Louisiana has one of the best land-based casino industries in the United States. The state is home to several casinos, many of which are found in New Orleans and Lake Charles. These casinos offer a wide range of games including slots, table games, poker, and sports betting, and include tribal and riverboat casinos, as well as a commercial casino.
Best Online Gambling Sites in Louisiana
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While Louisiana online casinos are still on the horizon, there are plenty of ways you can win big while satisfying your gambling itch! For instance, sports betting is now legal, allowing people to place bets on their favorite teams. There are also land-based casinos where you can play your favorite casino games and live table games. If you still want to experience real-money online casinos legally, some of the best places to enjoy online casino games are through social casinos. For more on Louisiana’s gambling sites, how to play online casino games and win cash prizes, and the state of online casino gaming in Louisiana, read on!
Louisiana Online Gambling Laws
Louisiana has been able to maneuver around some pretty stringent laws against gambling, and you can play casino games, slot machines, table games, video poker machines, and more at various tribal and state casinos. However, if you want to gamble online instead of visiting one of the many land-based casino options in the state, we have some unfortunate news. There are currently no laws allowing for online betting with Louisiana casinos.
Still, social casinos are a good option to help you play casino games without needing to wager real money. These Louisiana gambling sites allow you to play using only virtual currency. Fortunately, there are laws that allow you to place sports bets and partake in gambling online with different sportsbooks! This legal sports betting is a good way for Louisiana residents to enjoy responsible gambling and have fun choosing their favorite teams!
How Does Louisiana Regulate Gambling?
With so many different options for gambling existing within the state, it’s only natural to wonder how the state keeps everything organized and legal. The gaming industry is overseen by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, or LGCB, a state body that has been responsible for monitoring all facets of the gambling industry since 1992. The board issues licenses and enforces regulations on all forms of gambling in the state, ensuring that confidence and integrity remain high.
In addition to regulating the casinos, the LGCB also ensures that all gambling machines, including slot and video poker machines, are properly tested and licensed. The board also monitors any tribal gaming operations on Native American land in Louisiana. However, it’s important to note that the majority of power for tribal gaming operations lies with the federal government and with the tribes themselves, not the state of Louisiana.
The Board also has regulatory authority and presides over all aspects of gaming activities and operations thanks to provisions of:
- the Louisiana Riverboat Economic Development and Gaming Control Act,
- the Louisiana Economic Development and Gaming Corporation Act,
- the Video Draw Poker Devices Control Law.
Louisiana Land-Based Casinos
Online Casino Louisiana Gambling
Online casino gambling is not currently legal in Louisiana. However, there are some signs that things may be changing soon. Online sports betting became legal in Louisiana after being signed into law in June 2021. This makes Louisiana the latest state to join the growing list of states that have legalized online gambling.
For those who don’t want to participate in sports betting, but would rather enjoy casino games responsibly, you’re in luck! Social casinos are completely legal in this state. These Louisiana online casino sites offer a wide range of casino games for players to enjoy, without the risk of losing real money. They work by offering virtual currency for players to use or purchase additional virtual currency if they wish to continue playing. This model allows gamblers to still enjoy the thrill of casino games while avoiding the potential negative effects of gambling.
In addition, residents can also participate in Daily Fantasy sports (DFS) through popular Louisiana online gambling sites for sports such as DraftKings and FanDuel. DFS has been deemed a game of skill and therefore is not considered gambling under Louisiana law.
Online Poker
Like other table games, it’s illegal to play online poker in Louisiana. However, there is one exception – social poker games. Social poker games are those which allow players to play with virtual currency, rather than real money. As long as real money is not involved, these games are completely legal in Louisiana. You can also visit an in-person casino and sit in their poker room.
Daily Fantasy Sports
In 2018, Louisiana residents voted to allow daily fantasy sports (DFS) in the state. This type of online gaming is considered a game of skill and is therefore not classified as gambling under Louisiana law. Players can participate in DFS on popular platforms such as DraftKings and FanDuel, which offer a variety of different contests for players to enter.
Sports Betting
As of January 2022, several legal online gambling sites have allowed Louisiana residents to place bets on sports online. They are licensed by the state and regulated by the LGCB. This means that players can safely and legally bet on their favorite sports teams and events without having to leave their homes. Like DFS, sports betting apps include major platforms such as DraftKings and FanDuel, among others.
Online Horse Betting
The Louisiana Racing Commission oversees all horse racing and betting in the state. This includes online horse betting, which is legal and regulated through licensed platforms such as TwinSpires and TVG.
Lottery
In 1991, the Louisiana Lottery was launched, offering residents the chance to win big prizes with scratch-off tickets and draw games such as Powerball and Mega Millions. The proceeds from the lottery have been sent to fund the state after it had suffered from deficits. Residents can buy lottery tickets at various retailers throughout the state, as well as review rules for how to play on the official Louisiana Lottery website.
History of Gambling Legislation in Louisiana
The history of gambling in Louisiana has been rocky, to say the least. In 1806, gambling was completely banned in the state, but it continued to thrive underground. Later in the same century, gambling was legalized and regulated, but only through pari-mutuel betting on horse races.
Sadly, the Civil War broke out and in 1866, this led to the need for a state lottery to be created. This state lottery will then be banned, only to be brought back again in 1993. It is just one example of how gambling has been treated in Louisiana, with ebbs and flows according to state needs and deficits.
In 1940, the Louisiana Racing Commission was created to oversee horse racing. It was one of the important steps toward the development of a strong gambling industry in Louisiana. Between 1993 and 1994, riverboat casinos were legalized, allowing gamblers to enjoy fun on the water! But it wasn’t until the Queen Baton Rouge opened in 2023 that Louisiana finally had its first land-based casino.
In 2018, Daily Fantasy sports were legalized in Louisiana, and in 2022, online sports betting was authorized.
States with legal online gambling
FAQ
What is the legal gambling age in Louisiana?
You need to be 18 years old to participate in online lotteries. However, you must be 21 years old to gamble in land-based casinos and participate in sports betting.
Who regulates online gambling in Louisiana?
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board is responsible for regulating all gambling activities in the state, including casinos, video slot machines, and sports betting. The Louisiana Racing Commission oversees horse racing events in the state.
Are Louisiana online casinos legal?
No, online casinos are not currently legal in this state. However, there has been recent legislation to legalize online sports betting, so it may be possible for online casinos to follow suit in the future.
Are gambling winnings taxable in Louisiana?
Yes, it’s a law that all establishments that pay out gambling winnings need to withhold 6% of the winnings for taxes. This applies to all types of gambling, including casinos, sports betting, and lottery games.
When will online casinos be legal in Louisiana?
There is no set timeline for when online casinos will be legal in Louisiana, as it ultimately depends on legislation and potential pushback from anti-gambling groups. However, with the recent legalization of online sports betting, it’s possible that online casinos may follow suit shortly.
I’m a seasoned gambler with a decade of experience in games like blackjack and roulette, and a particular fondness for slot machines. Now, as a writer for iGaming IQ Inc and Lucky Gambler, I use my expertise to educate others on smart, responsible betting, winning strategies, and choosing the best online casinos.
