Here’s Everything You Need To Know About Mobile Sports Betting In Louisiana

Here's Your Guide To Mobile Sports Betting In Louisiana

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  • Louisiana is finally rolling out its mobile sports betting program
  • Here’s everything you need to know about placing a wager in the state
  • Read more sports betting news here

Legal sports betting has taken America by storm over the past few years, and as more and more states have allowed people to wager on their events of choice, it’s hard for anyone who’s been left on the outside looking in not to feel like Charlie gazing through the window of the candy store before he scored a ticket to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.

Sports fans in Louisiana have felt that way for a while, but based on some recent developments, it appears they’ll now have access to a magical wonderland of their own as it becomes increasingly evident the state is finally preparing to usher in a new era marked by the arrival of mobile sports betting.

If you count yourself among the many people who will soon be able to take advantage, you probably have a few questions about exactly what this brave new world will look like. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place, because we have the answers for everything you need to know.

When Did Louisiana Legalize Mobile Sports Betting?

If you’ve ever taken a trip to New Orleans or watched an episode of Cops that follows members of the city’s police department patrolling Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras, then I don’t have to tell you the state of Louisiana is no stranger to certain vices.

That includes gambling, as Louisiana made it legal to bet on horse racing all the way back in 1940 and has slowly but surely branched out since then. Casinos (of both the traditional and riverboat variety) have been permitted to operate in the state since the 1990s, and video poker isn’t too hard to track down thanks to the many machines that are located inside bars, restaurants, gas stations, and truck stops.

However, legal sports betting is a fairly recent addition to the state’s portfolio, as it wasn’t on the table until voters passed a ballot measure on Election Day in 2020 that gave lawmakers the go-ahead to put together a statewide program.

In 2021, the Louisiana legislature passed SB 247, which contained amendments to the previously-approved Louisiana Sports Wagering Act in addition to other regulations to pave the way for the legalization of online sports betting in the state. The measure gave regulatory power to the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, which was given the approval to hand out up to 41 licenses to the various operators who will be subjected to a 15% tax on all mobile bets (a number that dips to 10% for those solicited at brick-and-mortar locations).

Governor John Bel Edwards officially signed SB 247 into law in June, and while it went into effect on July 1st, anyone who’s wanted to wager without making the trek to the eight retail sportsbooks that were the only viable option has been subjected to a fairly lengthy waiting game.

Thankfully, that’s finally about to change for the vast majority of people in the state. There was plenty of speculation mobile betting would go live at some point near the end of January. Gambling Control Board chair Ronnie Johns eventually confirmed that would be the case, as sportsbooks opened for business at 8 A.M. on Friday, January 28th.

Where Is (And Isn’t) Mobile Sports Betting Legal In Louisiana?

While SB 247 opened the door for legal online betting throughout Louisiana, it contained language that allowed voters in its 64 parishes (which most people know better as “counties”) to decide whether or not to permit wagering within their borders.

That referendum was held in November, and when everything was said and done, only eight parishes decided to opt out. Additionally, the 56 that gave betting the green light are home to major population centers including New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport, which means the vast majority of Louisiana residents (and tourists) will be able to get in on the action if they’re so inclined.

What Sportsbooks Can You Use For Mobile Betting In Louisiana? How Do You Sign Up?

When mobile betting kicks off in Louisiana, bettors will initially have the chance to wager on one of six mobile platforms, which will be operated by:

  • DraftKings Sportsbook
  • FanDuel Sportsbook
  • BetMGM Sportsbook
  • Caesars Sportsbook
  • Barstool Sportsbook
  • BetRivers Sportsbook

Unlike some states that require people to enroll at a casino or other physical retail sports betting locations, Louisiana was nice enough to allow anyone who wants to place a bet to sign up for an account online.

The registration process may differ slightly depending on which of the online sportsbooks you’re using — for instance, DraftKings Louisiana might have different requirements than FanDuel Louisiana but it’s a fairly painless (and quick) process. Once you download the app, you’ll be asked to input the required personal information and answer some other questions to verify your eligibility (Louisiana sports betting regulations require all bettors to be at least 21 years of age).

What Are The Best Online Sports Betting Promos In Louisiana?

The launch of Louisiana’s sports betting program features some pretty lucrative incentives for new bettors in the form of deposit matches, risk-free bets, and other bonus offers, and we rounded up the best ones you can snag right now to get started with a solid bankroll.

Click here to sign up for the 5 Best LA Sports Betting Apps

The relatively low tax rate should also result in some solid promotions in the long term, as mobile sportsbooks will likely be more willing to hand out free bets and treat customers to advantageous odds boosts compared to those located in other states where the government gets a much bigger piece of the pie.

Fans of Louisiana’s sports teams—including the New Orleans Saints, New Orleans Pelicans, and LSU Tigers—should also keep an eye out for opportunities to make some money on the hometown team, as many sportsbooks will offer enhanced odds over the course of the season when it comes to making the moneyline, spread, and certain prop bets a bit more attractive.

Connor Toole avatar and headshot for BroBible
Connor Toole is the Deputy Editor at BroBible. He is a New England native who went to Boston College and currently resides in Brooklyn, NY. Frequently described as "freakishly tall," he once used his 6'10" frame to sneak in the NBA Draft and convince people he was a member of the Utah Jazz.