Louisiana Legal Gambling FAQ’s

Does The Wire Act Make Sports Betting Online Illegal?

The Wire Act was written with the intention of keeping wagers from crossing state lines. So the verbiage used makes the act of taking a bet unlawful unless licensed by both states. But when you use an online, offshore sportsbook, you are using a company that is based in another country. When it comes to using a foreign company for sports betting, the Wire Act does not have any authority. US federal laws can only control the actions of those within the state, and therefore does not make sports betting online illegal.

What Does The UIGEA Do?

The UIGEA is a banking regulation that gives financial institutions the ability to decline transactions between US residents and online gambling sites. It was given this authority under false claims made in the 1999 national gambling study, which stated that banks were having trouble processing these payments (they weren’t but that’s another matter entirely). Regardless of the validity of these claims, the UIGEA allows for transactions to be canceled when you’re using a credit card or bank wire transfer to fund your online gambling account.

Louisiana Lottery Laws

These declined payments only happen occasionally, so you won’t have to permanently change your deposit methods if you don’t want to. But it does happen from time to time. So when it does occur, you can use alternative measures. You’re not in any legal trouble under the UIGEA. It just makes banking a little more troublesome every now and then.

Can I Play Poker For Real Money Online In Louisiana?

Louisiana Gambling Age

Yes, you can play poker for real money online in Louisiana if you want to. Online, offshore poker rooms accept Louisiana residents without restraint. We do caution you that this is at your own risk, as there are online gambling laws in Louisiana that restrict online gambling activity.

Will I go to jail for online gambling in Louisiana?

Louisiana Online Gambling Laws

If you are asking 'will I go to jail for online gambling in the state of Louisiana,' the answer is potentially yes. You can face up to six months imprisonment if you decide to gamble online in the state of Louisiana. We do not encourage breaking the law to gamble online.