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Online gambling in Louisiana

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In America, many states, such as Louisiana, allow gamblers to wager and enjoy several benefits from licensed gambling sites. So, online gambling in Louisiana is a popular activity for players to wager from various betting options.

Keep reading this comprehensive guide to learn about online gambling in Louisiana and how to create an account for wagering. You will also learn about typical bonuses, the most popular sportsbooks, and additional info about gambling in Louisiana.

Yes, online gambling is legal in Louisiana, with only sports betting, Daily Fantasy Sports, and horse race betting allowed. Online casino games like slots or poker are illegal because there are no laws that expressly prohibit or regulate casino games in the state. However, gambling operators and promoters hope laws to legalize online casinos will change soon.

In addition, the Louisiana Gaming Control Board oversees all aspects of online sports betting in Louisiana. The board promulgates rules and regulations to implement the state’s gambling laws. Also, the commission investigates and takes action against any person or entity that violates gambling laws.

Creating a LA online gambling account

It’s easy to create an online gambling account in Louisiana. The steps involved are straightforward. So, anyone can create an account within minutes and wager immediately. Below are the easy-to-follow steps.

1. Check out our list to find an online gambling site in LA

The first step involves finding a licensed and reputable gambling site. Some gambling sites, such as offshore sportsbooks in Louisiana, operate illegally. So, avoid such websites since they are unsafe for gambling. After all, players in Louisiana have expressed negative reviews about offshore gambling sites. Our website lists all vetted and licensed gambling sites to ensure you select safe and regulated sportsbooks. So, pick a favorite gambling site from our list that matches your betting preferences and create an account with it.

2. Fill out the form with your personal information

The next step during the sign-up process is to enter personal details. Standard details requested on most gambling sites include your name, email, phone number, SSN, and age or date of birth. Next, verify your identity using a link sent to your email address to complete setting up your account.

3. Use your preferred payment method to make a deposit

After setting up a gambling account, log in using your credentials. You must first deposit wagering funds using a payment method. A list of accepted payment methods available on most gambling sites includes VISA, PayPal, Mastercard, Discover Card, Skrill, and Neteller. Next, go to the deposit or cashier section and select your favorite method from the list of payment options. Depending on your payment method, the gambling site may request specific details. These include card name, number, CVV digits, and expiry date for credit cards. Others, like PayPal and e-wallets, only request an email address.

Once you fill in your details, enter the desired gambling amount and confirm the transaction.

4. Start gambling

You can now gamble on your favorite sports immediately.

Common bonuses at online gambling sites in LA

There are several ways you can earn rewards and bonuses through online gambling in Louisiana. Bonuses are an excellent way to get awarded and enjoy a better gaming experience.

  • Matched deposit bonus: A matched deposit bonus is when a gambling site matches the exact funds you deposit into your account for betting. As a result, these bonuses are an excellent way to increase your bankroll and give you more cash to wager and win.
  • Risk-free bets: These are also popular bonuses rewarded for online gambling in Louisiana. With this bonus, you don’t need to worry about losing any cash for gambling since the site will refund the amount you lose. For example, if a player bets some specific amount on a game but loses, the gambling site refunds the same amount the player deposited for betting. So, it’s an excellent way for players to protect their bankrolls. In addition, risk-free bets are primarily available when trying a new game, so you don’t risk losing your initial deposits.
  • Free bets: Another popular bonus at online gambling sites in Louisiana is free bets. A gambling site rewards free bets in a specific amount, so you won’t risk your cash when gambling. One benefit of this bonus is keeping all your winnings from the free bets bonus. Also, gambling sites give free bets as a promotion or loyalty reward for consistent gamblers.
  • Sign up bonus: These are bonuses rewarded by a gambling site when creating or registering a new account. Also, they serve as welcome bonuses to encourage new players as they try out an online gambling site. Besides, this bonus is usually a percentage of your deposit, up to a certain amount. In addition, some sites offer reload bonuses to existing players, similar to sign up bonuses, to keep them.

Many mobile sports and gambling sites in Louisiana went live in January 2022. Several gambling sites also form business partnerships to help them succeed. Below are some popular gambling sites and what they offer.

  • FanDuel Louisiana: This gambling site is a popular choice for many gamblers because it offers a wide range of betting options, including sports betting and horse racing. Also, FanDuel is an online fantasy sports platform that allows players in Louisiana to compete against each other for prizes. In addition, FanDuel Louisiana is famous for its large jackpots and promotions, which attract many players to the site. Also, FanDuel offers traditional fantasy sports betting, prop betting, and live betting for more fun. The gambling site partnered with Boyd Gaming to offer retail sportsbooks at a few physical locations in the pelican state.
  • BetRivers Louisiana: This sportsbook, operated and owned by Rush Street Interactive, is one of Louisiana’s most popular online gambling sites. BetRivers has several betting options, including football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and more. One benefit of BetRivers is the user-friendly platform and app that provides an excellent gambling experience for both new and experienced bettors. In June 2022, Rivers Casino announced a multi-year exclusive partnership with BetRivers in sportsbooks and casino categories. Also, it partnered with Coushatta Casino Resort after going live on January 2022. Other associates include professional sports teams such as New Orleans Pelicans as their official partners.
  • DraftKings Louisiana: In 2012, Fantasy Sports Ventures recognized the potential for daily fantasy sports and formed a partnership with DraftKings. Since then, the company has become a significant player in the betting industry, offering baseball, basketball, football, golf, hockey, and more games. DraftKings partnered with Golden Nugget to launch a new retail sportsbook at its Casino in Louisiana and Lake Charles Hotel. In addition, DraftKings Louisiana is famous for its various games and is easy to use and navigate. So even beginners can create an account quickly and start gambling in no time.
  • PointsBet Louisiana: If you want to enjoy a unique gambling experience, PointsBet Louisiana is an excellent option. This online gambling in Louisiana site offers various games and betting options. PointsBet also has a unique points-based betting system, which allows you to accumulate points based on your betting activity. So, the more points you have, the higher your chances of winning. Moreover, PointsBet Louisiana has gained a loyal following among punters because of its innovative products, competitive odds, and generous promotional and bonus offers. Besides, PointsBet is a proud partner of the NFL, NBA, NHL, PGA Tour, and LaLiga. In September 2022, PointsBet gained access to Louisiana through its partnership with Penn National Gaming (PNG).
  • Caesars Louisiana: As a popular destination for gambling, Caesars has high-profile casinos and gambling resorts. Caesars Louisiana operates and partners with Harrah’s New Orleans casinos, Horseshoe Bossier City, and Casino Lake Charles. Also, the casinos offer various table games, slot machines, and live entertainment. Caesars Louisiana is the perfect place to experience the best of Cajun country. With its world-class casino, luxurious accommodations, and outstanding dining, Caesars has the best gambling experience in Louisiana.
  • BetMGM Louisiana: This popular online gambling site operates as a joint partnership between MGM Resorts International and GVC Holdings. BetMGM Louisiana offers a wide range of betting and gaming options, including sports betting casino games, and poker. Sports betting is available on various sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and hockey. Also, the site offers live betting on select games. So, if you are looking for a gambling site that offers several sports betting options, then you should check out BetMGM Louisiana. You can also win prizes when you gamble on BetMGM, including tickets to games, merchandise, and cash. In addition, BetMGM Louisiana is a safe and secure platform, fully licensed and regulated by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. The platform uses the latest encryption technology to protect players’ data and offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal options.

What types of online gambling are allowed in Louisiana?

Online casino games like slots or poker are illegal in Louisiana. However, the state only legalizes a few online gambling sites to operate, which include:

  • Sports betting: This gambling involves wagering on the outcomes of sporting events in Louisiana. For instance, you can bet on a single game’s results or the season’s outcome. In addition, you can also bet on other aspects of sports, like who will win a particular award, such as the MVP of a league. Also, you can wager on how many points a specific player will score in a game or how many strikeouts a pitcher will have. Sports betting can be a fun and exciting way to wager your favorite sports. However, remember that sports betting has high risks of losing money. So, always gamble responsibly.
  • Daily Fantasy Sports: As a subset of fantasy sports games, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is online gambling that allows participants to bet on performing professional athletes in specific sporting events. Unlike traditional sports betting, which typically involves betting on the outcome of a game, DFS allows participants to bet on the individual performance of athletes. For example, a DFS participant may bet on how many points a specific player will score in a basketball game. The major difference between DFS and traditional fantasy sports is that DFS contests last for just one day or one week, as opposed to an entire season. You can find DFS supported in platforms such as DraftKings and FanDuel. These platforms allow participants to create their own virtual athletes’ rosters, which they can use to compete against other participants. Also, many DFS participants use statistical analysis to identify undervalued players who they think will outperform their projections.
  • Horse race betting: This gambling involves placing bets on the outcome of a horse race. Horse race betting is one of the oldest forms of gambling and has been a popular pastime for centuries. Also, there are many ways to bet on horse races, and the odds of winning can vary depending on the bet you place. Although horse race betting can be a fun and exciting way to gamble, it’s crucial to remember you risk losing money, so gamble responsibly.

Louisiana’s online gambling history

Louisiana has a long and colorful history in online gambling, which began in the 18th century. In the early 19th century, Louisiana had more casinos than any other state in the US. However, in 1813, the state banned many casinos, except in New Orleans. Later, the state banned casinos in New Orleans in 1866 but introduced a popular state lottery, which lasted until 1893. However, it was not until the early 20th century that gambling took off in the state.

The first significant gambling in Louisiana came in the 1920s when horse racing became more popular. Following the impact of horse race gambling in Louisiana, the state legalized lottery, video poker, and riverboat gambling in1990. In 2006, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act was passed, which made it illegal for businesses to process payments related to online gambling. The impact made it very difficult for players to gamble online in Louisiana. As a result, the industry was not flourishing as expected.

In the later years, the Louisiana Legislature passed a law permitting video poker machines in truck stops and bars. Subsequently, online gambling sites started operating in the state. Since then, online gambling has become a popular pastime for many players in Louisiana. Different sites now offer online gambling as open retail locations come up in the state.

How is online gambling regulated in Louisiana?

The Louisiana Department of Gaming Control oversees and regulates online gambling and sport betting apps in Louisiana. The department ensures all gambling activities happen fairly and honestly. Also, to ensure proper conduct of gambling activities, the department has a set of rules and regulations that betting sites should follow. These rules and regulations protect the integrity of online gambling and ensure that each player has fair treatment. As a result, all online gambling operators must get a license from the Louisiana Department of Gaming Control before offering their services to players in the state. Also, online gambling operators must follow all state and federal laws. These include laws relating to the interception of communications and the collection of taxes.

To get a license, an online gambling operator must submit an application containing information about the operator. Other details include the gambling services and the financial qualifications of the operator. Once online gambling operators get licenses, they must comply with all the rules and regulations set by the department. After all, if online gambling operators violate the laws and regulations, the Louisiana Department of Gaming Control may revoke their licenses.

FAQ

Is online gambling safe in Louisiana?

Yes, it’s safe to gamble online in Louisiana. However, only use regulated and licensed gambling sites to ensure you enjoy a secure gambling experience. Reputable and legalized sportsbooks use advanced security technologies to encrypt all your information from identity theft. Also, all players are advised to avoid all offshore gambling sites since they operate illegally and are unsafe for wagering.

How old do I need to be to play at LA online gambling sites?

To gamble at any online gambling site based in Louisiana, you must be at least 21 years. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For instance, if you are 18 years or older, you can play at Louisiana lotteries and specific charitable games and bet on horse races. Besides, if you gamble in Louisiana below the eligible age, you risk a fine of $500 and 6 months in jail.

Can I bet on college sports at Louisiana online gambling sites?

Yes, you can bet on college sports at Louisiana online gambling sites. Louisiana passed a bill on July 2021 to allow college sports betting in the pelican state. However, before gambling sites can permit betting, the pelican state must complete the rules and regulations governing sports betting. As a result, many retail locations are still opening up.