Sports betting, online sports betting specifically, has taken the country by storm. Making sports betting legal has been down to the states. This leads to the question, “Is sports betting legal in Louisiana?”
So, is sports betting legal in Louisiana? Great news! On the fast track to making betting legal in Louisiana, the process moved quickly. As of October 6, 2021, sports betting officially became legal. Legalized sports betting was implemented by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, allowing retail sports betting, mobile sportsbooks, and made betting legal in Louisiana officially.
Current Legal Status of Sports Betting in New Orleans
Louisiana voted to make sports betting legal in 2021. Legislation called to legalize sports betting and regulate the sports betting industry. Bettors were now allowed to make sports bets at registered gambling establishments and online sportsbooks.
Placing a bet is now legal in Louisiana. Cities like New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Bossier City, and others allow a bet to be placed at retail sportsbook locations. There is also Louisiana mobile sports betting, allowing users to place a bet with registered online sportsbooks that are legal in Louisiana. Anyone gambling in New Orleans and Louisiana at large must be 21 years old.
The state collects sports betting revenue from revenue from all operators throughout the state. It is a great source of income for the state, providing funds for a variety of programs throughout local and state governments. There are requirements by each sportsbook before placing your first bet, so be sure to check those before signing up.
Where to Legally Bet on Sports in New Orleans
If you have gambling on your mind and want to skip the craps tables, you can legally place a bet in any number of ways. You can check out our Louisiana sports betting FAQ below, but we have the answers to all of your questions throughout this guide as well.
Placing a bet (and gambling, in general) must be done at an authorized location. Sports betting can be done at in-person retail locations, generally casinos. There are other establishments throughout the state that offer sportsbook services as well; they must be licensed by the state in order to be considered a legal operation.
There are also online sportsbooks for more convenient sports betting. Before you place a bet, you need to set up an account with an online sportsbook. Each has its own rules, so be sure to read before signing up to wager on the LSU Tigers, Tulane Green Wave (and their three NCAA tournament appearances), or any of the New Orleans professional sports teams.
The New Orleans Saints take on the Dallas Cowboys on September 29, 2019. The Saints would take the victory 12–10.
(Wikipedia)
Types of Sports Bets Allowed
Before you look to place a bet at a legal Louisiana establishment, it helps to know the various betting markets available. Those totally new to the sports betting world might find all of the choices a bit overwhelming without prior knowledge.
Though there are far more betting markets to choose from, the list below encompasses the most common bet types out there. These are the ones to focus on because they are the ones most often chosen. Let’s check out single-game bets, parlays, in-game betting, prop bets, and futures.
Single-game bets
The most common form of betting there is. Bettors place a wager on one game, choosing from things like the moneyline (who will win), the spread (how many points a team is favored by), and total points scored in a game. A single-game bet can include both game and player props (more on them below) as well.
Parlays
Depending on the odds, single-game bets may not be enticing enough for some, especially when it comes to favorites. With a parlay wager, you can combine picks into a single ticket. All of those picks, or legs, must hit in order for it to win. A single lost leg and the entire ticket falls apart. Still, there are few ways to bet that are as exciting, especially when rolling local New Orleans teams into one parlay.
In-play betting
It can be difficult to determine the outcome of a game before it starts. With in-game betting, bettors can place wagers virtually all throughout a game. Odds change with each play, creating the perfect opportunity to pick your spot.
Prop bets
Players who struggle to make a successful single-game bet may try their hand at prop bets. Props can include single game outcomes like how many points a team will score, which team will score first, etc. More commonly, props have to do with individual player stats. You can wager on how many points a player will score, how many yards they attain, and so much more.
Futures
If you have a feel for a particular sport or league, futures betting could be the way to go. Before the season starts and all the way until the championship is crowned, players have the chance to pick future outcomes. Futures bets can include division winners, which teams will make the playoffs, who will win the championship, and even individual trophy winners. Odds change throughout the season, but a futures bet can be potentially lucrative if done correctly.
New Orleans Pelicans players Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. (Wikipedia)
How to Get Started with Sports Betting
If you have never been involved in Louisiana sports betting, there are plenty of options when it comes to where to place legal sports bets. Both online and retail sportsbooks are legal in Louisiana. In order to bet online, you must be within Louisiana state lines to place a bet.
Prior to the introduction of the online sportsbook market, sports bettors had to do all betting in person at retail locations. The list of in-person gambling establishments included casinos and other locations physically located in Louisiana.
In New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, and Bossier City, you will find retail sportsbook establishments like Boomtown New Orleans, Pelican State Casino, Paragon Casino Resort, and others.
For mobile sports betting, there are also a plethora of online sportsbooks to choose from. Names like Boyd Gaming and Caesars Entertainment are just a few names available through mobile wagering. Caesars Sportsbook, ESPN Bet, and Betfred Sportsbook are among the eight online sportsbooks now available in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Bossier City, and all throughout Louisiana.
Legal Considerations and Responsible Gambling
Before you place your first wager, either in a city like New Orleans or online, it is important to know the various betting laws, age requirements, and more. They are relatively simple to follow but can save you trouble prior to placing your first bet.
Whether wagering in New Orleans, a smaller city, or at an online sportsbook, you must be at least 21 years old to play. Underage players will be susceptible to potential legal fines and penalties.
More importantly, it is necessary for all players to be within Louisiana state lines when placing a bet. Mobile users may be able to place a bet on their phones, but it won’t go through unless they are physically located in Louisiana.
Finally, there is help for problem gambling. Gambling is meant to be fun but having a gambling problem can be devastating. Before you bet, it is a good idea to set limits and check the section of problem gambling resources.
There are even self-exclusion programs if you think that you have a real problem. Signing up can restrict users from entering betting establishments or from placing a bet at online sportsbooks. It is always helpful to know what tools are at your disposal.
Is Sports Betting Legal in New Orleans FAQ
Is online sports betting legal in New Orleans?
Online sports betting is totally legal in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Louisiana as a whole. New bettors can sign up at some of the best sportsbooks to place wagers on local teams like the Louisiana Ragin Cajuns, the Tulane Green Wave, the New Orleans Saints, and the New Orleans Pelicans.
What are the age requirements for sports betting?
Sports betting is legal in Louisiana only for those of age. All new customers must be at least 21 years old to sign up with online sportsbooks or to place a bet at local casinos. For mobile sports betting, players must not only be 21 years old but also be located within state lines in order to place a bet.
How can I find a reputable sportsbook in New Orleans?
Many sports bets are now placed through online sportsbooks. But how many online sportsbooks are there? How do you choose the right one? Choosing the right online sportsbook among all Louisiana sports betting sites is relatively simple.
Finding a Louisiana sports betting site is simple. An online sportsbook must have a Louisiana sports betting license in order to offer betting legal in Louisiana. Look for online sports betting sites that offer things like mobile betting, off track betting, deposit matches, a first bet offer, odds boosts, and great market access.
