Louisiana Casinos, Sweepstakes and Gambling

Online Gaming in Louisiana

Louisiana is unusual in two respects: it is one of the few US states with an explicit statute banning online gambling (RS 14:90.3, "Gambling by Computer"), and it is also one of the most gambling-rich states in the US, with riverboat casinos, racinos, video poker throughout its bars and truck stops, and fully legal online sports betting. The combination of a rich land-based market and an aggressive online enforcement posture reflects Louisiana's longstanding approach of protecting its regulated gaming industry from unlicensed competition.

Sweepstakes Casinos — Avoid in Louisiana

The legal and enforcement situation for sweepstakes casinos in Louisiana deteriorated significantly in 2025. Despite our spreadsheet showing some platforms as technically accessible, the practical reality is that Louisiana is among the most legally risky states in the US for sweepstakes play:

• June 2025: The LGCB issued cease-and-desist letters to more than 40 online gaming platforms, including sweepstakes casinos. Chanced, one of the named operators, shut down Louisiana operations immediately.
• July 2025: Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill issued a formal legal opinion stating sweepstakes casinos "are operating in violation of Louisiana law" under the computer gambling statute and other provisions.
• Late 2025: Louisiana Department of Revenue filed lawsuits against VGW (operators of Chumba Casino and LuckyLand Slots) and WOW Vegas, seeking unpaid taxes and penalties.
• March 31, 2026: HB 53 passed the Louisiana House 86-11, classifying "gambling by electronic sweepstakes device" as a predicate offence under Louisiana's racketeering statute: carrying fines up to $1 million and up to 50 years imprisonment. Now in the Senate Judiciary C Committee; legislature adjourns June 1. A companion bill HB 883 — which would explicitly ban dual-currency platforms and target payment processors — is also in committee.

Given this environment, we recommend Louisiana players use social casinos rather than any sweepstakes platform offering cash prizes.

Social Casinos — The Safe Alternative

• 7 Seas Casino: Free-to-play Vegas-style slots. No prizes, no cash redemption, no legal exposure.
• Vegas World: Free slots, poker, and table games in a lively social environment.
• Casino World: A broad range of free social casino games.

Online Sports Betting — Fully Legal

Online sports betting is the clear legal option for Louisiana residents wanting real-money online wagering. Licensed operators include DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, Barstool/ESPN Bet, and others. Sports betting is geofenced to the 55 parishes that approved it in the November 2020 referendum — residents in the nine non-approving parishes cannot access licensed sportsbooks. The minimum age for sports betting is 18.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are sweepstakes casinos legal in Louisiana?

The Louisiana Attorney General's formal opinion is that they are not. RS 14:90.3 explicitly bans "gambling by computer," and the AG's office concluded in July 2025 that sweepstakes casino platforms violate this statute along with other Louisiana gambling laws. The LGCB has issued 40+ cease-and-desist letters, and lawsuits have been filed against major operators. HB 53 passed the Louisiana House 86-11 on March 31, 2026 and is before the Senate Judiciary C Committee — it would add racketeering charges carrying up to $1M fines and 50 years imprisonment. Louisiana is one of the riskiest states for sweepstakes play in the US — social casinos with no prizes are strongly recommended instead.

Why did the Governor veto the sweepstakes ban bill if they're already illegal?

In June 2025, Governor Jeff Landry vetoed Senate Bill 181 — which had passed both chambers of the legislature — arguing it was "redundant" because Louisiana's existing laws and the LGCB already had authority to shut down sweepstakes operators. He stated the bill was "a solution in search of a problem that is already being solved." Landry then followed the veto by authorising the wave of C&D letters and supporting the AG's formal opinion. The position is essentially that existing statutes are sufficient — the debate is about whether new legislation is needed on top of enforcement, not whether sweepstakes casinos are legal.

Is online sports betting legal in Louisiana?

Yes. Louisiana voters approved sports betting in November 2020 on a parish-by-parish basis, with 55 of 64 parishes approving. Online and retail sportsbooks launched in October 2021. Louisiana has a competitive market with all major operators licensed. Note that sports betting is geofenced — if you are physically in one of the nine non-approving parishes, you cannot place bets through Louisiana-licensed apps.

Are there casinos in Louisiana?

Yes — Louisiana has one of the most extensive land-based gambling networks in the South. Harrah's New Orleans (now Caesars New Orleans) is the state's only traditional land-based casino. Approximately 20 riverboat and barge casinos operate on Louisiana's waterways, and four racinos offer slots alongside horse racing. Video poker is widely available at licensed bars, restaurants, and truck stops statewide.

What is RS 14:90.3?

RS 14:90.3 is Louisiana's "Gambling by Computer" statute — one of the few explicit state-level online gambling prohibitions in the US. Enacted in 1997, it criminalises gambling over computer networks and covers operators, software designers, website administrators, and network providers, not just players. A first offence is a misdemeanour; repeat offences become felonies. The statute is the primary legal basis for the LGCB and AG's enforcement actions against sweepstakes casinos and offshore betting sites.

Is daily fantasy sports legal in Louisiana?

DFS operates in a legal grey area in Louisiana. The Gambling by Computer statute could theoretically apply to DFS platforms, but major providers including DraftKings and FanDuel operate in the state. Louisiana has not taken specific enforcement action against DFS operators. The minimum age is 18.

What responsible gambling resources are available in Louisiana?

The Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling helpline is available at 1-877-770-7867, 24 hours a day. The National Problem Gambling Helpline is available at 1-800-522-4700, 24/7. The LGCB requires all licensed operators to participate in a voluntary self-exclusion programme. Full information is available at lgcb.dps.louisiana.gov.

Louisiana Gambling Laws

Louisiana has one of the most complex gambling regulatory frameworks in the US — reflecting a state with deep gambling roots, diverse political influences, and a parish-by-parish democratic approach to gambling expansion. The primary gambling statute is Louisiana Revised Statute 14:90. The online gambling prohibition is RS 14:90.3, the "Gambling by Computer" law enacted in 1997 — one of the earliest and most explicit state-level online gambling prohibitions in the US. Unlike most states where online gambling simply isn't addressed, Louisiana specifically criminalised it.

The Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) oversees all licensed gaming in the state, including casinos, sports betting, and video poker. The LGCB works closely with the Louisiana State Police Gaming Division and, increasingly, the Attorney General's office on enforcement actions against unlicensed operators. The LGCB's willingness to use its existing authority — rather than wait for new legislation — has made Louisiana one of the more aggressive enforcement states in the US.

Sports betting operates under a distinctive parish-by-parish framework, unique among US states. The November 2020 ballot measure allowed each parish to approve or reject sports betting independently, resulting in 55 approvals and 9 rejections. Geofencing technology prevents residents in non-approving parishes from using licensed apps.

Louisiana Gambling History

Louisiana's gambling history is among the richest of any American state. French and Spanish settlers brought gambling culture to New Orleans from the earliest colonial era, and gambling establishments predated churches in many parts of the city. Louisiana's legislature licensed six New Orleans casinos in 1823, making it one of the earliest formally regulated gambling jurisdictions in North America. Craps — the dice game introduced by French settlers — became so associated with New Orleans that it gave its name to a street in the French Quarter.

After a period of restriction in the 1830s–1840s, Louisiana emerged from the Civil War as the only US state with a legal lottery. The Louisiana State Lottery Company operated from 1869 until 1892, when it was shut down amid widespread corruption scandals. A century would pass before the modern Louisiana Lottery was established in 1991.

Pari-mutuel horse racing was regulated from the 1920s, growing into a significant industry with tracks across the state. Video poker arrived in 1991, becoming embedded in Louisiana's bar and truck stop culture in a way not found in most other states. Riverboat casino gambling was also authorised in 1991, with 15 licences issued. Unlike many states that required boats to actually cruise, Louisiana's "riverboat" casinos were anchored barges — effectively land-based operations with a water address.

Sports betting legalisation through the 2020 parish-by-parish referendum was a landmark moment — one of the more democratic approaches to gambling expansion in any US state, and a successful one given that 55 of 64 parishes approved it. Online and retail sportsbooks launched in October 2021.

Land-Based Casinos and Gaming in Louisiana

Louisiana has approximately 24–28 licensed gaming venues, making it one of the most gambling-dense states in the South:

• Caesars New Orleans (formerly Harrah's New Orleans): The only traditional land-based casino in Louisiana, located in downtown New Orleans. Nearly 2,100 slot machines, over 90 gaming tables including poker, a large hotel, and multiple dining options. A landmark of the French Quarter entertainment district.
• Golden Nugget Lake Charles: Over 1,600 slots, 75 table games, six live poker tables, hotel, restaurants, concerts, and entertainment. One of the most resort-style venues in the state.
• Hollywood Casino Baton Rouge: Approximately 1,500 slots and table games; a riverboat casino on the Mississippi River.
• Paragon Casino (Marksville): A tribal casino with around 2,000 slot machines; one of the larger venues in central Louisiana.
• L'Auberge du Lac (Lake Charles): A luxury resort casino with an extensive gaming floor and hotel.

Racinos

Louisiana's four racinos combine live horse racing with slot machines: Louisiana Downs (Bossier City), Evangeline Downs (Opelousas), Delta Downs (Vinton), and Fairgrounds Race Course & Slots (New Orleans). These venues offer pari-mutuel wagering alongside slot machines.

Video Poker — A Louisiana Tradition

Video poker is uniquely woven into Louisiana's everyday gambling culture. Licensed video poker machines operate at bars, restaurants, truck stops, and taverns across the state — regulated by the Louisiana State Police Gaming Enforcement division. This form of distributed gaming puts casino-style electronic play within reach of most Louisiana residents regardless of their proximity to a major casino.

Responsible Gambling in Louisiana

• Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling: 1-877-770-7867, available 24/7. Problem gambling helpline providing confidential support and treatment referrals for Louisiana residents.
• LGCB Self-Exclusion Programme: A single voluntary registration excludes a player from all LGCB-licensed casinos and sports betting platforms. Information at lgcb.dps.louisiana.gov.
• National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700, available 24/7 by phone, text, and live chat at ncpgambling.org.

References

1. Louisiana Gaming Control Board
2. Louisiana Lottery
3. Online gambling: are players at risk of prosecution?
4. History of American Gaming Laws
5. American Gaming Association