Sports betting is legal in Louisiana, but only in 55 of 64 parishes — and a few rules catch new bettors off guard. Here are straight answers to the questions we see most often.

Is sports betting legal in Louisiana?

Yes. Voters approved it parish-by-parish in November 2020. Retail sportsbooks launched in October 2021; mobile apps went live January 28, 2022.

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 this. If your device is inside one of those nine parishes, the app will not let you place a bet — even if you live in an approved parish.

How old do you have to be to bet on sports in Louisiana?

You must be 21 or older, both online and at retail locations. There are no exceptions.

Which sportsbooks are licensed in Louisiana?

As of mid-2025 there are eight licensed online operators: FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, bet365, Fanatics, BetRivers, and theScore Bet. ESPN BET is also available. See our full breakdown on the Louisiana sportsbook apps ranked by real criteria page.

Can I bet on LSU games?

Yes — moneylines, spreads, and totals on LSU and other in-state college teams are all permitted. What is banned: prop bets on individual college athletes' statistics. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board prohibited college player props effective August 1, 2024.

Why is my sportsbook app not working?

Almost always a geolocation problem. Disable any VPN, enable precise location services, and confirm you are physically inside one of the 55 approved parishes. If the issue persists, the app's support team can walk through device-level fixes.

Do I have to pay taxes on winnings?

Yes. All gambling winnings are taxable at the federal and Louisiana state levels. Sportsbooks issue an IRS Form W-2G when a single win exceeds $600 or 300× the stake. Federal withholding runs at 24% above that threshold. Losses are deductible only if you itemize, and only up to your total reported winnings.

Can I withdraw my bonus bet?

No. Bonus bets are non-cash credits. Only the cash winnings produced by using them can be withdrawn. Most bonus bets expire seven days after crediting. For a full comparison of which offers are worth claiming, see Louisiana sportsbook bonuses ranked by payout value.

FanDuel or DraftKings — which should I pick?

Both are fully licensed by the LGCB and widely used in Louisiana. The answer depends on your betting style. We go deep on both in our FanDuel vs DraftKings Louisiana comparison for 2026.

How long do withdrawals take?

E-wallets like PayPal typically pay out within 24 hours. ACH and debit card withdrawals generally take one to three business days after internal review. Complete identity verification at sign-up to avoid holds on your first withdrawal.

Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or the Louisiana helpline at 1-877-770-STOP.