Each state regulates gambling and lotteries, sometimes to entirely prohibit them or to closely monitor the casino or racetrack gaming. Louisiana has laws regulating everything from riverboat casinos to horse racing. In addition, for over 20 years, the state-operated lottery has raised revenue for the state, primarily for public education in. For a state that authorizes charitable gaming as a means for organizations to raise funds, has legal pari-mutuel betting, is home to both Indian-owned and commercial casinos, and allows video poker machines in various locations statewide, Louisiana has looked the other way at the mention of legalizing online gambling. Louisiana is one of a very few states to specifically forbid online gambling by statute, making illegal “the intentional conducting, as a business, of any game, contest, lottery, or contrivance whereby a person risks the loss of anything of value in order to realize a profit when accessing the Internet”.

• Is Online Gambling Illegal In Louisiana
• Is Online Gambling Illegal In Louisiana

As one of the few states with laws on internet betting, legal online gambling for Louisiana residents is hard to come by. The state legislature has imposed fairly strict limitations on those who would participate in online betting. This includes sports betting, horse racing betting, casino games, and bingo cards. If you live in the state, you have come to the right place to learn about the legalities of online gambling in Louisiana. Those who are aiming to enjoy this form of gambling will find that there are a number of different complications that can arise from gambling on the Internet, all because the legislature has decided to impose restrictions on personal freedoms in the name of safety. We have decided to explore the laws in order to see if there is anything that can be done, and whether or not Louisiana residents are afforded the luxury of legal online gambling for USA players.

Online Gambling Age For Louisiana Residents

We have taken it upon ourselves to first document the age requirements of gambling in the state of Louisiana. The legislature has imposed strict gambling ages of 21 on casinos and poker games, both online and offline. Even the lottery requires you to be 21 years of age. Those who are 18 can play bingo, both online and in the real world, and also bet on horses and dogs. The online sportsbooks then require you to be 21 in order to play.

Louisiana Online Gambling Laws

Few states have such a comprehensive code of laws related to online gambling as Louisiana does. When we started looking into the state's laws, we found that there are strict bans imposed on the games. LA Rev Stat § 14:90.3 is appropriately titled “Gambling by computer”. The law states that gambling is a crime in Louisiana if it is done with a venue unlicensed by the state, which could be interpreted to include offshore books. The state is very clear about this - whoever commits the crime of gambling by computer shall be fined not more than $500, while there can also be an imprisonment of up to six months - or both. This should be clear cut enough that online gambling is a crime when done in the borders of the state of Louisiana. We do not condone breaking the law, nor do we recommend you do so.

Gambling Sites That Accept Louisiana Residents

In spite of the laws pertaining to online gambling in the state of Louisiana, you will still find a number of sites that accept residents from the state. We have come to the conclusion that while we do not want you to break the law, we are sure that some of you are going to do so regardless. If you are going to gamble online, you may as well do so safely. Failure to choose the right gambling sites could end up sending you to a jail cell. We do not want this, as we are law-abiding citizens, but we can tell you that there are safe havens for you to gamble if you decide it is worth the risk.

Bovada: Online Casino Betting and More!

Many bettors have noticed all the sporting events that you can participate in on Bovada but with an online casino as an option, this will grab a lot of the bettors and also add new ones. You have many different casino options like blackjack and slots that will give you chances to earn an extra payday. Along with these online casino options, there will be promotions for those who participate in these games. These promotions will reward players with different things like extra funds to play these slot games blackjack games. Also what is included with the online casino on Bovada is a live dealer which will make you feel as if you are at a real casino! Go To Bovada!

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BetOnline: Live Betting On LSU Football Games

Even if you’re sitting in the bayou, it’s easy to connect to the best overall gambling site in Louisiana. BetOnline offers its players the best way to look over the sportsbook online and make great wagers. This site has many different ways for people to make their wagers. This online casino offers a wide assortment of online casino games and poker rooms with weekly tournaments and high payouts. Signing up is always free for anyone over the age of 21. After an easy sign-up process, log into the football sportsbooks and see the schedule for upcoming games and all the different lines that BetOnline has to offer for NFL, NCAA, or CFL games.

Signing up is easy. Simply click the “Join Now” button at the top of the page and enter your contact info. Once you create an account, a confirmation will be sent in minutes. Deposits can be made in any number of methods that include but aren’t limited to debit/credit cards, money orders, bank wire transfers, and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. The fees are always as low as the processing times and new players can be making their first bets and wagers within minutes of joining. Go To BetOnline!

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Online Casinos That Accept Louisiana Residents

There are many online casinos accepting Louisiana residents, all of which utilize the latest technology and software. We have made it our point to root out the quality sites, and we have been steadfast in bringing our readers only the best gaming sites around. Lucky Red, Slots.lv, and Aladdin’s Gold have slots, blackjack, roulette, and more. Quite a few casinos have made the cut, and we are sure you will find one of the more generous options out there.

Online Sports Betting Sites That Accept Louisiana Residents

Sports bettors in the state of Louisiana will find that a trip to Las Vegas or another gambling hub is no longer required. Players can turn to the Internet to find various betting options online. Bovada and 5Dimes are just two of the available options that feature the latest odds on the New Orleans Saints and other popular teams. These sportsbooks have been individually tested and we can tell you that some solid options are available.

Online Poker Sites That Accept Louisiana Residents

In spite of the changes to the online poker world, there are still many options available for poker players. We have tested the remaining poker rooms on the market, and we can tell you that there are various options available for legitimate, safe poker play. While still not permitted by law, sites like BetOnline and SportsBetting are two of the main online poker sites that accept Louisiana residents.

Online Bingo Sites That Accept Louisiana Players

Those who want to hit the bingo cards will find that several options exist. While local bingo halls will not make you a wealthy person, online bingo rooms offer a chance for some earnings and, more importantly, a lot of fun. Downtown Bingo is the most popular of the online bingo sites that accept Louisiana players, with huge bonuses and cash prizes. Should you stick to the options we have found, you will be able to enjoy the game of bingo in a trusted environment.

Is Online Gambling Legal In Louisiana?

Unfortunately, Louisiana has some very strict laws when it comes to gambling, some of them specifically targeting online gambling. In this state, if you gamble at a location, either land-based or via the internet or another telecommunication method, that is not licensed by the state you are in violation of the law. The laws listed in Louisiana’s state code actually specifically target the bettor, which is different from many laws of this nature. With that being said, you may still attempt to use online, offshore gambling sites. There are just more risks associated with the activity in the state of Louisiana. No one in the state has ever been arrested or charged after betting at an online, offshore gambling site in the state of Louisiana to date. That being said, we do not condone any activity that violates state law. We are just stating facts.

Are Online Casinos Legal In Louisiana?

Online casinos are a form of online gambling and are therefore illegal. You simply do not have the ability to play these casinos without the risk of being arrested. In the event that you wish to participate, you will not be able to do so without running the risk of being fined or imprisoned. As unfortunate as it may be, it does not change the fact that online casinos are illegal in Louisiana.

Is It Safe For Louisiana Residents To Play At Online Casinos?

While the state of Louisiana has laws in place against online gambling, they have no way of enforcing these laws on the end user, the Louisiana resident. Rather, Louisiana goes after anyone that owns or operates an online casino on Louisiana soil because they are cutting into the profits of the state-regulated casinos from which the state gets a cut of the revenue. Louisiana prefers its residents to travel to its gaming centers, however, residents have nothing stopping them from joining an online casino and playing games for real cash from the comfort of their home. We recommend several casinos for Louisiana residents on this page that can be trusted for fair gaming as well as for having a payout level as good as or better than those found in the casinos in New Orleans, Shreveport, etc if you choose to take the risk.

Is Online Sports Betting Legal In Louisiana?

Online gambling is not something that we can recommend to anyone living in Louisiana. While the repeal of PASPA has cleared the way for Louisiana and other states to legalize sports gambling, state legislators have yet to take the plunge. Without land-based sportsbooks, it would seem that the Internet is your only option to wager on sports. Sadly, this is simply not viable for those who do not wish to violate the laws. We can tell you that you can still access to reputable sites like Bovada and BetOnline, but you could potentially face criminal charges. We do not advocate breaking the law. Proceed at your own risk.

Is Online Poker Legal In Louisiana?

Residents of Louisiana will also find that problems can arise by playing online poker. Even if it is something of a game of skill, it is essentially bound to the same foolish laws that have made it a crime to gamble online in the state of Louisiana. Poker players will have to find another way to play, unfortunately, as online poker is a criminal activity in the state of Louisiana.

Can I Bet On Horse Racing In Louisiana?

Louisiana has a number of racetracks in the state available to its residents. These racetracks will offer horse racing betting on races taking place at the track or at other tracks in the state, through simulcast wagering. You can also bet on horse racing online. Using a racebook that is regulated by the state is best, but you can access online, offshore racebooks from Louisiana if you want. The safest ones are those that are licensed and regulated by gaming commissions in their countries.

Best Funding Methods For Louisiana Gambling Sites

The best funding methods for Louisiana gambling sites are wholly dependent on what you’re looking for. Some are designed for speed but have low deposit limits by certain standards. Others have very high or nonexistent deposit standards, but take a little while to fund your account. Below are the top three funding methods for Louisiana gambling sites.

Checks – This method takes a few days to credit your account but usually has a high deposit limit of up to $10,000. Sending a check requires that you use a courier service like FedEx and supply the gambling site with your tracking number.

Credit/Debit Cards – Cards are known for fast deposits. But their limits tap out around a few thousand dollars at most, sometimes coming in lower than that. Credit cards are also subject to declination from time to time. If this happens, we recommend using a prepaid card. They work in the same way that credit cards do, but don’t have to go through a bank so don’t get declined. They have the same limits.

Bitcoin – This is a digital currency that is both fast and has a high deposit limit. You can deposit up to $25,000 to your account in a single transaction. Because it is an independent currency, it is not subject to the same restrictions as credit cards. Bitcoin combines speed with high limits (and zero fees) for the best deposit method for Louisiana gamblers.

Louisiana Legal Gambling FAQ’s

Does The Wire Act Make Sports Betting Online Illegal?

The Wire Act was written with the intention of keeping wagers from crossing state lines. So the verbiage used makes the act of taking a bet unlawful unless licensed by both states. But when you use an online, offshore sportsbook, you are using a company that is based in another country. When it comes to using a foreign company for sports betting, the Wire Act does not have any authority. US federal laws can only control the actions of those within the state, and therefore does not make sports betting online illegal.

What Does The UIGEA Do?

The UIGEA is a banking regulation that gives financial institutions the ability to decline transactions between US residents and online gambling sites. It was given this authority under false claims made in the 1999 national gambling study, which stated that banks were having trouble processing these payments (they weren’t but that’s another matter entirely). Regardless of the validity of these claims, the UIGEA allows for transactions to be canceled when you’re using a credit card or bank wire transfer to fund your online gambling account.

These declined payments only happen occasionally, so you won’t have to permanently change your deposit methods if you don’t want to. But it does happen from time to time. So when it does occur, you can use alternative measures. You’re not in any legal trouble under the UIGEA. It just makes banking a little more troublesome every now and then.

Can I Play Poker For Real Money Online In Louisiana?

Yes, you can play poker for real money online in Louisiana if you want to. Online, offshore poker rooms accept Louisiana residents without restraint. We do caution you that this is at your own risk, as there are online gambling laws in Louisiana that restrict online gambling activity.

Will I go to jail for online gambling in Louisiana?

If you are asking 'will I go to jail for online gambling in the state of Louisiana,' the answer is potentially yes. You can face up to six months imprisonment if you decide to gamble online in the state of Louisiana. We do not encourage breaking the law to gamble online.

Louisiana has a handful of beautiful riverboat casinos, plenty of charitable
gambling to go around, and some pari-mutuel horse racing.

But Louisiana’s history with gambling has been a love/hate one, like when
they legalized the state lottery, outlawed it, then legalized it again.

But where does Louisiana stand along the many states considering regulated
online gambling?

Online Gambling and Louisiana Law

Is Online Gambling Legal in Louisiana?

Online gambling is illegal in Louisiana.

Here’s what the f
Louisiana Revised Statutes says about online gambling:

“Gambling has long been recognized as a crime in the state of Louisiana and
despite the enactment of many legalized gaming activities remains a crime.

Gambling by computer is the intentional conducting, or directly assisting in
the conducting as a business of any game, contest, lottery, or contrivance
whereby a person risks the loss of anything of value in order to realize a
profit when accessing the Internet, World Wide Web, or any part thereof by way
of any computer, computer system, computer network, computer software, or any
server.

Whoever commits the crime of gambling by computer shall be fined not more
than five hundred dollars, or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.”

Can I Get Arrested for Gambling Online in Louisiana?

Since it’s illegal to gamble online in Louisiana, yes, you can get arrested
for it, but you probably won’t.

We couldn’t find any residents who’ve been arrested for gambling online.

The Louisiana law enforcement is more interested in taking down residents who
run illegal online casinos.

Our advice, of course, is to obey the law of the land, regardless of
jurisdiction. At the same time, we’re aware that some of our readers want
guidance about risk levels. We think that playing a hand of blackjack on the web
is one of the lowest-risk crimes you can imagine in Louisiana or elsewhere.

With this kind of business, it’s traditional for law enforcement to focus on
the providers rather than the customers. Online gambling of any kind is usually
low on law enforcement’s radar, although running an illicit gambling operation
presents considerable risk.

Is Louisiana Going to Legalize Online Gaming?

It’s unclear if Louisiana is going to legalize online gaming. The state has
been looking into state-regulated online gaming since 2013, but we’ve seen no
progress toward online gambling.

How do I choose a good and safe offshore gaming site?

If you’re in Louisiana and looking to play on the web, an offshore gambling
site is your most realistic option. As a bettor, the legal risks are minimal,
but the other risks are considerable. You need to worry about whether the site
is going to provide you with good customer service and reasonable payout times.

If you read the reviews on our site and keep the following in mind, you’ll
have a better time finding a place to play.

• Game Variety

The first thing you should do is check to see
if the site has the game you’re interested in playing. Also check out what other
games they have available, in case you occasionally want to switch up the games
you play.

It’s silly to sign up for an all-slots site if your goal is to place sports
bets and play blackjack.

• Tournaments

If tournaments are something you’re planning
on participating in, make sure the site you’re looking at offers good ones. Look
at the tournaments page for information like prizes, frequency, and rules.

• Bonus Terms and Conditions

Nobody likes reading the fine
print, but you might want to when it comes to bonus terms. Almost every site you
look at will have a sign-up bonus, but read the fine print to learn about the
conditions you have to meet in order to get the bonus. One condition you might
have to meet is how much you have to wager.

• Read Reviews

Reading reviews might be the most important
research you do before signing up for a site. Focus on member reviews, not a
forum or website reviews. Member reviews tell you all you need to know about a
site, including what to expect, what they liked, and what they didn’t like.

We think the reviews on our site are as even-handed and comprehensive as any
you’ll find on the internet. Read them, and let us know if you agree.

• Customer Complaints

Do a search for the name of the site
you’re considering and the word complaint, and you might find some members who
have filed complaints about the site. Reading these can alert you to common
problems people have with the site.

• Deposit Options

See what forms of deposit the site
accepts. You want to make sure there’s a form you’re familiar with.

• Cash Out Options

It’s also important to see how you can
get your money back out when you win. Not every deposit option is available as a
withdrawal option. It’s always a good idea to find out before you make a deposit
to make sure a good option is available.

• Contact Customer Service

Chat with customer service to get
a feel for their professionalism. You also want to keep in mind how long it
takes them to get back to you. If you become a member and have a real issue, you
don’t want to wait a week for a response.

• Restricted States

Some sites have restrictions on who they
can offer their games to. Make sure the site you’re considering can legally
offer their gaming to your state.

• Licensing Jurisdiction

Look into the site’s licensing
jurisdiction to find out what restrictions the site has to follow. Some areas
have stricter restrictions than others.

• Longevity of Business

See how long a site has been in
business. A site that has been in business for five years will have both more
information and a more reliable reputation than a site that has been in business
for five months.

Are Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in Louisiana?

No, daily fantasy sports are not legal in Louisiana.

But it’s not because of a lack of resident interest. Several attempts have
been made in the past to legalize daily fantasy sports; one attempt was as
recent as 2016.

Here’s some information from the
ESPN website about the history of daily
fantasy sports in Louisiana:

“In 1991, then-Attorney General William J. Guste, Jr. concluded that a 1-900
number fantasy football contests constituted illegal gambling, but nothing in
the 1991 memo touched on DFS-specific issues. The Louisiana legislature
considered a DFS bill during the 2016 session.”

Is Online Gambling Illegal In Louisiana

More Gambling Laws in Louisiana

• Casino Games: Legal
• Sports and Race Betting: Pari-Mutuel Only
• Lottery: Legal
• Bingo: Charitable Only
• Social Gambling: Illegal

The Louisiana Revised Statutes defines gambling as the following:

“(a) Gambling is the intentional conducting, or directly assisting in the
conducting, as a business, of any game, contest, lottery, or contrivance whereby
a person risks the loss of anything of value in order to realize a profit.

(b) Whoever commits the crime of gambling shall be fined not more than five
hundred dollars, or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.”

Casino Games: Legal

All your favorite casino games can be found in Louisiana casinos, including
poker, blackjack, roulette, craps, and slot machines.

Louisiana has a mixture of tribal casinos, land-based casinos, and riverboat
casinos.

Here’s what the Louisiana State Legislature says about gaming activities on
rivers and waterways:

“The development of a historic riverboat industry is important to the economy
of the state of Louisiana in that it will assist in the continuing growth of the
tourism industry and thus will benefit the general welfare of our citizens and
create new jobs. It is the intent of this Chapter to utilize Louisiana
resources, goods, and services in the operation and construction of riverboats
to the extent allowable by law, as defined in this Chapter.

An integral part of riverboat operation and profitability is the offering of
regulated gaming, among other activities.”

Sports and Race Betting: Pari-Mutuel Only

Louisiana allows pari-mutuel betting on horse racing.

Here’s what the Louisiana State Legislature says about pari-mutuel wagering:

“The commission shall make rules governing, permitting, and regulating the
wagering on horse races under the form of mutuel wagering by patrons, known as
pari-mutuel wagering. Only those persons receiving a license from the
commission may conduct this type of wagering, and shall restrict this form of
wagering to a space within the race meeting grounds. All other forms of
wagering on the result of horse races are illegal, and all wagering on horse
races outside the enclosure where horse races have been licensed by the
commission is illegal.”

Here’s what the
Louisiana State Legislature says about other track wagering:

“The commission may make rules regulating pari-mutuel wagering known as other
track wagering.

With the consent of the commission, an association may accept wagers at its
facility for the entire racing card scheduled on horse racing events of
regional, national, and international interest conducted at another track
outside of this state, and transmitted either by simulcast or other means of
video transmission, pursuant to a contract with the association or other entity
conducting the event.”

Greyhound racing is outlawed in Louisiana.

Lottery: Legal

Louisiana has a state-regulated lottery.

Here’s some information about the state lottery from the
Louisiana Lottery website:

“Louisiana Lottery Corporation began in 1991 after the 1990 state Legislature
proposed a state lottery (ACT 1045) as a way to generate revenue without
increasing taxes. Due to the Lottery’s unique operations, the Legislature
recognized a corporate structure would suit it best.

Voters also liked the idea and passed a constitutional amendment in 1990
creating the LLC by a 7 to 3 margin.

In 2011, the Lottery celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the sale of its first
scratch-off on Sept. 6, 1991.

In 2003, voters passed another constitutional amendment to dedicate Lottery
proceeds to the Minimum Foundation Program that funds public education in
Louisiana.”

As for where the money from the Louisiana Lottery goes, prize winners get
53%, the state treasury gets 35%, the lottery retailers get 5.5%, and 6% goes to
lottery operations.

Louisiana Lottery games include:

• Scratch Offs
• Mega Millions
• Powerball
• Lotto
• Easy 5
• Pick 4
• Pick 3

Bingo: Charitable Only

Charitable organizations may hold charitable games, including bingo, raffles,
pull tabs, and more.

The Louisiana Charitable Raffles, Bingo and Keno Licensing Law define a
charitable organization as:

“a nonprofit board, association, corporation, or other organization domiciled
in this state and qualified with the United States Internal Revenue Service for
an exemption from federal income tax”

Here are the approved games for charitable organizations according to the
Louisiana Charitable Raffles, Bingo and Keno Licensing Law:

“(1) The game of chance commonly known as raffle or raffles played by drawing
for prizes or the allotment of prizes by chance, by the selling of shares,
tickets, or rights to participate in such game or games, and by conducting the
game or games accordingly.

(2) The game of chance commonly known as bingo or keno played for prizes with
cards bearing numbers or other designations, five or more in one line, the
holder covering numbers, as objects, similarly numbered, are drawn from a
receptacle, and the game being won by the person who first covers a previously
designated arrangement of numbers on such a card.

(3) The game of chance commonly known as pull-tabs played for prizes with
cards or tickets and as defined in R.S. 4:725 or played as electronic pull-tabs
as provided in R.S. 4:733.

(4) Electronic video bingo as provided for in R.S. 4:724 and as defined by
rules of the office.

(5) Fund-raising events generally known as 'Las Vegas Nights' or 'Casino
Nights' as provided for in R.S. 4:729 as defined by rules of the office.”

Some general restrictions on charitable gaming in Louisiana include the
following:

“No licensee shall hold, operate, or conduct any game of chance under this
Chapter more often than on fifteen days in any one calendar month.

The total amount of prizes which may be awarded in any one session by a
licensee shall not exceed four thousand five hundred dollars in cash or other
thing or things of value.”

Social Gambling: Illegal

No Louisiana laws touch on “social gambling,” but based on the laws that are
written on gambling, social gambling is illegal. Gambling is only authorized in
licensed casinos and businesses licensed to offer slot machines.

But it’s not uncommon to find small-stakes home games, which the law
enforcement seems to tolerate in Louisiana.

Gambling Venues in Louisiana

Louisiana casinos offer about every casino game you could want, from craps to
slot machines and everything in between. Here are 10 of the casinos located
throughout Louisiana, including some land-based, riverboats, and tribal casinos.

1) Coushatta Casino Resort

777 Coushatta Dr

Kinder, LA 70648

Phone number: (800) 584-7263

2) Golden Nugget Lake Charles

2550 Golden Nugget Boulevard

Lake Charles, LA 70601

Phone number: (337) 508-777

3) Paragon Casino Resort

711 Paragon Place

Marksville, LA 71351

Phone number: (318) 253-1946

4) L’Auberge du Lac Resort

777 Ave L’Auberge

Lake Charles, LA 70601

Phone number: (866) 580-7444

5) Delta Downs

2717 Delta Downs Dr

Vinton, LA 70668

Phone number: (800) 589-7441

6) Isle of Capri Casino Hotel Lake Charles

100 Westlake Ave

Westlake, LA 70669

Phone number: (610) 241-1618

7) Treasure Chest Casino

5050 William Blvd

Kenner, LA 70065

Phone number: (504) 443-8000

8) Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel

832 Martin Luther King Rd

Charenton, LA 70523

Phone number: (337) 923-7284

9) Choctaw Pines Casino

149 Chahta Trails

Dry Pong, LA 71423

Phone number: (318) 648-7773

10) Boomtown Bossier City

300 Riverside Dr

Bossier City, LA 71111

Phone number: (318) 746-0711

History of Gambling in Louisiana

Governor Louis Billouart de Kerrierec opens the first government run casino.

New Orleans, Louisiana is now exempt from the ban on gambling.

Governor Murphy Foster closes down the Louisiana State Lottery.

Pari-mutuel betting on horse racing at fairgrounds is legalized.

Is Online Gambling Illegal In Louisiana

The Louisiana State Lottery is legalized again. 15 riverboat casinos are approved. The first land based casino is approved also.

The state negotiates compacts with three Native American tribes to allows to allow them to open casinos on their tribal land.

Racetracks are now permitted to have slot machines. Gambling by computer is added to the laws in the gambling statues.

The committee is researching the possibility of bringing internet gambling to Louisiana.

Additional Resources

The Future & Your Views

Louisiana offers a variety of gambling options, and aside from their ban of
internet gambling, they’ve been a progressive state in the gambling department.

We don’t know if you’ll see many changes coming to Louisiana’s gaming soon,
but Louisiana gambling sites are definitely being considered.