In this guide to Louisiana sports betting, we'll detail everything there is to know about gambling in the state. Though hardly a contemporary phenomenon, sports betting has only recently been thrust in the conāsciousness of locals, with Louisiana becoming one of over 30 to fully legalize the activity. For more on this, explore our in-depth article below!
- 1 Where to Place Sports Bets in Louisiana?
- 2 Is Sports Betting Legal in Louisiana?
- 3 Sports Betting Revenue & Taxation in Louisiana
- 4 Best Sports Betting Apps in Louisiana
- 5 Louisiana Sports Betting Promotions
- 6 Popular Types of Bets
- 7 Where To Bet on Local Louisiana Teams
- 8 Important Sports Events in Louisiana 2024
- 9 Louisiana Sports Betting Timeline
- 10 States Where It Is Legal To Bet on Sports
- 11 ThePuntersPage Final Say
- 12 References
- 13 Louisiana Sports Betting ā FAQs
Where to Place Sports Bets in Louisiana?
Full T&Cs apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER |
Full T&Cs apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER |
Full T&Cs apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER |
Is Sports Betting Legal in Louisiana?
Following the dissolution of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, multiple US states went ahead with legalizing sports gambling. Louisiana did so in November 2020, after 55 of the 64 stateās parishes approved a ballot meš“asure to allow sports wagering.
Itās worth noting that the nine local parishes that voted against the legalization of sports betting are located in the northeast, where nonź¦e of the stateās 20 casinos/racetracks are basedą± .
Sports betting was officially legalized in the state in June 2021 after Governor John Bel Edwards signed three bills into motion. The first retail betting stores opened in Octšober 2021, while online sports betting debuted in Janušary 2022.
Present & Future of Sports Betting in Louisiana
Louisianaās first full year of legal sports betting was full of promise, but there has been a minor ź©µdiš¦p after a record-breaking January 2022, which garnered a handle of $282.2m. This decreased by 30% in February, topping out at $197.7m ā the lowest monthly total since August 2022.
Howevš¦er, thereās no reason to be concerned with the recent dip, as Louisianaās decline išs consistent with the rest of the US.
Sports Betting Revenue & Taxation in Louisiana
In its first full year after going live, Louisiana bettors wagered $1.8bn, while the state earned $26.5m in taxes. At the end of October 2022, Louisiana casinos and sportsbooks were reported to have made over $35.8m in revenue from sports betting. Mobile apps eašrned around $152m during their first ten months and paid $22.8m.
While sportsbooks incurred heavy losses ā¦following their launch, the state of Louisiana has undoubtedly benefitted financially from the legalization of sports betting.
Here are some of the main points regarding sports betting revenue and taxation inš the state of Louišsiana.
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20 sports betting lź¦¦icenses are available for existing retail gambling facilities.
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Each licensee iš¦s allowed to have two online skins.
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10% retail sports betting tax rate.
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15% tax rate for online sports betting.
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Initial license applications cost $250,000.
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A five-year license costs $500,000.
Comparison of Top Sportsbooks
1. DraftKings
DraftKings was one of the first major sportsbooks to open for business in Louisiana following the ā¤legalisation of sports betting in June 2021. DraftKings opened their doors in the Bayou State five months lź¦ater as one of six inaugural sportsbooks.
The platform is viewed as a sports betting behemoth in the country, available in 21 states ā more thź©µan any other major US bookie.
Once an established fantasy sports platform, DraftKings has since developed into an excellent bookmaker – one which is hard to fault. Their website is of the highest quality, with punters treated to the most competitive odds and an impressive sportsbook which attempts to cover all bases.
Their coverage of leading leagues, such as the NBA and NFL, is very good. The operator appreciates inclusivity and tries to ensure a variety of sports are covered when it coš¦¹mes to their promotions. New customers, meanwhile, are gifteš·d a $50 bonus bet after making their first deposit with the bookmaker. They also run a $1,000 matching first deposit bonus which Louisiana bettors can take advantage of.
2. BetMGM
The š sportsbook wing of the MGM Resorts empire, BetMGM was launched alongside DraftKings in the first wave of online sportsbooks to go live in Louisiana.
BetMGM has raised the standards of the gambling indź§ustry since its establishment, providing a superb experience for its users and rewarding their VIPs with once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
The bookieās sportsbook is comprehensive and, on the whole, thereās something for everybody to enjoy. Theyāre beginning to offer more on the promš otions front, and bettors from Louisiana can make the most of their new customer promotions which gifts them $1,000 paid back in bonus bets, should their first bet with the bookie end in a loss.
This offer is laden with value, and š°punters will then be able to access the most competitive odds and impressive array of markets in the American market.
3. FanDuel
FanDuel launched in Louisiana at the start of 2022 and isš currently available in 19 states. While still an excellent provider of fantasy spošrts, in particularly fantasy football, the site has also blossomed into one of Americaās most popular bookmakers.
Innovative promotions are crucial to FanDuelās popularity, and Louisāiana bettors can also take advantage of the No-Sweat First Bet new customer offer in which they can earn up to $1,000 in bonus bets after signing up.
Thereās plenty to get stuck into on both the desktop offering and the app, with the supreme functionality of allowing for a user-friendly experience. Overall, itās no surprise that FanDuel is considered by manš y to be the countryās leading šbookie. Its evolution really is impressive.
Best Sports Betting Apps in Louisiana
DraftKings
America's most popular sportsbook is accompanied by a brilliant mobile app, which is available to Louisiana punters aź¦ nd anybody else residing in the 22 states where DraftKings operates. Many have lauded š“the app's functionality in particular, along with its high-quality features. Fantasy football lovers are particular admirers.
BetMGM
BetMGMās mobile app launched in Louisiana after its sportsbook opened its doors in January 2022. Having launched just in time for the NFL playoffs, many welcomed the operator with open arms, with special appreciation for their user-friendly and varied sportsbook. In December 2021, BetMGM then released its separate horse racing betting app, giving fans of this highly popular eqšØuine sport a dedicated tool of their own.
FanDuel
Like its website, FanDuelās mobile app, which is compatible with pretty much every platform, is a whole lot of fun to use. Thereās nothing you can do on the desktop version that you canāt on the mobile āproduct, with access to top features such as Odds Boosts and Same Game Parlays.
Louisiana Sports Betting Promotions
Here are some of the most common sports betting promotions offered by bookš„makers licensed in Louisiana:
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FanDuel Deposit Bonus
Those that sign up with FanDuel in Louisiana are entitled to a tasty reward after plaź¦«cing their first bet. The bookie's welcome offer isš a $150 deposit bonus following a new customerās first stake of at least $5.
To qualify for this promotion, you need to deposit at least $10 before placing your bet, and you'll earn the $150 no matter wš¹hether your qualifying bet wins or loses.
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BetMGM up to $1,000 Paid Back
BetMGMās welcome offź¦er for Louisianians is incredibly generous, with the potential to win $1,000 in bonuses. Thereās nothing but value here!
To qualify for this promotion, simply create an account and deposit a minimum of $10. Place their qualifying bet on absolutely anything, and you'll receive your stake back (up to $1,000) if it loses. However, it's important to note that youāll receive your money back in bonus bets, not as cash, so there is an elešment of risk at play.
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DraftKings Instant Bonus
Fancy the opportunity of making some quick cash? Well, just sign up to DraftKings and youāll almost instantly earn yourself $50 in bonušs bets after you make your first deposit of at least $5.
DraftKingsā superb welcome offer also includes a $1,000 play through bonus, which means you will earn a 20% deposit bonus up to $1,000. So, let's say you deposit $100 – DraftKings will then add another $20 to your account.
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DraftKings NFL Bonus
DraftKingsā NFL bonus will be very handy once the season rolls around in September. This offer is a ź©²generous sport-specific promotionš that rewards you with $200 in bonuses, which in turn can be used on any NFL market after you place their first $5 bet.
Popular Types of Bets
Here are some of the ąµ©most popular types of wagers that Louisiana bettors make on a variety of sāports.
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Moneyline Bets
Moneyline betting is simple. With this type of bet, youāre backing a team to wšØin the matš«ch.
So, if you place this ļ·½kind of bet on the New Orleans Saints to beat the Carolina Panthers, the Saints must šŖwin the contest for your bet to win. Your bet loses if the Ravens win or if they tie.
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Points Spread
Spread betting is very popular among American bettors due to the lack of value thatās typically associated with moneyline betting. Due tš¼o the high-scoring nature of sports like football and basketball, thereās less scope for variance, and itās less likely for an underdog to win.
Spread betting, however, attempts to even the scorš±e and create more value.
The point spread is the number of points that a team must win by for the bet to pay out.ź¦ The favorite will have a ā-ā next to their points spreadš , while the underdog will have a ā+ā.
So, letās say the spread is: New Orleans Saints (-2) @ Atlanta Falcons (+7). This means that if you backed the Saints, they must win by more than two points for your bet to be successful.
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Over/Under Betting
There are many over/under betting markets, but the most common is betting on how many points will be scored ź¦in a particular game. With this bet, the end result doesnāt matter.
The bookšmaker will set a ą²line, and you must decide whether to bet over or under the given line.
For example, the bookie might set the line for NFL match-up between the Saints and Panthers at 41.5. So, 42 or mšore points will have to be scored for the over bet to win. Anythinšg less and the under wins.
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Parlays
Everybody loves a parlay, right? Itās where the dreamers come to play.
These bets are tough to pull off as you need multiple selections to come in to ensure your bet is a success. Just one failed selection, and your entireąµ© bet collapses.
A parlayź¦Æ bet constitutes of two or more singź¦°les bets which are combined into one big bet. The unlikelihood of them coming off means you are often treated to big returns should you conjure up a winning bet.
You can include multiple markets andā events in a parlay bet, although Same Game Parlays are growing in popularity.
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Prop Bets
Propositionź§ bets, or āpropā bets as theyāre more commonly known, are, in essence, side wagers that do not affect the gameās final outcome.
The vasź¦t majority of markets offered by bookmakers on a single game can be considered prop bets. Point spread, moneyline and total points, however, arenāt.
Prop bets typically involve playeź¦Ær stats. For example, you might fancy Derek Carr to throw over a certain number of yards in one game, or for Chris Olave to catch over a certain number of balls.
However, bookies will šalso offer game props such as āwhich team will score first?ā and novelty props such as āwho will win the coin toss?ā. The possibilities are endless!
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Futures Bets
Futures bets require plenty of patience as theyāre long-term bets. If youāre looking for a quick buck, this isnāt the route to š§šØgo down.
With these bets, youāre banking on something to occur in the future. For example, you might fancy the New Orleans Saints to win an unlikely Super Bowl before the seasonā gets underway. Perhaps Derek Carr is in line for his first MVP award? Such bets are common in pre-season as this is where the most value can be extracted.
Where To Bet on Local Louisiana Teams
Louisiana sišmply isnāt a major sporting state, but its biggest city, New Orleans, possesses fervent supporters of two major franchises: the Saints (NFL) and Pelicans (NBA).
Theā Saints enjoyed their fair share of success with Drew Brees at quarterback, winning the Super Bowl in 2010, which emerged as one of the heartfelt stories in American spošørts in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Brees, along with Sean Payton, helped New Orleanians believe again.
Franchise | Sport | Founded | Odds |
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New Orleans Saints | Football | 1967 | Win Super Bowl LVIII +3500 |
New Orleans Pelicans | Basketball | 1988 | Win NBA Finals N/A |
Louisiana State University | College football | 1893 | Win National Championship N/A |
Important Sports Events in Louisiana 2024
Letās take a look at a list of significant sporting events that Louisiana sports fans miź§ ght fancy bešÆtting on this year:
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3rd September ā Louisiana StatešÆ Universityās NCAA regular season starts
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10th September ā New Orleans Saintsā home ź¦opener against Tź¦ennessee Titans
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Mid-October ā 2024/25 NBA regular season starts
Louisiana bettors can bet on pretty much everything, but there are są¦ome restrictions. For example, some esports events are not available due to some of the competitors being younger than 18. The state has also banned wagering on high school and youth sports.
Moreover, itās worth noting that nine of the stašteās 64 parishes do not offer legal sports gambš„ling.
Louisiana Sports Betting Timeline
Hereās a hź¦«istory of sports betį¦ting in Louisiana:
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May 2018 ā US Supreme Court overturns PASPA.
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2019 ā Senator Danny Murphy ąµ²begins to push šsports betting legislation (SB153).
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November 2020 ā Referendum paš²ssed by Louisiana voters that legalized sports betting in the state.
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June 2021 ā Governor John Bel Edwards signs SB247 into law,š± which š§legalizes sports betting.
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October 2021 ā Retails sports betting officially launches.
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January 2022 ā Mobile sports betting officially launches.
States Where It Is Legal To Bet on Sports
Changesą·“ to federal law has facilitated the legalization of sports gambling in over 30 states to some degree, and Louisiana is currently one of those.
ThePuntersPage Final Say
This guide has detailed everything there is to know ašbout sports betting in Louisiana. While not a state revered for its sport, Louisiana is blessed with a couple of major institutions, and the leniency of their betting laws mean thereās plenty for punters residing in the state tź§o get stuck into.
References
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1.
The Daily Advertiser. (n.d.). In first year of sports betting, Louisiana made $26.5M, Mattress Mack won $75M. [online] Available at: //eu.ź§theadvertiser.com/story/money/business/2023/01/12/louisiana-brings-in-26-5-million-in-first-year-of-legal-sports-bets/69796159007/ [Accessed 11 May 2023].
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2.
lgcb.dps.louisiana.gov. (n.d.). Louisiana Gaming Control Board. [online] Available at: //lgcb.dps.louisiana.gov/ [Accļæ½ą± ļæ½essed 11 May 2023].
Louisiana Sports Betting ā FAQs
Sports betting was legalized in Louiāsiana in June 2021 with the first retāail sportsbook opening October 2021. Online sports betting debuted in January 2022.
At the time of writing, there aš re eight online sportsbooks in operation.
DraftKings, BetāMGM, and Fļ·½anDuel are the best sportsbooks available in Louisiana.
Puntersź¦¬ can bet on college events, includinź¦g in-state teams.
There arenāt too many professional franchises in the state. The New Orleans Saź¦°ints (NFL) and New Orleans Pelicą± ans (NBA) are the only two. Louisiana State University is also a major sporting institution.