Louisiana Sports Betting Guide 2026

Yes. Louisiana legalized sports betting through a parish-by-parish ballot vote in 2020. In 55 out of 64 parishes, voters approved sports wagering, allowing both retail and mobile sportsbooks to launch. Retail betting began in late 2021, and mobile apps launched statewide (in approved parishes) on January 28, 2022.

Sportsbooks are licensed and overseen by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. Online betting is available only when your device confirms you are physically located in an approved parish.

Quick facts

• Mobile betting legal since January 2022
• 55 of 64 parishes allow sports wagering
• Online and retail sportsbooks permitted
• 21 plus to bet; geolocation required

Louisiana offers a strong lineup of national sportsbook brands. Apps such as DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, bet365, Fanatics Sportsbook and ESPN BET are available in approved parishes through partnerships with Louisiana casinos.

We recommend opening accounts at multiple books to compare odds, promos and user experience.

Availability of sportsbooks can change as operators update partnerships and regulatory approval. Always verify your app is licensed by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board.

Louisiana’s sports betting rules are player-friendly but include some important details, especially around geolocation, parishes and approved wagering markets.

Who can bet in Louisiana

• You must be at least 21 years old
• You must be physically located in an approved parish
• You must pass identity verification
• You must use your own account; proxy betting isn’t allowed

What you can bet on

• Professional sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, etc.)
• College sports, including LSU and Louisiana Tech
• International leagues and tournaments
• Golf, tennis, motorsports and combat sports
• Futures (season-long bets, championships, awards)
• Team and player props (college props allowed unless restricted by operator)

What you cannot bet on

• Sports betting in parishes that voted "no" on legalization
• High school sports or youth competitions
• Unapproved non-sporting events
• Bets with offshore sportsbooks not licensed by Louisiana

Parish rule

You can download any Louisiana sportsbook statewide, but you can only place bets when physically located in a parish that approved sports betting. The app will block wagers in excluded parishes.

Louisiana is one of the more flexible states when it comes to college betting. Bettors can wager on LSU, Tulane and other in-state teams with relatively few restrictions, making it a strong college sports wagering market.

Allowed on college sports

• Moneylines, spreads and totals
• Futures on conference and national titles
• Most team and player props (operator-specific restrictions may apply)
• Live betting on approved markets

Not allowed on college sports

• Any markets Louisiana regulators deem integrity risks
• Certain exotic props depending on the operator

If a college market does not appear, the sportsbook may have removed it for regulatory, integrity or internal compliance reasons.

Both sportsbooks and bettors have tax obligations in Louisiana. Here is a simple breakdown.

Taxes on Louisiana sportsbooks

• Online sportsbook revenue taxed at ~15 percent
• Retail sportsbook revenue taxed at a lower rate
• Operators pay taxes; players do not directly

Taxes on bettors and winnings

• Winnings are taxable income at the federal level
• Louisiana also taxes gambling winnings as state income
• Large wins may trigger W-2G forms or withholding
• Bettors must keep records of net winnings

This is general guidance, not tax advice. Consult a tax professional for help with reporting gambling income.

Louisiana offers a mix of retail sportsbooks at commercial casinos, tribal properties and riverboats. These venues often tie into the same online sportsbook you use at home.

What to expect at Louisiana retail sportsbooks

• Sports lounges with large screens and seating
• Betting windows and self-service kiosks
• Cash deposits and withdrawals linked to mobile accounts
• Event-day promos and on-site betting specials

Retail locations and partnerships may change over time. Always check the Louisiana Gaming Control Board’s updated operator list.

Getting started with legal sports betting in Louisiana is quick and easy.

• Choose one or more licensed Louisiana sportsbook apps.
• Download the app or visit the sportsbook site.
• Create an account with your personal information.
• Enable geolocation so the app can verify your parish.
• Deposit using online banking, debit card or wallet.
• Review promo terms to ensure eligibility.
• Place your first wager and track your bets.

We recommend using multiple apps to take advantage of competitive odds, bonuses and ongoing promotions across Louisiana sportsbooks.

Compare top Louisiana sportsbooks

Louisiana’s dynamic market offers many opportunities — but smart habits help you stay in control.

Positive habits

• Set a fixed betting budget
• Compare odds across multiple apps
• Focus on sports you know well
• Track your bets and bankroll
• Use app limits or time-outs when needed

Things to avoid

• Chasing losses with bigger bets
• Betting while in a non-approved parish
• Using offshore sportsbooks
• Letting emotions drive your betting

If betting becomes stressful or problematic, call 1-877-770-STOP for confidential help.