Online Casinos for Players from Louisiana in 2024

Introduction

Named after Louis XIV (king of France from 1643 to 1715), Louisiana is located in the heart of the Deep South and South Central regions of the United States. It’s a state with a rich history and culture. Baton Rouge serves as its capital, while New Orleans, a vibrant city rooted in French Louisiana heritage, stands as its largest with a population of around 383,000. Home to New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, this state (as of 2016) was the birthplace of the most NFL players per capita for the 8^th year in a row.

Louisiana’s strategic position at the meeting point of the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico has made it a hub of biodiversity and human settlement for thousands of years.

This land, long before the arrival of Europeans in the 17^th century, was home to numerous indigenous groups. Today, Louisiana boasts the highest number of Native American tribes in the South, with eighteen tribes recognized across the state – four by the federal government and ten by the state.

Many people associate Louisiana with Mardi Gras and its world-renowned cuisine, but there’s more to the Bayou State than just festive parades and flavorful dishes! Louisiana is also a major player in the gambling industry, drawing visitors from across the South. Whether dining in upscale casino restaurants or trying their luck in riverboat casinos, gamblers find plenty to enjoy here.

Unlike Texas and Arkansas…

…where most gambling activities are prohibited, Louisiana’s more permissive stance on gaming makes it a popular destination for those looking to experience the thrill of the casino. But let’s plunge into the gambling scene in Louisiana!

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History of Gambling in Louisiana

Louisiana’s gambling history is as rich and varied as the state itself, weaving through eras of both legality and underground operations. In 1823, New Orleans was home to six casinos officially licensed by the Louisiana legislature.

The city’s vibrant gaming culture was so prominent that a street was even named Craps, now known as Burgundy Street, after the popular dice game introduced by French settlers. Although the state repealed casino licensing by 1835, illegal gambling continued to thrive in New Orleans, its surrounding parishes, and aboard Mississippi riverboats.

Today, these once-illicit activities have found a legal sanctuary in downtown New Orleans and along many of the state’s major waterways.

After the Civil War…

…Louisiana became the site of the largest (and for about 15 years, the only) legal lottery in the United States. The Louisiana State Lottery Company, a private corporation licensed by the state, was rife with corruption and faced moral opposition, leading to its demise in 1892. Nearly a century later, the Louisiana Lottery made a comeback, this time as a government-run enterprise that continues to generate significant revenue, partially funding public education in the state.

Driven by the American appetite for gambling and the absence of strict federal regulations, offshore operators raked in billions from online casinos between 1995 and 2006. Although Louisiana was one of the few states to ban online gambling during this period, the prohibition had little impact until federal legislation in 2006 made it illegal for credit card companies to process payments for unauthorized online gambling.

Given Louisiana’s deep-rooted gambling tradition and current trends, it seems likely that the state may eventually follow the path of its lottery and land-based casinos, moving from prohibition toward the legalization of online casinos.

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Gambling Laws in Louisiana

Many people see New Orleans as the South’s answer to Sin City, where the thrill of gambling is deeply woven into the culture. However, despite the strong allure of the gaming scene, some residents choose to abstain simply because they are uncertain about the Louisiana gambling laws and fear potential legal repercussions.

Federal law, which applies to all U.S. citizens, makes it clear that while running illegal gambling operations for profit is strictly prohibited, individual gamblers aren’t penalized simply for placing bets. Louisiana Gaming Control Board regulates all gaming activities within the state.

In a state known for its gambling-friendly atmosphere, staying informed about the rules is always a wise move! So let’s start.

The question on everyone’s mind is: Is gambling legal in Louisiana? The answer is both yes and no. Louisiana gambling laws are nuanced, especially when it comes to online betting. As of now, online gambling is only legal in the parishes that approved it during the 2020 referendum. That means out of Louisiana’s 64 parishes, online gambling is permitted in 55.

The nine parishes where online gambling remains illegal are:

• Franklin
• West Carroll
• Jackson
• Caldwell
• Sabine
• La Salle
• Winn
• Union
• Catahoula

For those in parishes where online betting is allowed, there are still a few restrictions to keep in mind. Online casino games and poker are still off-limits.

However, horse racing betting, Daily Fantasy Sports, and online sports betting in Louisiana are legal, but only if you’re physically present within the parish where it’s permitted.

Additionally, the legal gambling age in Louisiana is 21 to participate in any form of online gambling.

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Louisiana Casino Guide

Louisiana boasts a diverse and vibrant casino scene, offering a range of gaming experiences to both residents and visitors. The state is home to three main types of casinos:

1. Most of Louisiana’s legal casinos are riverboat casinos.
2. The unique exception is one land-based casino in New Orleans. This particular establishment operates on land under a special state government dispensation, granted because it provides many jobs to the local community.
3. Additionally, Louisiana features Native American casinos located on reservation land, further enriching the state's gaming landscape.

In total, Louisiana hosts 21 casinos, including Tribal Casinos, Riverboat Casinos, and the sole land-based commercial casino. Together, these venues offer an impressive selection of gaming options, with over 35,000 slots gaming machines and more than 850 table games. Whether you’re a casual player or a high roller, there’s something for everyone.

We also found important info that the minimum bet in Louisiana starts as low as $0.01. Still, the high-stakes players can place bets up to an astonishing $25,000!

Some notable places are:

• Amelia Belle (riverboat)
• Coushatta Casino Resort (Native American casino)
• Harrah’s New Orleans (land-based casino)
• Treasure Chest Casino (riverboat)
• Cypress Bayou Casino (Native American casino)
• Horseshoe Lake Charles (riverboat)

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Depositing and Withdrawing when in LA

Please see below for a table of the withdrawal/deposit and banking term rankings. Click on the casino name for a detailed look at the withdrawal and deposit score of each casino and how we determined each. More information about deposit and withdrawal terms for US players can be found here.

US-LA Online Casinos Deposit & Withdrawal Grades View All

To Conclude

Louisiana’s gambling scene is as rich and varied as the state culture itself. From the thrill of riverboat casinos to the vibrant atmosphere of land-based and tribal gaming venues, there’s something for every kind of gambler. The Louisiana gambling laws, while complex, reflect a balanced approach, allowing for both traditional and online betting in select parishes.

While online gambling is still evolving, with sports betting leading the charge, Louisiana’s commitment to providing diverse gaming options remains strong. Whether you’re exploring the casinos along the Mississippi or placing bets online, Louisiana offers a unique blend of history, excitement, and opportunity in the gambling world!

Written by: Michael Shackleford