As you’d expect from a state with strong gambling traditions, Louisiana has regulated all the traditional American forms of land-based real money gaming. The Pelican State offers both Indian and commercial casinos, charitable gambling, pari-mutuel betting and state-controlled lotto games. Some of the gambling establishments are riverboat-based, but if you’re looking for a traditional brick-and-mortar gaming house you’ll have a fair number of venues to pick from. Despite the fact that the local regulations are fairly gambling friendly, the state hasn’t launched its own iGaming market yet.
Online Gambling in Louisiana
If you’re planning to join an offshore internet gambling platform, here’s some great news: Louisiana laws are all about catching unlawful gambling operators. The local lawmakers simply don’t care about individual gamblers. According to Louisiana Statutes, taking part in any illegal games as a player isn’t a punishable offense, which means that Louisiana authorities have no grounds to prosecute anyone for placing wagers via an offshore site.
Casinos & Sportsbooks Accepting Players From Louisiana
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Casino Games
If you want to play live casino games in Louisiana, you will have to decide between going to a land-based casino like Harrah’s Louisiana Downs or Delta Downs or a riverboat casino, such as Golden Nugget Lake Charles. A good way to hone your gambling skills before embarking on such a trip would be to practice on a reputable online casino site. The list of Louisiana-friendly sites that we recommend is available below.
Sports Betting
Louisiana has four major racing venues: Delta Downs in Vinton, Evangeline Downs in Lafayette, Fair Grounds in New Orleans and Louisiana Downs in Bossier City. If you aren’t interested in pari-mutuel horse race betting and you’d like to wager on the NBA or NFL, the best option would be to go beyond the borders of Louisiana by visiting a reputable online sportsbook, such as the ones we recommend here.
Poker
Poker is a way of life for many hardcore Louisiana-based players, so visiting a live card room might be very intimidating for an inexperienced gambler. If you’d like to hone your skills before you go against the local sharks, we recommend sticking to Louisiana-facing poker networks, much like the ones listed on this page.
Online Gambling FAQ
Where can I find regulations that pertain to gambling in Louisiana?
You’ll have to read through Section 90 of Louisiana Statutes.
What forms of gambling are legal and regulated within the borders of Louisiana?
Louisiana allows all the popular forms of regulated gambling. This includes poker, casino games, charitable gambling, pari-mutuel betting and a state-owned lottery.
What is the legal status of online gambling in Louisiana?
Taking part in illegal gambling activities isn’t a punishable offence, so Louisiana residents are free to play anywhere they want without fearing criminal liability.
Do offshore gambling sites accept Louisiana residents?
Yes, every major offshore site is guaranteed to accept a new Louisiana-based customer.
How can I deposit to an offshore gambling site from Louisiana?
The most common method is to use a Visa/MasterCard credit or debit card.
How can I withdraw my money from an offshore iGaming site if I live in Louisiana?
Every US-facing site supports withdrawals via a wire transfer. Some sites allow you to withdraw via a check on by courier on demand.
Is Louisiana planning to regulate online gambling in the future?
No, the local politicians believe that iGaming sites would be a threat to the local gambling industry.
Gambling History – Interesting Facts
1. Louisiana established regulated gambling pretty much as soon as it became a state.
2. The first Louisiana horse racing tracks were built in 1830s.
3. Burgundy Street in New Orleans used to be called Craps after the popular casino game.
Louisiana Gambling Resources
Louisiana Laws and Revised Statutes:
http://www.legis.state.la.us/lss/toc.htm
List of Casinos in Louisiana:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_casinos_in_Louisiana