Best Louisiana Sports Betting Sites and Promo Codes

Roughly three months after the retail Louisiana sports betting launch, mobile operations thankfully, triumphantly followed suit. It's been a long time coming for residents of the Pelican State, who were able to access Louisiana mobile betting prior to Super Bowl LVI, among other major sporting events.

If you're interesting in Louisiana sports betting but you don't know where to start, allow us to help. We'll use the sections below to review the top online sportsbooks in Louisiana, as well as provide an overview of Louisiana sports betting law, which betting types are available at betting sites LA, and which sports/teams are most popular to bet on in Louisiana.

Online Sports Betting in LA: Best Sites for Louisiana Sports Bettors

The mobile Louisiana sports betting launch happened on Jan. 28, 2022, with about a half-dozen operators opening their virtual doors immediately. Four of those online sportsbooks in Louisiana are highlighted below, as well as two betting sites LA that should be coming to the state soon. We've noted a particular strength for each LA sportsbook to help bettors align with the operator that best meets their needs.

1. Caesars Sportsbook Louisiana: Best Sportsbook for Welcome Bonus

You won't find a bigger new-user bonus than the one available at Caesars Sportsbook Louisiana, so bettors looking for a fast start might want to turn this way. Caesars Sportsbook also has the benefit of being linked to Caesars Rewards, a loyalty program that allows customers to earn and redeem points at the sportsbook, as well as resorts, casinos, restaurants and shops owned by Caesars Entertainment.

• Welcome Offer: First-bet insurance up to $1,250,  plus 1,000 Tier Credits and 1,000 Reward Credits

• Live Since: Jan. 28, 2022

• States Available In: Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia (and D.C.)

• App Offered: Via the App Store and Google Play

2. FanDuel Louisiana Sportsbook: Best Online Betting Site for Sports Offerings

Whether you want to bet on the NFL football or Aussie Rules football, baseball or cricket, you'll find what you're looking for at FanDuel Louisiana Sportsbook. None of the most popular North American sports are overlooked, but all the extra offerings create options to place bets during practically all hours of the day (and seasons of the year).

• Welcome Offer: No Sweat First Bet up to $1,000

• Live Since: Jan. 28, 2022

• States Available In: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia

• App Offered: Via the App Store and Google Play

3. BetMGM Louisiana Sportsbook: Best Louisiana Sports Betting Site for Free Bet Offers

Every week, BetMGM Louisiana Sportsbook allows customers who wager at least $50 in real money to collect a $10 bonus bet. Additionally, BetMGM LA frequently offers free bet "insurance" on various sports markets, which allows bettors to recoup a free bet refund if their wager is unsuccessful. When used correctly, free bets can help bettors replenish their bankroll with ease.

• Welcome Offer: First-bet offer worth up to $1000

• Live Since: Jan. 28, 2022

• States Available In: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, New York*, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming (and D.C.) (* Welcome offer not available)

• App Offered: Via the App Store and Google Play

4. DraftKings Louisiana Sports Betting: Best Sportsbook for DFS Integration

DraftKings Sportsbook was the first sportsbook Louisiana to receive a daily fantasy license by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, in July 2021, and it soon became the first DFS operator in the state. Some Louisiana bettors might have a DraftKings account already because of the DFS platform, and they can easily transfer their funds and rewards points over to a DraftKings Sportsbook account. For people who enjoy betting on games and crafted fantasy lineups, DraftKings provides the best of both worlds.

• Welcome Offer: A 20% first-deposit bonus worth up to $1,000

• Live Since: Jan. 28, 2022

• States Available In: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming

• App Offered: Via the App Store and Google Play

5. WynnBET Lousiana: Best Sportsbook in LA for New Bettors

If you're entering the Louisiana online sports betting space with zero experience, a place like WynnBET could provide a soft landing. There are fewer sports offerings, which means less clutter on the sports betting site LA and less confusion for you, and the welcome offer requires very little up-front investment. WynnBET Sportsbook has arrived in the online Louisiana sports betting market with an attractive welcome offer.

• Welcome Offer: Bet $100, Get $100 Free Bet

• Live Since: Feb. 10, 2022

• States Available In: Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, Virginia

• App Offered: Via the App Store and Google Play

Promo Codes for Louisiana Sports Betting Sites

The best sportsbook site Louisiana promo codes depend a bit on what you're looking for out of a sportsbook. If you want a guaranteed win, the deposit bonuses at Caesars and DraftKings might be best. If you're looking to bet big and hope for the best, risk-free offers such as the one at BetMGM might be more your speed. Every sportsbook Louisiana offers something, and it's your job to take full advantage.

Leagues in Louisiana Sports Betting

You can bet on a huge number of sports in Louisiana, but we know that a select number of North American leagues are going to dominate the investment of time and money from local bettors. Here's a look at the most popular leagues to bet on in Louisiana betting apps, with some insight into the ways in which people play.

Football Betting (NFL)

Pessimists call it the "No Fun League," but that moniker doesn't apply to sports wagering. NFL bettors have all the fun, with maximized markets for standard bets, props, parlays and odds boosts. On game days for the Saints, some Louisiana betting sites are likely to have promotions geared toward the state's lone NFL franchise.

Hockey Betting (NHL)

Louisiana is not exactly the first state you think of when it comes to betting on the NHL, but hey, there's nothing wrong with a sport played on ice. The best nights for parlays are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and bettors can search for an edge by tracking which teams are playing back-to-backs.

Basketball Betting (NBA)

The NBA is all about its stars, and the Pelicans are hoping they have one in CJ McCollum, who they acquired shortly before the 2022 NBA trade deadline. NBA markets are generally filled with prop bets, and their busiest nights (for parlay purposes at Louisiana online sports betting sites) are Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Baseball Betting (MLB)

When it comes to live betting, MLB makes it as easy as possible with so many pitching changes and half-inning breaks. During a standard season, games are on practically every day for six months straight, which provides a massive amount of betting opportunities — and a large sample size to keep track of trends from one team to the next.

Louisiana Professional Sports Teams

Louisiana loves its pro sports teams, although there are only a couple playing in the continent's top leagues. For that reason, we'll also highlight the top college team in this section.

New Orleans Saints (NFL)

The Saints struggled a bit in their first year without future Hall of Famer Drew Brees, and now their search for a long-term quarterback rages on. Running back Alvin Kamara, a Pro Bowler in all five of his seasons, has certainly been a bright spot. But with new coach Dennis Allen in the picture, we aren't exactly sure what direction this NFC South team is headed in.

New Orleans Pelicans (NBA)

The Pelicans would love to build a team around Zion Williamson, but he hasn't played this year due to a foot injury. As a franchise, the Pelicans (initially named the Hornets) only made it past the first round of the playoffs twice since moving from Charlotte in 2002. They've also only enjoyed one winning season in the past decade.

New Orleans Breakers (USFL)

New Orleans's newest pro franchise is the Breakers, coming this spring as one of the eight franchises taking part in the reboot of the United States Football League (USFL). The Breakers are led by head coach Larry Fedora, a longtime FBS coach at schools including Baylor, Texas and North Carolina.

LSU Tigers (NCAA)

The football program won the 2019 national championship with Joe Burrow, and the basketball program boasts notable alumni such as Shaquille O'Neal and Ben Simmons. Yes, LSU is used to having a lot of star power on its teams, and as the lone Power 5 school in the state it garners a massive amount of attention from those who enjoy sports betting in Louisiana.

Other Popular Betting Options for Louisiana Bettors

Daily Fantasy Sports Betting

Daily fantasy sports betting has been legal in Louisiana since summer 2021, and it provides daily tournament- and contest-style gaming at sites such as FanDuel and DraftKings.

Horse Racing

The history of horse racing in Louisiana extends back to the 1920s. Today, bettors can go to any of the licensed racinos to place bets as well as bet online.

Elections

You cannot place legal bets on elections in Louisiana.

eSports Betting

Current online Louisiana sports betting law prohibits eSports betting.

Promotions & Offers At Louisiana Online Sportsbooks

As we've mentioned already, every LA sports betting site provides some kind of welcome promotion or offer to reel in new customers. It's a competitive market, and sportsbooks know they need to give something special to build up their client base. Here's a look at the most common types of promotions and offers you'll see.

Risk-Free Bets

A bet is defined as "risk-free" when the user is sure to win something. In most cases, a risk-free bet grants a customer with a free bet refund — worth the value of their initial stake — if their wager loses.

Deposit Match

This is just as it sounds: Receive a match from your betting website LA based on what you deposit. That could be a full or partial match of value, and it could come in free bet funds or real money. Naturally, larger deposits will yield larger deposit matches (up to a defined point, such as $1,000).

Referral Bonuses

Use a link or a code from your sports betting online LA account to help a friend register. Both you and the friend will earn a bonus of some kind (cash or a free bet) once the new registrant has made a deposit, placed their first bet or fulfilled some other requirement.

How to Choose a Louisiana-based Online Sportsbook

We love welcome bonuses, but they won't last forever. To maximize your online sports betting Louisiana experience, you'll need more. Each subhead shown below identifies one of the key elements involved in choosing the best online betting sites Louisiana stand out.

Variety Of Bets Offered

Though a limited variety of bets might be suitable for some novice customers, we generally prefer to have as many options as possible when it comes to types of bets/contests and types of sports at Louisiana online sports betting sites. Even if you know you love betting on the NFL and NBA, it's fun to have the option to try betting on something like the Olympics or Aussie Rules football instead.

Competitive Lines and Odds

We're focused on vetting Louisiana online sports betting sites that provide fair, competitive lines and odds to customers. Nobody wants to be ripped off. With that said, not every sportsbook offers identical odds for the same events. Subtle differences in odds can lead to subtle differences in payouts, which is why it can be beneficial to check multiple licensed Louisiana sportsbooks before placing a bet.

Frequency Of Betting Bonuses

The value of a particular betting bonus is obviously important, but so is the frequency. Are you using a sports betting site that offers bonuses on a daily or weekly basis? If so, great. If not, it might be time to look for something better.

Ease Of Deposits and Withdrawal

As with variety of bets, we want as many accepted banking methods as possible. Most people will be able to get by with a major credit card or an online bank account, but that's not going to satisfy everyone. Just be sure to review the available deposit and withdrawal options at your sportsbook of choice before attempting to make a transaction.

Customer Support

Whether you ever need it or not, customer support is a really important part of the sports betting experience. If you ever have an issue placing a bet, making a withdrawal or doing anything else, you need to know that your problems will be dealt with in a timely manner.

Most sportsbooks will have some combination of these customer support methods: FAQ articles, live chat, phone line and/or email support. In particular, the live support and email options help improve the rankings of the Louisiana betting sites we review.

Bet Types & Sports Wagers At Legal Louisiana Sportsbooks

Moneyline

Predict the game's winner in straight-up fashion. If the Pelicans beat the Spurs, regardless of who's favored, the Pelicans are the moneyline winners.

Totals

Predict the total points scored in a game, based on a line set by the sportsbook. An NFL game might have an over/under set at 47.5 points. If you pick the "over," but only 44 total points are scored, you have lost the bet.

Point Spreads

Predict the game's winner based on a particular margin of victory or defeat. Let's say the Saints are favored by 3.5 points and go on to win by five. That means they've won straight up (moneyline) and they've also won by a large enough margin to cover the spread.

Parlays

Combine multiple wagers — choosing from moneylines, point spreads and more — into one bet. Each wager is called a "leg," and each leg must be successful for the parlay to be successful. Parlays have more risk and reward than straight bets.

Futures

Predict an outcome that occurs sometime in the future, perhaps weeks or months away. Picking the Saints to win next year's Super Bowl, or picking Zion Williamson to be next year's NBA MVP, are examples of futures bets.

Prop Bets

Predict the occurrence or nonoccurrence of an event with a game, which might not relate to the game's outcome. Selecting Alvin Kamara as an anytime touchdown scorer or a Pelicans/Rockets game to go to overtime are examples of props.

Live Bets

Predict something for an event that is already underway. If the Saints are trailing by a touchdown in the second quarter but their opponent's starting quarterback just got hurt, you might consider betting on the Saints' moneyline in anticipation of a comeback.

Louisiana Legislation on Online Sports Betting Sites

Louisiana appeared to have its sports betting legislation in order by September 2021, in time for the early stages of the NFL season. Perfect, right?

Well, no, because of the uniqueness of its parish breakdown, Louisiana residents were not altogether on board with the legalization of sports gambling; nine of the 64 parishes in the state voted in opposition when given the chance back in November 2020. As a result, Louisiana needed to ensure its geofencing technology was up to the task of preventing sports gambling from occurring in the prohibited parishes.

Doing that took time, and there was a risk that Louisiana betting apps would not be able to launch prior to Super Bowl LVI. Fortunately, the delay did not span that long, and online sportsbooks in Louisiana launched in late January.

Louisiana Sportsbook Revenue Projection

Spectrum Gaming Group released a revenue projection for sports betting in Louisiana (pre-pandemic), with an estimated revenue intake between $237 million and $332 million annually. Based on retail and online tax rates, that could generate $40-50 million in tax dollars for the state.

During its first month legal retail sportsbooks, Louisiana collected about $570,000 in tax revenue. It's far too soon to measure the exact affect of legal online sports betting LA, but it's certaint hat mobile wagering will provide a huge revenue boost.

Louisiana Legal Online Sports Betting Tax Rate

Sportsbooks must pay a tax rate of 15% tax for earnings through online sports betting in Louisiana, with retail bets are only taxed at 10%.

Who Regulates Sports Betting Sites in Louisiana?

The regulating body of Louisiana sportsbook apps is the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. The board establishes and enforces rules pertaining to Louisiana sports betting, including some of the following topics:

• Duties and restrictions for each sports betting site

• Registration requirements for LA bettors

• Protection and support for compulsion or problem gamblers

• Enforced geofencing to exclude parishes that voted against legal sports betting

How to Deposit and Withdraw from Louisiana Sports Betting Sites

You'll find that pretty much every LA sportsbook has the same basic list of deposit methods available: credit/debit cards (particularly VISA and MasterCard), online banking transfer, PayPal, electronic check and prepaid Play+ Card. With the exception of credit and debit cards, all of these options are typically available for making withdrawals, too.

The primary difference from one payment method to the next is the speed at which your transaction is processed — and this is especially true for withdrawals. The quickest withdrawal methods are likely to be PayPal and Play+. If you feel more comfortable using something like an electronic check instead, that's okay too (you just might have to wait a bit longer to access your money).

How Louisiana Sports Betting Compares to the Other Legal States

With six Louisiana online sportsbooks, registering for an account and placing bets is supremely easy and accessible (you don't have to register at a retail sportsbook like in some states). The extremely early returns for Louisiana online sportsbooks is really, really great.

According to GeoComply, 3.6% of Louisiana's adult population participated in the first 36 hours of online sports betting launch, which exceeds New York (3.3%) and ranks eighth in the U.S.

Retail Sports Betting vs. Mobile Sports Betting

We know that retail sports betting came first for Louisiana sports bettors, and perhaps that gives it an edge in familiarity for some customers. The experience of retail sports betting is different, too, in that it can be shared with others at a fun venue such as a bar or casino.

On the mobile sports betting side, the advantages are obvious: speed and accessibility. You can pull out your phone and place a bet from anywhere within Louisiana's approved parishes, and it only takes a few seconds.

Louisiana Legal Sports Betting Legislation Timeline

• Jan. 28, 2022: Online LA sports betting goes live with six operators: DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, BetMGM, BetRivers and Barstool.

• Jan. 12, 2022: EGR Global reports that the Louisiana sports betting operators could delay their online launch until Feb. 13 (the day of Super Bowl LVI) due to geolocation issues on mobile apps.

• Oct. 31, 2021: Ex-Saints quarterback Bobby Hebert bets $1,100 on the Saints to cover a 4.5-point spread as underdogs against the Buccaneers. It's the first legal sports wager in Louisiana. Days later, multiple riverboat casinos begin accepting sports wagers.

• Sept. 16, 2021: The Louisiana Gaming Control Board establishes permanent sports betting rules (to override the emergency rules from before), and legal sports betting is expected to go live at retails sportsbooks in the coming months.

• Aug. 23, 2021: A set of emergency rules regarding legal sports betting take effect, including a prohibition of gambling access in the nine parishes that voted against legal online sports betting in Louisiana.

• June 2021: Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards signs HB697 and two other Louisiana sports betting bills into law. At this point, there's an outline of how betting revenue will be taxed in the state, as well as state approval for up to 40 betting apps.

• November 2020: 55 out of Louisiana's 64 parishes vote in favor of legalizing sports gambling.

• May 2020: The Louisiana State House and the Louisiana Senate approve HB697, which could allow for up to 20 sports betting licenses if signed into law.

Responsible Louisiana Sports Betting

The Louisiana Gaming Control Board takes responsible gaming very seriously, as seen by the resources available to problem gamblers. There's a toll-free helpline available at all hours (1-877-770-7867), and a live chat option at www.helpforgambling.org. At every sportsbook Louisiana, bettors will have an option to self-exclude, or to set limits for wagers, deposits and/or time spent on the Louisiana sports betting app.

Where to Bet in Louisiana: Retail Sportsbooks

There are 10 brick-and-mortar retail sportsbooks in Louisiana, with one or more located in each of the following places: New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Harvey, Lake Charles, Bossier City, Marksville and Shreveport. Retail sportsbook partnerships are in place with Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, Unibet, Betfred and Barstool.

Final Thoughts on Sports Betting in Louisiana

Well, mobile bettors in Louisiana missed out on most of the NFL season but were able to place legal bets for the final few games of the playoffs (including, most importantly, the Super Bowl). March Madness follows, then the NBA/NHL playoffs, MLB regular season and more.

Getting ready for all of that requires the best sports betting app LA has to offer. Maybe you just want the biggest up-front bonus; maybe you enjoy a sportsbook that also allows you to play daily fantasy; or maybe you're new to sports betting and you want a site that keeps things simple.

No matter what, you can find a suitable option in Louisiana. And as the market grows, so too will your betting options within it.

Louisiana Online Sportsbook FAQs

Is Sports Betting Legal in Louisiana?

Yes, sports betting in Louisiana is legal in both a retail and LA online betting capacity. Retail wagering began in the fall of 2021, while mobile operations became active in late-January 2022.

How old do I need to be to bet on sports in Louisiana?

The sports betting age LA is 21 years or older. That's the standard age for most states.

Will Louisiana residents pay taxes on betting?

Yes, because any cash winnings that result from sports betting in LA are counted as taxable income according to the IRS.

Where can I bet at Louisiana sportsbooks?

Licensed riverboats and land-based casinos, such as Harrah's New Orleans, and online sports betting sites Louisiana, such as Caesars, BetMGM, DraftKings and FanDuel.

Are there Louisiana sports betting apps?

Yes, as of February 2022, there were six: DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, BetMGM, BetRivers and Barstool.

Will I need to be a Louisiana resident to bet online?

Can you bet sports online in LA without being a resident? Yes. You just have to be physically located in one of the approved parishes.

Who can offer Louisiana sports betting?

Licensed retail and mobile operators can offer sports betting. Up to 40 online sports betting sites could end up in the state.

When will Louisiana legalize sports betting?

Great news: It already has! Retail sports betting began in late October 2021 and online sports betting launched Jan. 28, 2022.