Louisiana sportsbooks operate under a clear rulebook set by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB). Before you place a bet, you need to know what's allowed, what's banned, and who decides when new markets open. This page covers all of it, sourced directly from LGCB filings.
What bet types are legal in Louisiana?
Licensed Louisiana sportsbooks offer a full range of bet types: moneylines, point spreads, over/unders (totals), parlays, same-game parlays (SGP), prop bets, futures, and live/in-game betting. That covers most of what you'll find at any major US sportsbook. The most-wagered markets center on the New Orleans Saints (NFL), New Orleans Pelicans (NBA), and LSU Tigers (college football). You can bet spreads, moneylines, and totals on all in-state college teams — but not individual player props on college athletes. That carve-out is covered in detail at our (Louisiana College Player Prop Bet Ban: What You Can and Cannot Wager On) page.
Which events are prohibited from wagering in Louisiana?
Wagering on high school sports, youth events, and international events where the majority of participants are under 18 is not permitted. This is a hard ban — no operator can offer these markets regardless of the event's profile or popularity. The LGCB holds the line firm here, and no amount of operator interest changes it.
Does the LGCB have to approve every new betting market?
Yes. All operators must receive LGCB approval before accepting wagers on any new category of sporting event. If a sportsbook wants to add a niche league or a new sport it hasn't previously offered in Louisiana, it cannot go live until the Board signs off. Operators must also submit all house rules and promotional structures to the LGCB for approval before offering them to bettors. That includes bonus terms, odds boosts, and parlay promotions — nothing launches to the public without regulatory review first.
How do permitted and prohibited bets compare side by side?
| Bet Type / Market | Status in Louisiana | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Moneylines, spreads, totals (pro sports) | Permitted | Available on NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and more |
| Parlays and same-game parlays | Permitted | All legs must comply individually with LGCB rules |
| Live / in-game betting | Permitted | Available across all licensed apps |
| Futures (e.g., Super Bowl winner) | Permitted | Includes college team futures; not individual college player props |
| College player prop bets | Prohibited | Banned by LGCB effective August 1, 2024 |
| High school sports wagering | Prohibited | Applies to all in-state and out-of-state high school events |
| Youth / under-18 international events | Prohibited | Banned where majority of participants are under 18 |
| New event categories (any sport) | Requires LGCB approval | Operators cannot open these markets until Board approves |
Why does LGCB pre-approval matter for bettors?
It means no licensed app can surprise you with a market that hasn't been vetted. Offshore and unlicensed sites skip this step entirely — they'll take action on high school games or unapproved events with zero regulatory backstop for you. Stick to the licensed operators listed in our (Louisiana Sportsbook Apps: Ranked by Real Criteria) guide if you want bets that are backed by Louisiana law.
Which sportsbooks are best for the available bet types?
If prop bet volume is your priority, (FanDuel Louisiana Review: $350 Bonus Bet Offer Tested) covers how FanDuel handles Louisiana's prop restrictions in practice. For broader questions about what's legal and how the rules apply day to day, see our (Louisiana Sports Betting FAQ: Your Legal and Practical Questions Answered). Rules apply in the 55 parishes where sports betting is legal; residents in the nine no-vote parishes cannot wager regardless of bet type.
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