Eight sportsbooks are fully licensed by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board and live on your phone right now. We rank all eight below by bonus value, payout speed, and odds depth — so you can pick the right one and start betting today.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Louisiana?
Yes. Louisiana voters approved sports betting in a parish-by-parish referendum in November 2020. Online and mobile apps went live on January 28, 2022. You must be 21 or older and physically located inside one of the 55 approved parishes when you place a wager.
Nine parishes voted no and remain off-limits: Caldwell, Catahoula, Franklin, Jackson, La Salle, Sabine, Union, West Carroll, and Winn. Every licensed app uses geolocation to enforce that boundary automatically. If you're even a few feet across the line, the app locks you out.
The primary regulator is the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. All eight apps hold LGCB licenses — that's the first thing we verify before ranking any operator.
Which Louisiana Sportsbook Is Best in 2026?
It depends on what you value most. Here's how all eight licensed apps stack up on the metrics that matter.
| Sportsbook | Welcome Offer | Playthrough | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| FanDuel | Bet $5/day × 7 days = up to $350 in bonus bets | 1× | SGPs, daily promos |
| BetMGM | First Bet Offer up to $1,500 (code BETMGMBONUS) | 1× | High-stakes first bet protection |
| Caesars | 10 × 100% profit boosts (code GODYW) | Varies by boost | NFL and futures bettors |
| DraftKings | Varies; check app | 1× | Parlay builders, DFS crossover |
| bet365 | Varies; check app | 1× | Live betting depth |
| Fanatics | FanCash reward on each of first 10 days | 1× | Sports retail fans, low playthrough |
| BetRivers | Second Chance Bet up to $500 | 1× | Casual bettors, simple terms |
| theScore Bet | Varies; check app | 1× | Score-alert users |
All bonus bets are non-withdrawable. You can only cash out winnings produced by a bonus bet — not the credit itself. Most expire in 7 days, so use them fast. Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
What Bet Types Can You Place in Louisiana?
All eight apps support moneylines, point spreads, totals, parlays, same-game parlays, futures, and live in-game betting. One notable restriction: college player prop bets are banned statewide effective August 1, 2024, by LGCB rule. You can bet LSU spreads and totals freely — you just can't bet on an individual college athlete's stats.
Want a deeper look at app features? Our Louisiana sportsbook apps breakdown covers interface, SGP tools, and live betting by operator.
Which App Has the Best Bonus in Louisiana?
BetMGM's $1,500 First Bet Offer has the highest ceiling. FanDuel's structure spreads value over seven days — good if you bet regularly rather than dropping one big opener. Caesars' profit boosts suit NFL futures bettors who want enhanced upside on specific wagers.
For a full side-by-side breakdown — including hidden playthrough traps and minimum-odds restrictions — read our Louisiana sportsbook bonuses ranking.
FanDuel vs DraftKings: The Closest Call
Both apps are deeply embedded in Louisiana. FanDuel leads on SGP tools and daily reload promos. DraftKings edges ahead on parlay variety and DFS crossover for existing users. We tested both head-to-head — see our FanDuel vs DraftKings Louisiana comparison for the full verdict.
How Fast Are Louisiana Sportsbook Payouts?
PayPal and e-wallets typically clear within 24 hours of approval. ACH and debit card withdrawals run 1–3 business days after internal review. BetMGM's minimum withdrawal is $10; Caesars sets theirs at $20. Complete identity verification at sign-up — KYC holds are the number-one cause of delayed first payouts.
For a full payment method comparison, visit our guide to Louisiana sportsbook payout speeds.
Do You Pay Taxes on Winnings in Louisiana?
Yes. All sports betting winnings are taxable at both the federal and state levels. Sportsbooks issue an IRS Form W-2G when you win more than $600 (or more than 300× your stake). Federal withholding is 24% at that threshold. Louisiana state tax applies whenever the federal trigger is hit. Keep records — losses are deductible only if you itemize, and only up to the amount of winnings you report.
Still Have Questions?
We've answered the most common ones — from parish eligibility to self-exclusion rules — in our Louisiana sports betting FAQ. If you're wondering about a specific operator, each app has its own full review linked from the table above.
Louisiana's sports betting market generated a $4.24 billion handle in 2025, up 15% year-over-year. Online wagering accounts for roughly 93% of that total. The market is competitive, the books are licensed, and the terms are public — use that to your advantage.