Is Online Gambling Legal in Louisiana?
No. Despite some online gambling forms such as Sports Betting, Fantasy Sports and Horse Racing available, gambling online in its totality remains illegal. In 2018, there was a major push to legalise online gambling in the state. However, the bill failed as legislators wanted to focus more on sports betting.
Sweepstakes and social casinos, however, are a legal option and can offer a casino experience similar to real casino. The legal gambling age in Louisiana is 21; playing the lottery or betting on horse racing is 18.
Are Land-Based Casinos Allowed in Louisiana?
Yes, and the majority of them are riverboat casinos. Thanks to a new law passed in 2018, they’re not required to sail on the water to offer their services anymore and have been able to move to land based facilities.
There are now over a dozen land based casinos to choose from which offer a range of different games and poker rooms.
Harrah's New Orleans (228 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70130) is the sole commercial land-based casino in the state. It contains 1,500 slot machines, 105 table games, and a tower hotel that can accommodate hundreds of people.
Which Forms of Online Gambling Are Legal in Louisiana?
As of 2021, sports betting has been introduced as a legal form of gambling for the residents of Lousiana. Other than sports betting, only other legal forms of online gambling are sweepstake casinos and horse betting sites. Other types of online gambling like slots are not only prohibited but are also criminalized.
Can I Get in Trouble for Gambling in a Louisianan Online Casino?
The state of Louisiana is one of just a few in the country to explicitly criminalize online gambling. Meaning, anyone convicted can face hefty fines and even prison.
If you get caught gambling three times, the state will act on its three strike rule; the third offence will brand you as a felon. So, if you want to gamble online in Louisiana, do so on the games that are legal.
What Is the Future of LA Online Gambling?
As the US continent opens up for online gambling legalisation, the previously closed states like Louisiana are following suite. That said, legislators in the state may think it's a good idea to look into other types of online gambling now that mobile sports betting is available in the state.