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Online Gambling Laws in Louisiana
Louisiana has been considering regulated online gaming for a while, but it has lagged behind states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania. However, recent developments are paving the way for change.
In 2021, Louisiana took significant steps toward regulated online gambling with the passage of two key bills: HB 697 and SB 247. These pieces of legislation established a framework for legal betting in the state. Notably, in 2020, a majority of Louisiana’s parishes approved allowing sports betting operators within state lines.
By 2021, HB 697 had become the most promising piece of legislation. It proposed tax rates for retail and online gambling sites. SB 247 followed and paved the way for up to 20 online gambling licenses to be issued in the state.
By June 2021, the bills were passed, and mobile sports betting went live in January 2022, just in time for Super Bowl LVI. Additionally, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) had been legalized in 2018, but it took over two years for the state gaming board to start accepting license applications.
Louisiana Online Casino Laws
While online gambling in Louisiana has made progress, players will have to wait a bit longer for online casino games. Currently, Louisiana does not have legislation for online casinos, and there are no pending bills addressing this issue. However, with the expansion of land-based casinos and the regulation of online sports betting, the introduction of online casinos may be on the horizon.
In the near future, Louisiana residents could potentially enjoy classic slot machines, progressive jackpots, and a variety of other online casino games. Leading developers like NetEnt, Bally, and IGT are likely to bring their top games to the state, offering both demo play and real money options. Players could also experience American Roulette or participate in live dealer games, where you can interact with a real croupier via webcam and win actual cash.
Here’s the current status as of June 2021:
- Online casinos are not permitted
- Online and mobile sports betting are legalized
- Riverboat casinos can expand their operations
- Online sweepstakes casinos are legal
Who Regulates Gambling in Louisiana?
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) is responsible for overseeing and regulating all gambling activity in the state. Established in the 1990s following the relaxation of many of Louisiana’s gaming laws, it now oversees the state’s riverboat casinos, lottery providers, and tribal casinos. The LGCB also issues operator licenses and will handle all online licenses for the new wave of sports betting operators.
While Louisiana online gambling is restricted to sports betting for now, online casinos will almost certainly come under LGCB jurisdiction. They will be able to greenlight licenses for software providers and ensure casinos employ responsible gambling rules.
It’s likely that any new online casino sites will have to partner with existing land-based casinos or one of Louisiana’s many riverboats. However, many of Louisiana’s current gambling operators already have a toehold in the regulated US market.
Sweepstakes Casinos in Louisiana
While online casinos aren’t legal in Louisiana, you can enjoy sweepstakes games such as slots and roulette. Sweepstakes casinos are a form of online gambling that use unique coins to bet with. It’s totally legal in LA and you have the chance to win real cash.
At sweepstakes casinos, you play with Gold Coins. These have no real-money value, and you can’t exchange them for cash. However, you will win Sweeps Coins (SC), which are used on special slots and table games. If you win, you can redeem your Sweeps Coins for USD.
The best sweepstakes casinos offer traditional online games such as slots and video poker to Louisiana residents. You can even play online poker games such as Texas Hold’em at special sweepstakes rooms.
What Online Casinos in Louisiana Are Likely?
There will be a host of best online casinos appearing when Louisiana finally legalizes internet table games and slots. Louisiana residents will have access to a full range of sites where they can deposit and win real cash.
Some of the biggest online gambling companies in the US already have a foothold in the Bayou State. Caesars Entertainment owns and operates the Harrah’s New Orleans casino, while Churchill Downs owns tracks across the state.
Mohegan Sun already has a deal in place with the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe to supply games. Mohegan Sun has online casinos up and running in states such as New Jersey. Also look out for established US gambling operators such as Penn National Gaming, Golden Nugget, and Hard Rock Casino. These all run successful internet gaming sites within US borders.
Expect one or all these gaming operators to set up shop in Louisiana:
- Caesars Entertainment (Harrah’s New Orleans, Horseshoe Bossier City, Belle Baton Rouge, Isle of Capri Lake Charles)
- Churchill Downs Louisiana (Fair Grounds Race Course)
- Mohegan Sun (Tunica-Biloxi Tribe/Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment)
- Golden Nugget Online Casino (Golden Nugget Lake Charles)
- Penn National Gaming (Hollywood Casino Baton Rouge)
- Bally’s Corp/Hard Rock (Eldorado Resort Shreveport)
Other potential online casino operators:
- DraftKings Casino
- FanDuel
- Stars Group
- SugarHouse Casino
- Unibet Casino
Would Promo Codes Be Available at Louisiana Casinos Online?
Straight off the bat, Louisiana online casinos will offer a range of welcome bonuses and loyalty programs. Many of these will be similar to NJ online casino promo codes. Sign up for an account and claim a welcome offer by entering a promo code on the registration form.
The welcome bonus may come with free spins and a deposit match included. You’ll be able to earn real money just by making your first USD deposit and playing eligible games. You can withdraw free cash if you meet the wagering requirements. And if you’re a slots player, you’ll be able to claim free spins to use on big-name online slots.
You may also be eligible for a free no deposit casino bonus with no need to make a transfer. Just open your casino account to access bonus funds or free spins on big-name slots. Use your credits and match the casino’s playthrough requirements before you withdraw your winnings and free cash. Plus, you will be in line to enjoy ongoing regular promotions such as reload bonuses, points races, and slots tournaments.
An online casino in LA will also run a VIP scheme where you can earn benefits just for playing your favorite games. Earn player points every time you gamble on slots or roulette. You can then redeem your points for real cash later. The higher up the levels you climb, the more bonuses you can claim. You may even be in line to get your own VIP manager, who has the power to award tailored bonuses.
It will be easy for you to get your cash in and out of real-money online casinos. You’ll be able to use a variety of banking methods to make a deposit.
Use your US debit card to move cash straight from your checking account or enter your PayPal address to use an e-wallet instantly. The best Louisiana online casinos will also waive fees every time you load your account. Plus, regulated casinos will offer the latest online encryption to ensure your money transfers are safe and secure.
You’ll be credited with money every time you win at the online casino. Louisiana gambling sites will also let you make a withdrawal straight away. You may have to wait a day or two for the process to complete, but cashouts should be fast and accurate.
Mobile Casinos in LA
You will also be able to download a dedicated mobile app provided by Louisiana online gambling sites. Install a native app from the App Store or Google Play Store and access your favorite video slots and blackjack games. All games are tested and work perfectly on your smartphone or tablet.
To play mobile casino games, you’ll have to log in to your account, just like you would do for an online casino. Plus, you may only have access to a certain selection of games.
You will also have to enable your GPS and Wi-Fi to verify your location within Louisiana state borders. For easy online gambling on the move, mobile casino games are hard to beat.
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Top Casinos in Louisiana 2021
Coushatta Casino
As Louisiana’s largest casino resort, Coushatta boasts a sprawling 100,000-square-foot gaming floor featuring slots, table games, poker, and off-track sports betting. This multi-award-winning casino consistently earns accolades for Best Overall Casino, Best Dollar Slots, and Best Slot Tournaments.
Harrah’s New Orleans
Harrah’s New Orleans holds the distinction of being the only land-based casino allowed to operate in Louisiana under current laws. However, riverboat casinos are expected to expand inland in the coming years. Harrah’s New Orleans offers a wide range of gaming options, including thousands of slots, table games, and a dedicated poker room, all in line with the standards of its Caesars property affiliation.
Paragon Casino Resort
Paragon Casino Resort, the first land-based casino in Louisiana, features a 500-room hotel, a pool, a golf course, and a vibrant gaming floor with a variety of slots and roulette tables.
Margaritaville Casino Bossier City
Part of the Penn National Gaming chain, which includes other Louisiana locations like Boomtown Casino, Margaritaville Casino is known for its substantial monthly jackpot giveaways, totaling over $90 million. With more than 1,200 slot machines available, Margaritaville ensures plenty of opportunities to chase big-money jackpots.
Isle of Capri Casino-Hotel Lake Charles
Covering over 45,000 square feet of gaming space, the Isle of Capri Casino was temporarily closed during the COVID-19 pandemic but is set to reopen. The casino floor features over 1,100 classic and HD video slots, along with more than 30 table games.
While online gambling in Louisiana is still emerging, it’s likely that the casinos listed above will eventually launch their own online platforms. With their extensive experience in operating land-based casinos in Louisiana, these properties are well-positioned to adapt to mobile and online casino gambling.
Current Legal Gambling Options in Louisiana
While online gambling in Louisiana is a recent development, the state has long offered various legal gambling options. Residents can enjoy betting at land-based casinos, riverboat casinos along the Mississippi, or place pari-mutuel wagers at local racetracks.
Louisiana features a diverse range of gambling establishments, including tribal casinos, commercial casinos, and riverboat casinos, all providing slots, table games, and poker. Many of these venues also offer rewards programs, allowing players to earn perks with every game they play.
The state’s gaming laws are progressively evolving. Video slots are available at most racinos and race tracks, and sports betting is now legal through retail sportsbooks. Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is also permitted, with major operators offering real-money fantasy contests online. The first online and mobile sports betting platforms launched in January 2022 include:
- BetMGM Louisiana
- Caesars Louisiana
- BetRivers Louisiana
- DraftKings Louisiana
- FanDuel Louisiana
- TwinSpires Louisiana
- WynnBET Louisiana
- Betfred Louisiana
Should I Use Offshore Online Casinos?
If you find traveling to a land-based casino inconvenient, you might consider online options such as sweepstakes casinos or offshore casinos. However, we strongly advise against using offshore casinos. They are not licensed in the US, which means there’s no guarantee of accurate payouts.
Additionally, if software issues arise or bonuses are not honored, you may have little recourse.
The best course of action is to wait for online casinos to be legalized in Louisiana. In the meantime, you can still enjoy free-money slots and games at regulated sites across the US, often without needing to log in.
Reasons to avoid offshore casinos:
- Not regulated or licensed in the US
- Games have not been verified by US auditors
- No guarantee of accurate or prompt payouts
- Bonuses and promotions may not be honored
- No procedures for filing complaints
Responsible Gambling
Gambling should be enjoyable, but for some, it can become problematic. If you’re gambling at Louisiana casinos, it’s crucial to practice responsible gaming. Reputable online gambling sites also implement measures to help users monitor their gaming habits.
You can set personal deposit and session limits to manage your gambling activity. Once you reach these limits, your access to your account will be restricted. Additionally, you can request a complete self-exclusion from your account through the casino or by contacting the Louisiana Gaming Control Board.
Helpful Responsible Gambling Resources in Louisiana
Louisiana Department of Health
National Council on Problem Gambling
Louisiana Problem Gamblers Helpline: 1-877-770-STOP
Future Prospects for Online Casinos in Louisiana
The landscape of online gambling in Louisiana is evolving. Just a few years ago, land-based casinos were limited, but now riverboats are expanding, and both retail and online sports betting are legal. Soon, you’ll be able to download mobile sports betting casino apps and place bets from anywhere in the state.
Whether you’re interested in finding top brick-and-mortar casinos or keeping up with major gambling developments, we’re here to provide the latest updates. We’ll keep you informed about new online casino operators seeking licenses in Louisiana and how these changes may affect you.
There’s never been a more exciting time to enjoy gambling in the Bayou State!
Frequently Asked Questions about Online Casinos in Louisiana
Regardless of whether you are an experienced player or a beginner, you may have different questions about this topic. We have selected the most popular questions and their answers.Are there legal online casinos in Louisiana?
No, online casinos are not yet legal in Louisiana. While online sports betting was legalized and went live in January 2022, online casinos remain prohibited for now. However, campaigners and gambling operators are advocating for legislative changes that could potentially expand the legal gambling options in the state.What forms of gambling are legal in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, you can legally engage in games of chance for money at land-based casinos, riverboat casinos, and racinos. Additionally, you can place pari-mutuel bets on racing, participate in lottery games, and play poker for real money.What is the legal gambling age in LA?
To gamble at a Louisiana casino or racetrack, you must be 21 years old or older. The same age requirement will apply to online casino sites in Louisiana once they become available.What is the biggest casino in Louisiana?
Coushatta Casino in Kinder is the largest brick-and-mortar casino in Louisiana, featuring over 100,000 square feet of gaming space. Visitors can enjoy a variety of slots, table games, and Texas Hold'em in the casino's dedicated cardroom.Can you play slots in Louisiana?
Absolutely. Every brick-and-mortar casino in Louisiana, including the state’s racinos and racetracks, offers slot machines. Many of the larger casinos feature over 1,000 video slots and classic slot machines, catering to a variety of stakes.