Top 7 Louisiana Online Sports Betting Sites – Compare the Best LA Betting Apps & Sportsbooks

Sports betting was legalized in Louisiana on June 21, 2021, when Governor John Bel Edwards signed SB 142. Retail sportsbooks launched in October 2021, with the first legal sports bet in the state being placed by former New Orleans Saints player Joe Horn. Louisiana online sportsbooks became available three months later, with top names like Caesars, BetMGM, and FanDuel available in-state.

It is worth noting, however, that while sports betting is legal in Louisiana, the laws are also determined on a parish-by-parish basis. As such, nine of the 64 parishes in the state chose not to legalize sports betting. For more information on all of this, read our complete guide to Louisiana sports betting and learn more about the best LA betting sites, what sports are available for betting, and where to find retail sportsbooks.

Best Louisiana Sportsbooks for Each Bettor Type

Timeline for Sports Betting in Louisiana

Much has happened since the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) was overturned by the US Supreme Court, opening up for legal online sportsbooks in the US. This is a short recap on what happened in Louisiana:

• January 2023: A new record for total bets placed in Louisiana is hit, with more than $280 million wagered.
• January 28, 2022: Louisiana online sports betting launches just in time for Super Bowl LVI. BetMGM, Barstool, BetRivers, FanDuel, DraftKings, and Caesars are all available for betting on launch day.
• June 21, 2021: Gov. Edwards legalizes sports betting in Louisiana by signing SB 142 and SB 247. The onus is placed on the regulators to get ready so that sportsbooks can be licensed and launched.
• April 2021: SB 142, SB 247, and HB 697 are introduced to the Senate and the House. These bills detail taxation, state revenue, and regulation. All bills pass both the House and the Senate.
• March 2019: Senator Danny Martiny introduces SB 153, which looks to legalize sports betting in casinos and racetracks in Louisiana. Despite gaining traction throughout the legislative session, late amendments from lawmakers end SB 153’s progress.

Best Louisiana Online Sports Betting Sites Reviewed

When we review Louisiana online sports betting sites, our experts leave no stone unturned to make sure we discover the best sportsbooks. Read our overview of the top seven legal sports betting sites in Louisiana below.

1. FanDuel – Best sportsbook app

• Website: la.sportsbook.fanduel.com/
• Payout Time: 2-5 days
• Established: 2009
• Land-Based Partner: FanDuel Group, and Boyd Gaming
• Headquarters: New York City, NY

Our Verdict: 9.7/10

FanDuel provides Louisiana players with an easy way to start betting on a huge variety of markets with its straightforward app. The operator started in 2009 as a Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) operator and entered the sportsbook market in 2018 with backing from gambling giant Flutter Entertainment.

You’ll find betting lines for more than 20 sports at FanDuel, including the major leagues like the NFL and NBA. You can also back smaller sports like table tennis, Aussie rules, and darts. Most sports will have a wide range of moneylines, point spreads, and totals available. You can also cash out on bets early with most events.

You can use prepaid cards at FanDuel like Play+ and PayNearMe deposits and withdrawals, as well as e-wallets like PayPal. Visa and Mastercard are available, but only for deposits. Most withdrawals are complete in a few days, with e-wallets providing the fastest transaction times. If you encounter any issues, the most commonly asked questions are covered on FanDuel’s extensive FAQ pages, but if you don’t find the help you need, contact customer support 24/7 through live chat, email, and social media.

New players to FanDuel can claim a no-sweat first bet of up to $1,000, where the sportsbook will give you free bets equal to your stake if your first bet loses. FanDuel also offers odds boosts on special events, and parlay boosts if you add three or more legs to your parlay.

Sections Overview:

• Bonuses: 9.4/10
• Desktop Experience: 9.6/10
• Mobile Experience: 9.8/10
• Registration Process: 9.6/10
• Account Verification: 9.7/10
• Payment Methods: 9.1/10
• Sportsbook: 9.7/10
• Customer Support: 9.7/10
• Responsible Gambling: 9.8/10

FanDuel bonuses & promos:

2. Barstool – Sports picks from celebrities

• Website: https://www.barstoolsportsbook.com/
• Payout Time: 3-5 days
• Established: 2020
• Land-Based Partner: L’Auberge Hotel and Casino
• Headquarters: New York, NY

Our Verdict: 9.4/10

Barstool Sports was founded in 2003 and has emerged from an upstart content publisher to a serious player in the sports betting industry. Barstool is owned by Penn Entertainment, Inc, who paid over $500 million for the company. The sportsbook allows you to see picks from sports celebrities and use them to inform your bets on the easy-to-use platform.

You can bet on more than 15 major sports with Barstool Sportsbook, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. Other popular US events include tennis, golf, and volleyball. The live betting page makes navigation simple, and Barstool has a straightforward system for parlay wagers.

Play+ partners with Barstool Sportsbook, enabling customers to use a special Barstool card for deposits and withdrawals. Other deposit methods include Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, wire transfers, and ACH. You can withdraw with PayPal, wire transfer, or by visiting the cashier’s cage in one of the Barstool retail sportsbooks in the state. If you encounter any problems, Barstool’s customer support is very active on all forms of social media and responds on live chat 24/7.

Bonuses and promotions are reserved not only for new players at Barstool Sportsbook. Alongside the welcome bonus of up to $1,000, there are regular deposit match offers for existing players. Your initial wager must be on a bet with odds of -200 or higher to be eligible for the welcome bonus.

Sections Overview:

• Bonuses: 9.3/10
• Desktop Experience: 9.5/10
• Mobile Experience: 9.5/10
• Registration Process: 9.8/10
• Account Verification: 9.6/10
• Payment Methods: 9.2/10
• Sportsbook: 9.4/10
• Customer Support: 9.7/10
• Responsible Gambling: 9.9/10

Barstool bonuses & promos:

3. Caesars – Best for live streaming

• Website: https://caesars.com/sportsbook-and-casino/la/
• Payout Time: 1-2 days
• Established: 1996
• Partnerships: BA and the NFL
• Headquarters: Reno, NV

Our Verdict: 9.3/10

Caesars has been a household name in gambling for decades due to the iconic Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Caesars acquired William Hill in April 2021 to strengthen its position in the online sports betting market. The Caesars app is the only sports betting app in the US showing live NFL games, and the loyalty scheme is second to none.

Caesars Sportsbook offers moneylines, points spreads, and totals betting on all major league sports. Parlays (including same-game parlays), live betting, and futures are also available. However, you’re not just limited to the major leagues, with more than 20 sports available for betting.

Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, ACH, bank transfer, Play+, and PayNearMe are all accepted by Caesars Sportsbook. You can also make cash deposits to an online account in person at the cashier’s cage at Harrah’s New Orleans Casino. Withdrawals are also available in person at Caesars sportsbooks in casinos across Louisiana, as well as via PayPal and prepaid cards. The detailed FAQ should be the first place to look for any queries about Caesars Sportsbook. If the FAQ doesn’t answer your questions, you can contact the support team 24/7 using live chat or telephone.

Caesars Sportsbook offers customers one of the biggest welcome bonuses in Louisiana, a bet of up to $1,250. You also get points towards the Caesars Rewards program, where you can claim bonuses, hotel stays, and meals by redeeming points. You can earn points outside of the welcome offer by betting.

Sections Overview:

• Bonuses: 9.5/10
• Desktop Experience: 9.4/10
• Mobile Experience: 9.3/10
• Registration Process: 9.6/10
• Account Verification: 9.7/10
• Payment Methods: 9.2/10
• Sportsbook: 9.3/10
• Customer Support: 9.6/10
• Responsible Gambling: 9.6/10

Caesars bonuses & promos:

4. BetMGM – Excellent loyalty program

• Website: sports.la.betmgm.com/
• Payout Time: 0-5 days
• Established: 2018
• Partnership: Astros
• Headquarters: Jersey City, NJ

Our Verdict: 9.3/10

The BetMGM Sportsbook offers customers a vast array of sports to bet on, as well as a desktop platform that is quick, intuitive, and simple to use. BetMGM was formed through a partnership between gambling giant Entain and MGM Resorts International, owner of the MGM Grand Casino in Las Vegas.

With in-depth lines on over 20 sports, if you want to bet on it, BetMGM will have it. While you’ll find the most betting options for the major leagues, you’ll also find hundreds of options for soccer and international basketball. There are plenty of niche sports as well.

You can use PayPal, Skrill, PayNearMe, Play+, Visa, and Mastercard to deposit with BetMGM. However, withdrawals are only available via Play+, PayNearMe, PayPal, and Skrill. BetMGM does not have a retail sportsbook in Louisiana, so cashier cage deposits and withdrawals are unavailable. Any problems and you can find answers via the site’s FAQs, but if you don’t get the help you need, BetMGM operates a 24/7 customer support team. You can contact them through live chat or email.

Anyone signing up with BetMGM gets free access to its MGM Rewards program, where you can earn points by betting and use them to claim bonuses like free bets and hotel stays. New customers can also claim BetMGM’s bet of up to $1,000 with their first bet.

Sections Overview:

• Bonuses: 9.4/10
• Desktop Experience: 9.6/10
• Mobile Experience: 9.7/10
• Registration Process: 9.6/10
• Account Verification: 9.6/10
• Payment Methods: 9.2/10
• Sportsbook: 9.8/10
• Customer Support: 9.5/10
• Responsible Gambling: 9.6/10

BetMGM bonuses & promos:

5. PointsBet – Innovative betting options

• Website: https://la.pointsbet.com/
• Payout Time: 1-2 days
• Established: 2015
• Headquarters: Denver, CO

Our Verdict: 9.1/10

After starting in Australia, PointsBet entered the US in 2019 and is one of the fastest-growing sportsbooks in the US. The betting site is best known for its innovative Points Betting feature and is an official betting partner of NBC Sports. Former New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees previously fronted its partnership.

PointsBet allows players to wager on sports like the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, soccer, golf, tennis, MMA, and NASCAR. The sportsbook also provides ‘Lightning Bets’, which allow you to bet on upcoming moments in a game, such as the next inning in baseball or the next minute action in basketball

You can make instant deposits at PointsBets using bank cards, ACH, bank transfers, and e-wallets like PayPal. Withdrawals usually take one to three days and are available with ACH and bank transfer. Players can contact the multilingual customer support at PointsBet through email or live chat 24/7 if any issues are encountered. Twitter support is also available. You can also use the FAQ page through its app or website, where many common questions are covered

PointsBet’s partnership with NBC Sports gives players a wide range of promotions to claim throughout the year, including chances to win tickets and team merchandise. New players can claim a bonus that is tailored to the budget bettor, giving you five free bets on your losing wagers worth $50 each.

Sections Overview:

• Bonuses: 9.0/10
• Desktop Experience: 9.4/10
• Mobile Experience: 9.4/10
• Registration Process: 9.6/10
• Account Verification: 9.4/10
• Payment Methods: 9.3/10
• Sportsbook: 9.3/10
• Customer Support: 9.4/10
• Responsible Gambling: 9.5/10

PointsBet bonuses & promos:

6. DraftKings – Access to a wide range of gambling types

• Website: sportsbook.draftkings.com/la-sports-betting
• Payout Time: 1-3 days
• Established: 2012
• Land-Based Partner: The Golden Nugget Lake Charles
• Headquarters: Massachusetts, US

Our Verdict: 9.3/10

After launching in 2012 and establishing itself as a DFS operator, DraftKing is one of the biggest sportsbooks in the US. The mobile gives you fast access to all of the markets DraftKings offers and also offers live streaming. DraftKings also lets you quickly access its DFS and NFT games through one platform.

DraftKings is the official betting of many major leagues, including the NFL, NHL, MLB, NBA, the UFC, and the PGA Tour. You can bet on all these sports and many more, including soccer, tennis, and NASCAR. Same-game parlays, in-play wagering, and other exciting betting features are all available for most sports.

DraftKings offer customers multiple deposit options, including Visa and MasterCard, PayPal, Play+, ACH, and wire transfers. Deposits are processed instantly. Withdrawals are available through PayPal, Play+, ACH, and wire transfers and take one to three days on average. The customer support team at DraftKings is available to contact 24/7 for any banking- or betting-related questions. Live chat, email, and social media are the easiest methods to contact the customer support team, though a comprehensive FAQ section is also available.

DraftKings offers a 20% deposit bonus of up to $5,000, so you can claim up to $1,000 in bonus funds. Flash promotions and bonuses are available for existing players from time to time, including betting pools, free bets, and odds boosts.

Sections Overview:

• Bonuses: 9.3/10
• Desktop Experience: 9.7/10
• Mobile Experience: 9.8/10
• Registration Process: 9.4/10
• Account Verification: 9.7/10
• Payment Methods: 9.1/10
• Sportsbook: 9.5/10
• Customer Support: 9.5/10
• Responsible Gambling: 9.6/10

DraftKings bonuses & promos:

7. BetRivers – A wide range of live betting options

• Website: la.betrivers.com/
• Payout Time: Between 24 and 72 hours
• Established: 2019
• Partnership: New Orleans Pelicans
• Headquarters: Chicago, IL

Our Verdict: 9.0/10

Many players in the US have been impressed by how many sports and betting markets are on offer at Rush Street Gaming-operated BetRivers. This includes a great range of live betting options through BetRivers’ highly responsive app. You can also earn iRush points which you can use to claim free bets and bonuses.

Over 20 sports are offered by BetRivers, from the NFL and NBA to snooker and lacrosse. Live betting is a specialty of BetRivers, and players can choose to cash out of live bets to secure profits. BetRivers is also the official partner of jai alai, offering extensive markets for this fast-paced sport.

Most standard deposit methods are available at BetRivers, including bank cards, e-wallets, and prepaid cards such as PayNearMe and Play+. Deposits are instant, with withdrawals taking one to three days on average. You can make withdrawals via e-wallets, eCheck, Play+, and PayNearMe. BetRivers does not offer 24-hour customer support, operating from 08:30 to 01:00 EST. You can contact customer care agents via email, live chat, and phone. Detailed FAQs are also available.

New BetRivers customers can claim a $500 bet, with your initial stake returned as a free bet if your first bet loses. BetRivers offer different bonuses each week to existing players, and you can also earn iRush Rewards points, which you can use to claim free bets and other promos.

Sections Overview:

• Bonuses: 9.0/10
• Desktop Experience: 9.4/10
• Mobile Experience: 9.1/10
• Registration Process: 9.5/10
• Account Verification: 9.4/10
• Payment Methods: 9.1/10
• Sportsbook: 9.3/10
• Customer Support: 9.4/10
• Responsible Gambling: 9.4/10

BetRivers bonuses & promos:

Louisiana Sports Betting Overview

• 🧑‍⚖️ Retail Sports Betting Launch Date: October 31, 2021
• 🧑‍⚖️ Online Sports Betting Launch Date: January 28, 2022
• ✅ Licensed Sportsbooks: Barstool, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, WynnBET, BetRivers, PointsBet, Betfred
• 💵 Legal Wagering Options: Moneylines, totals, point spreads, futures, prop bets, parlays, and same-game parlays
• ❓ Legal Gambling Age in Louisiana: 21+
• 🏈 Sports to Bet On: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MMA, tennis, motorsport, soccer, boxing, college sports, golf, lacrosse, jai alai, Aussie rules, darts, snooker
• 🏦 Permitted Banking Options: Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, ACH, PayNearMe, Play+, casino cashier
• 📝 Louisiana Gambling Regulator: Louisiana Gaming Control Board

How to Place a Bet in Louisiana

1. Even if you’re completely new to sports betting, Louisiana online betting sites make it as easy as possible for you to get started. Follow our guide below to start placing bets in minutes. Click the links to choose one of our recommended Louisiana sportsbooks.

2. Start the registration process by entering your full name, address, date of birth, phone number, email, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Online sportsbooks need this information to protect you from fraud.

3. Once your account is created,  visit the cashier to deposit. Choose a payment method and how much money to deposit, meeting any minimum deposit requirements for the welcome bonus.

4. Most deposits are instant, so go to the sportsbook homepage and select a sport for your first bet. Choose a market and add it to your bet slip. Decide on your stake and confirm your wager.

5. Return to the cashier section to withdraw if your bet wins. Your sportsbook will guide what information you need to enter to get your payout.

6. Before withdrawing, you may need to verify your account. You can do this by submitting copies of your photo ID and proof of address to the betting site. The verification process may take a few days.

If you are betting in Louisiana on your mobile device, you must enable the sportsbook to access the device’s geolocation services before you can play. This is to verify that you are playing in an area in the state that is legal, which is especially important in Louisiana, considering the different rules between parishes.

Louisiana Betting Apps on Mobile

Banking Methods Available in Louisiana

Louisiana offers similar banking options to the rest of the states in the US. A host of options are available for deposits, including Visa, Mastercard, ACH, and wire transfers. Another popular payment option is e-wallets like PayPal. You can even make deposits using prepaid cards like Play+ and PayNearMe, the latter of which you can top up at local retailers.

Some sportsbooks in LA provide retail sportsbooks you can visit to make fast deposits and withdrawals by using a casino cage cashier.

Who is Eligible to Bet in Louisiana?

You can place a bet in Louisiana if you are over 21 and physically located in one of 55 of the 64 parishes in Louisiana where sports betting is legal. If you are in one of the nine parishes listed below and want to bet legally, you will have to visit a nearby parish where sports betting is legal.

• Caldwell
• Catahoula
• Franklin
• La Salle
• Sabine
• Union
• West Carroll
• Winn

If you compete for, are employed by, or have an association with a professional or collegiate sports team, you are prohibited from placing sports bets. Additionally, anyone employed by a sports betting licensing body or people with access to non-public information about a sports team is not allowed to place wagers. Finally, you may also be stopped from wagering if you have a criminal record.

Louisiana Sports Betting Legislation

Sports betting is legal in 55 of the 64 parishes in Louisiana. You can place wagers online or in retail sportsbooks in land-based casinos across the state. LA sports betting laws allow for up to 41 online sportsbooks, including one license from the Louisiana Lottery Corporation. In addition, many bars and restaurants can operate sports betting kiosks.

Louisiana Sports Betting Background

Louisiana was once the gambling capital of the US, with more casinos than any other state in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. However, all casinos were outlawed in 1866, and no land-based commercial casinos were allowed to launch until Governor Edwin Edwards passed a law in 1992.

There is also a long history of horse racing in the Pelican State. Betting on horse racing via pari-mutuel wagering was legalized in the 1920s, and four race tracks offer live horse racing. In addition to betting at race tracks, horse racing bettors can wager on races over a dozen off-track betting facilities.

Daily Fantasy Sports are legal in Louisiana, but as with sports betting, this is on a parish-by-parish basis. You can play DFS in 47 of the 64 parishes in LA.

Future of Louisiana Sports Betting

With 40 online sportsbook licenses up for grabs, we expect more sportsbooks to launch in Louisiana in the future. We expect that online sportsbook applications will be accepted from Bally Bet, Betway, Betfred, ClutchBet, FOX Bet, Fubo, and Golden Nugget amongst others. The Louisiana Lottery Corporation will also likely resolve what to do with its sports betting license.

Louisiana Sports Betting Locations

Casinos

Harrah’s New Orleans

• Address: 228 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
• Website: https://www.caesars.com/harrahs-new-orleans/
• Phone number: (800) 427-7247
• Operator: Caesars

The only commercial land-based casino in Louisiana is Harrah’s, New Orleans. The rest of the gambling locations in LA are riverboats or Native American casinos. Harrah’s New Orleans is a world-famous hotel and casino boasting over 450 rooms and over 110,000 square feet of gaming space. This includes over 2,000 slots and 90 table games. The Caesars Sportsbook inside of Harrah’s lets customers place bets at cashier windows or betting kiosks.

Sam’s Town Shreveport

• Address: 315 Clyde Fant Parkway, Shreveport, LA 71101
• Website: https://www.samstownshreveport.com/
• Phone number: (877) 429-0711
• Operator: FanDuel

Sam’s Town riverboat casino in Shreveport offers a FanDuel Sportsbook that rewards players with Boyd Points each time they place a bet. Alongside the sportsbook, there is a 500-room hotel with 30,000 square feet of gaming space. If you get hungry, you can visit one of the three restaurants that cater to every appetite.

Golden Nugget Lake Charles

• Address: 2550 Golden Nugget Boulevard, Lake Charles, LA 70601
• Website: https://www.goldennugget.com/lake-charles/
• Phone number: (337) 508-7777
• Operator: DraftKings

Golden Nugget Lake Charles is a large entertainment complex that offers a DraftKings Sportsbook, which opened in September 2022. This DraftKings location is the largest the sportsbook operates in LA.  Outside the sportsbook, customers can choose from a dozen restaurants, a golf course, a private beach, and a casino boasting over 1,500 slot machines and 60 table games.

Louisiana Lottery Locations

The Louisiana Lottery Corporation can give locations with Class A liquor licenses approval to operate sports betting kiosks. The Louisiana Lottery also has its own sports betting license, but details on how this may work haven’t been released. The obvious answer is to install sports betting kiosks in some of the 2,900 lottery locations in the state, but at this stage, it’s no more than speculation.

Off-Track Betting and Stadium Locations

Currently, retail sportsbooks in Louisiana can only open at land-based casinos and not at sports stadiums. However, if you’re interested in horse racing betting, four horse tracks in Louisiana offer pari-mutuel betting opportunities. The Louisiana Racing Commission oversees all legal pari-mutuel betting.

Around the horse tracks, there are several off-track betting (OTB) locations where you can bet on races across the US. Each of the four horse race tracks (Louisiana Downs, Evangeline Downs, Delta Downs, and Fair Grounds Race Course) can apply for two Louisiana online sports betting licenses.

Louisiana Responsible Gambling Resources

Sports betting can be exhilarating, but it’s important for bettors to only play within their means. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board is committed to helping gamblers by enforcing strict responsible gambling rules on all sportsbooks. Betting sites provide detailed responsible gambling resources, as well as account tools like time limits, deposit limits, and self-exclusion. A state-wide self-exclusion policy is also available where you can prohibit yourself from all online sportsbooks and casino sites.

There are plenty of responsible gambling support charities in LA you can reach out to for professional advice. You can contact the Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling and the National Council on Problem Gambling Louisiana through helplines and live chat to talk with support agents, as well as find tips on keeping in control.

Teams to Bet on in Louisiana

Pro Sports

New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints compete in the NFC South and play home games at the Caesars Superdome, with Caesars as the franchise’s official betting partner. The Saints have competed in the NFL since 1967, winning one Super Bowl, one conference championship, and nine division titles. The Super Bowl win came in 2009 and was orchestrated by future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees. The Saints find themselves in a rebuilding period following the recent departures of Brees and longtime Head Coach Sean Payton.

New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans are one of the newest teams in the NBA, with the franchise founded in 2002. Initially named the New Orleans Hornets, the team changed to the Pelicans moniker in 2013. The franchise has never won an NBA Championship or any conference titles but did win a division title in 2008. Hopes of the franchise now rest upon Zion Williamson, the number one draft pick in 2019. The team is the official sports betting partner of Caesars Sportsbook.

College Sports

Grambling State University Tigers

The Tigers represent Grambling State University in 13 varsity sports. The Tigers compete in the Southwestern Athletic and are best known for playing in the Bayou Classic against Southern University Jaguars. The Bayou Classic is considered the premier game played between Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCU), with the Jaguars just leading the all-time series. Home games are played at the 20,000-seater Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium, except the Bayou Classic in the Caesars Superdome.

University of Louisiana Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns

The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns have several high-performing sports programs, including its men’s basketball team, which has reached the March Madness competition 15 times, most recently in 2023. The school football team has also won two New Orleans Bowls and ten conference titles.

University of Louisiana at Monroe Warhawks

The Warhawks represents the University of Louisiana at Monroe in 15 varsity sports in the Sun Belt Conference. The school’s only National Championship win came in 1987 when the Warhawks won the football National Title at Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level.

Louisiana Tech University Bulldogs

Louisiana Tech University has 16 varsity teams competing in Conference USA. The most successful team in school history is the Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters basketball team. The Lady Techsters won three National Championships in the 1980s, and while they have not returned to the NCAA championships since 2011, they won the Conference USA title in 2022. Notable alumni include NFL Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw and NBA Hall of Famer Karl Malone.

Louisiana State University Tigers

The LSU Tigers are one of the most successful sporting schools in the country, competing in the Southeastern Conference. The Fighting Tigers have won 49 national championships, placing them inside the top 20 all-time title winners. This includes six national championships in baseball, four in football, and over 30 in track and field. The football team claimed the 2019 National Championship, beating the Clemson Tigers 42-25, led by future NFL standouts Joe Burrow and Patrick Queen.

McNeese State University Cowboys

McNeese State University competes in the Southland Conference, with 14 varsity teams representing the Cowboys. The McNeese Cowgirls softball team has the most successful school record, making the postseason seven times in the 2000s.

University of New Orleans Privateers

The University of New Orleans has 14 varsity teams participating in the Southland Conference. The school plays Basketball games at the 9,000-capacity Lakefront Arena, where fans support both the men’s and women’s teams. Both teams have played postseason basketball, with the men’s team last appearing in 2017 and the women’s team sole appearance in 1987.

Nicholls State University Colonels

Nicholls State University is based in Thibodaux, LA, and the Colonels have 15 varsity teams that compete on its behalf. The football team plays games at FCS level and plays home games at Manning Field at John L. Guidry Stadium. The field is named in honor of the NFL Manning family (Archie, Peyton, and Eli) as the family hosts an annual training camp in the venue.

Northwestern State University Demons

Northwestern State University has 12 teams that play in the Southland Conference. The Demons are strong in multiple sports, with postseason appearances coming in men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, softball, and football. The men’s basketball team is best known for defeating nationally ranked #3 seed Iowa in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in 2006.

Southeastern Louisiana University Lions

The Southland Conference plays host to the Lions of Southeastern Louisiana University. The Lions compete in a rivalry football game with Nicholls Colonels, known as the River Bell Classic. The Lions are slightly ahead in the all-time series with a lead of 17-16.

Southern University Jaguars

The Jaguars represent Southern University in the Southwest Athletic Conference. Jaguars football has claimed multiple HBCU national championships and maintains fierce rivalries with the Grambling State Tigers and Jackson State Tigers, which guarantee a sold-out A. W. Mumford Stadium. The Jaguars have produced two NFL Hall of Fame players, Mel Blount and Aeneas Williams.

Tulane University Green Wave

The American Conference is home to the Green Wave of Tulane University. The Wave has won multiple conference championships but only one national championship, winning the tennis title in 1959. The Green Wave baseball team is perennially strong, with two College World Series appearances and over 100 alumni being selected in the MLB draft.

How Does Louisiana Compare to Other States

Market Coverage

Louisiana sports betting coverage is as good as any other US state, with all licensed LA sportsbooks providing lines for a range of major professional sports. Louisiana also has no restrictions on college betting, so you can wager on in-state college teams, which is prohibited in many US states. You can also place prop bets on college athletes.

Competitive Odds & Prices

All of the online sportsbooks available in Louisiana have a presence in multiple states and offer the same odds and prices in each state. If you place a bet in Louisiana, you’ll get the same odds as in Oregon, New York, and every state in between. Even sportsbooks that aren’t widely available across the US offer generous betting lines to keep up in the Louisiana market, which will be very competitive when all 40 online licenses are claimed.

Gambling Revenue

Gambling revenue in Louisiana is taxed at 15% for online sports bets and 10% for retail sports bets. Total bets in January 2023 totaled over $280 million, generating $28 million in revenue for sportsbooks and $3.5 million in taxes for the state of Louisiana.

Betting Taxes

Gambling winnings are taxable in Louisiana as with all other US states. If you win over $600, you must complete a W-2G form declaring your winnings. If you do win over this amount, sportsbooks can withhold up to 25% of your winnings for tax purposes. You can deduct gambling losses from gambling winnings, so ensure that you keep good records of your sports bets to help when it comes to tax season.

Who Oversees Sports Betting in Louisiana?

The Louisiana Gaming Control Board regulates sports betting in Louisiana. The Board was established in 1996 in response to the incoming riverboat casinos, and with its experience delivering safe gambling, it was the obvious regulatory body to oversee sports betting.

The Louisiana Lottery Corporation supports the Louisiana Gaming Control Board for sports betting in smaller venues. Restaurants and bars that want to apply for a sports betting kiosk need to receive approval from the Louisiana Lottery Corporation. The Corporation has the power to allow sports betting kiosks in Class A liquor license venues.

Best Online Sports Betting in Louisiana

With plenty of options to choose from, Louisiana is an extremely competitive market for bettors, with many operators providing excellent and easy-to-use platforms. Our experts’ favorite is FanDuel, with its straightforward Louisiana sports betting app, great selection of markets, and competitive odds.

We also love that you can play DFS and wager on sports all in one platform. An additional advantage is its extensive range of sports available for live streaming. To sign-up with FanDuel or any of our other recommended Louisiana sportsbooks, click any link to an operator on this page now.

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