Can I Bet On Sports Online In Louisiana?
Sports betting is legal in Louisiana as of January 28 after a long road since 55 out of 64 parishes voted in support of legalizing sports betting in November 2020.
This means residents in most regions can now bet on sports in Louisiana in the comfort of their own homes, or anywhere within the state’s boundaries.
Where Can I Place A Bet In Louisiana?
With the launching of Louisiana sports betting, you can now bet anywhere within the state of Louisiana. Before, you had to travel to neighboring Arkansas or Mississippi to wager at retail sportsbooks, so this is now a way more convenient way to wager without the need for excessive travel or relying on illegal sports betting sites.
The following parishes will not offer legal sports betting, which means you’ll have to travel to one of the parishes not on this list to wager:
- Caldwell
- Catahoula
- Franklin
- Jackson
- La Salle
- Sabine
- Union
- West Carroll
- Winn
Louisiana Online Sportsbook List
The following Louisiana online sports betting sites are either available now to sign up for, or we anticipate them taking registration in your state soon:
- Caesars Louisiana Sportsbook
- BetMGM Sportsbook Louisiana
- FanDuel Louisiana Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook Louisiana
- BetRivers Louisiana Sportsbook
How Do Sports Betting Signup Offers Work?
Signup offers are one of the largest benefits to betting on sports using the online platform, and they’re a win for both sides. Sportsbooks use them as an incentive for players to sign up, and new customers receive a generous welcome bonus that gives them a chance to earn instant profits.
There are three different types of general welcome bonuses, and which one you get depends on the site you sign up for. For this reason, we’d recommend checking out what type of bonus is offered before completing the signup process.
Below, we will detail each type of signup offer so bettors know the differences between each and can easily identify whether the site they’re checking out offers their preferred bonus.
First Deposit Offer
A first deposit bonus, also known as a deposit match, involves the sportsbook matching a percentage of the player’s initial investment in site credit up to a certain amount. Some sites match a smaller percentage but many sites with this bonus match the initial deposit 100 percent of the way.
For example, some sites may offer a 100 percent match up to $500. This means if you deposit $200, you receive $200 more in site credit and now have $400 total to wager with. If you decide to invest $500, you receive $500 for a grand total of $1,000 in eligible funds.
A deposit bonus is a preferred reward for many new customers and it’s easy to see why since bettors are immediately given double the funds they deposited to wager with right off the bat. This bonus is the one to target if you are looking to scoop up the most sportsbook capital possible between your investment and the site credit.
No Deposit Offer
A no deposit offer is exactly what it sounds like since receiving this bonus entails the new customer receiving a bonus without having to deposit any of their own money. All that’s required is the creation of a new account, and the no deposit offer will be activated and added to the account balance after signup.
This is an excellent bonus to receive because it is free money being handed out without the player needing to invest any of their own. It is worth noting, however, that these bonuses are small and usually in the range of $25 (give or take).
How To Sign Up For A Sports Betting Site
Regardless of the type of bonus you want, they can’t be received until you complete the signup process for an online sportsbook. In order to do this, you need to successfully navigate to the registration page, which can be done in a few ways:
- Click on the ‘Get Bonus’ widget that appears on our site next to the sportsbook of your choice
- Click on one of the sportsbook links that appear in various locations on our site.
- Visit the sportsbook homepage and click the ‘Register’ or ‘Join Now’ button to get started. If you take this route, be sure to have one of our promo codes handy to paste during the signup process.
Any of the above methods will direct you to the page where you can sign up and eventually claim your welcome bonus. Once you are ready to register, complete the following steps:
- Input all required information (name, email, address, photo, etc.)
- If you reached the signup page without clicking any widgets or links, enter your promo code to make sure you are awarded a bonus.
- Agree to all terms and conditions and submit your registration form. You will receive a notification via email that the process has been completed.
- Click ‘Deposit’ to fund your account. Choose a preferred banking method and the amount you wish to invest. Fill out any required banking information based on your method of payment.
- At this point, you will be sent an email to confirm the transaction and if receiving a deposit match, the bonus will be reflected in your account balance.
- Begin placing bets!
How To Fund Your Betting Account
When betting online, financial transactions can be completed with just a few clicks and whether putting money in or taking some out, the process is very simple.
Sportsbook Deposit Process
You might be depositing for the first time or you could be an existing customer. Either way, making a deposit is easy. Follow the below steps to fund your account:
- Log into your account and click ‘Deposit’ or ‘Add Funds’ to get started.
- Select your most preferred banking option.
- Specify the amount you wish to deposit and hit ‘Enter’ or ‘Submit’ to process the transaction.
- If using an eWallet such as PayPal, you will need to verify your account information.
- The details you entered would be processed, and your site balance would reflect the new deposit.
- The transaction will be completed and you will receive email confirmation to verify your deposit.
- The deposit should be immediately reflected in your account balance.
Sportsbook Withdrawal Process
Winning money comes with a very unique feeling and the withdrawal process is much more fun than depositing for that very reason. When the time does come to take funds out of your account, follow these steps:
- Locate the ‘Withdraw’ button to begin the process.
- Select your preferred banking method and enter the amount you wish to withdraw.
- Fill out any required information such as your email and password if using an eWallet.
- Submit your withdrawal request and be on the lookout for email confirmation, which should be received immediately.
- Wait for your withdrawal to process. The time it takes is dependent on the method you choose.
Online Sportsbook Payment Options
Having a huge range of banking options is another bonus of doing your sports betting online. Whether you are filling up your account or taking money out, the process is convenient, simple, and can be completed in just a few clicks. Check out the following banking methods:
Credit/Debit Cards
Credit and debit cards are incredibly popular payment methods in every field, including online sports betting. When it comes to sportsbooks, using cards is a quick and easy way to deposit into your account and there are no fees levied by the site.
Major brands such as Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, and Discover are widely accepted but it needs to be mentioned that you cannot withdraw onto a credit or debit card.
Prepaid Cards
A prepaid card works similarly to a debit card, but it has some added advantages. For one, the bettor does not need to share their personal banking information with the sportsbook. Instead, all that’s required is putting money onto the prepaid card and using that as the method of payment.
There’s a chance that a prepaid card could come with a fee to activate initially and a standard prepaid card cannot accept withdrawals.
Play Plus
If you’re looking to use a prepaid card and want a one-stop-shop for all your sportsbook needs, a Play+ prepaid card is a way to go. Many sportsbooks accept these cards and even have their own site-branded Play+ card, which allows bettors to both deposits and withdraw onto it.
Deposits are instant and so are withdrawals, though transferring from the card to your bank account will take some time. There’s an option to withdraw the funds at an ATM for a small fee, but there are no charges incurred for using the card to put money in or take money out.
PayPal
If you’d prefer to use an eWallet, PayPal is the most trusted and recommended option due to its efficiency and security. Nearly every sportsbook accepts this method, as it’s the perfect intermediary between your betting account and your bank account.
Bettors can easily deposit or withdraw into their PayPal account, with deposits processing instantly and withdrawals taking up to 24 hours. There are no fees involved and customers can also avoid having to share any banking information with the betting site.
Skrill
Skrill is another eWallet that works like PayPal. There are no fees, you can deposit and withdraw, and no banking information needs to be shared with the sportsbook. Deposits are instant and withdrawals take 24 to 48 hours. The downside is that not all sportsbooks accept Skrill, making PayPal the easier method to use.
PayNearMe
This is an amazing option for gamers who prefer to play online but also prefer to transact with cash. Just make sure there’s a participating location (7-Eleven, Family Dollar among options) near you.
After initiating the payment on the site, bettors will be provided with a barcode. After taking that code to a participating location, the deposit can be paid for in cash and reach the account in 15 to 30 minutes. There are charges for each transaction and this can only be used as a deposit option.
ACH/eCheck
An Automated Clearing House is another middle man between the bank account and the sportsbook account. It enables direct debit transactions and is entirely secure, but it does take things a bit longer to process using this method. There are some sites that do not accept this method but for the ones that do, deposits are instant and withdrawals can take anywhere from 24 hours to several days.
Check By Mail
You may also choose to receive withdrawals through the mail. You won’t be charged any fee for this method, but you would have to wait seven to 14 days for a check to arrive by mail.
Cash At The Casino Cage
This is a withdrawal method that is used by online casinos in partnership with land-based casinos. You simply have to visit the casino’s cashier’s cage to get your winnings by hand. They would not charge you for this method, and it’s one you can use if you do not mind the inconvenience.
Louisiana Sports Betting Apps
There’s really no debate about the fact that using mobile sports betting apps is the easiest way to wager. Any betting market you can get on your desktop can be accessed via application, and nearly any device can be used including iOS and Android devices.
Can I Bet On Sports With My iPhone or other iOS devices?
Yes, sports bettors can easily access their accounts and place wagers using iOS devices such as iPhones and iPads.
Can I Bet On Sports With My Android Phone or Tablet?
Yes, it is possible to bet on sports using Android phones and tablets once the application is downloaded.
How To Download Sportsbook Apps On iPhone
iPhone users can easily download sports betting apps on their device, all that’s required is following these easy steps:
- Visit the App Store and type in the sportsbook you want to access.
- Download the application and the process will be complete in a couple of minutes.
- Register your account or sign in and start placing wagers.
Bettors can also visit the sportsbook homepage on an internet browser and click on the widget to download the application for iOS devices, but it will just redirect you to the App Store.
How To Download Sportsbook Apps On Android
Downloading sportsbook apps on Android devices is slightly different since they are not allowed on the Google Play Store. That said, it is still an easy and convenient process:
- Visit the sportsbook homepage using an internet browser and clock on the widget that allows for downloading the app via Android.
- Download the app as an APK file to your mobile device. You will then be able to initiate app installation.
- You will be prompted to change the setting to temporarily allow for app installations from unknown sources if it hasn’t been changed yet. After you allow this change, the installation will finish.
- The sportsbook app will appear on your home screen. Log in or register your new account to begin wagering.
Which Sports Can I Bet On In Louisiana?
Another one of the many benefits to betting online is access to a huge range of sports and leagues to bet on from across the world. There are far more options available on an application than one will find in a brick-and-mortar sportsbook. The choices include but are not limited to:
- Baseball (MLB)
- Basketball (NBA, NCAA, Euroleague)
- Hockey (NHL, KHL)
- Football (NCAA, NFL)
- Golf (PGA, LPGA, European Tour)
- Boxing/MMA
- Motorsports (NASCAR, Formula1)
- Soccer (EPL, MLS, Series A, Bundesliga)
- Tennis (ATP, WTA)
Can I Bet On Louisiana College Teams?
It is unknown whether there will be any restrictions involving betting on college teams in Louisiana, a state where NCAA football and basketball are incredibly popular. In some states such as New Jersey, bettors are now allowed to wager on teams that are located inside the state.
Land-Based Sportsbooks vs. Online Sportsbooks
While there may be some advantages to enjoy from and-based sportsbooks, the online platform offers many more perks than wagering in person. There are many more pros and cons including the following:
- Convenience (wager from a location of your choice)
- Signup Offers
- Promotions
- More Banking Options
- Wider Range Of Betting Markets
- Odds Boosts/Profit Boosts
- Live Betting Made Easy
Legal Sports Betting vs. Illegal Offshore Sports Betting
One aspect that can’t be overlooked when betting on sports is the safety and security of your money and your banking information. Legal sportsbooks throughout the United States have all the necessary safeguards in place but when it comes to offshore sportsbooks, that is not the case.
These offshore sites are popular in states without legal wagering, but everyone who signs up puts themselves, their money, and their personal information at risk.
These sites are operated from a foreign country without regulatory oversight to avoid the rules that US sportsbooks are held to and on many occasions, it leads to players being scammed. Here are some of the many drawbacks to dealing with one of these sites:
- Some banks don’t allow transactions to offshore sites
- Small welcome bonuses and promotions (if any)
- No reliable customer service
- Not guaranteed to receive winnings
- Must withdraw using cryptocurrency at many sites
- Worse odds for most betting markets
Wherever betting is legal and regulated, bettors are guaranteed to receive their money, major banks accept transactions, customer service is available, and bettors are eligible to receive bonuses and promotions quite often.
There’s really no debate between these shady operators and the brands we have in the US, which are overseen by a regulatory board in every state. In Louisiana, that is the Louisiana Gaming Control Board.
Louisiana Sports Betting Timeline
A federal repeal of PASPA in 2018 paved the way for sports betting to become legal in any state that wanted it, but Louisiana has yet to reach that point.
The most recent sports betting bill sprang up in early 2020, and it was quickly passed as 55 of 64 parishes votes in favor of wagering. The next steps will be up to regulators and it is unknown whether mobile wagering would be included, but Louisiana is trending in the right direction.
Louisiana Sports Betting Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Have To Live In Louisiana To Bet Online?
No, you do not have to live in the state but you must be physically present within the borders to play. Geolocation technology is used to make sure you are within legal betting range.
Can I Win Real Money At A Louisiana Sportsbook?
Yes. Once LA online sportsbooks are legalized, bettors will be able to win real profits by placing bets.
What Is The Legal Gambling Age In Louisiana?
The legal gaming age in Louisiana is 21, although the minimum is 18 for pari-mutuel betting and charitable gambling, 21 for lottery games, and also casino-style games.
Are Louisiana Online Sportsbooks Safe?
Yes, when sportsbooks start operation within Louisiana, their operations will be regulated and overseen by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. Therefore, safety and security are guaranteed.
What Is a Sports Betting Handle?
This is the total sum of money taken in on betting. It could be for a specific game, sport, or time. Anything a bet can be placed on, adds to the total handle taken by the sportsbook.