Louisiana Online Casinos in 2026

Unfortunately, Louisiana maintains a strict stance on legalizing online casinos. The legal alternative to online casinos comes in the form of sweepstakes or online social casinos, which provide a similarly exciting yet legal gaming experience. 

The Pelican State is celebrated for its deep-rooted gambling culture, with land-based casinos attracting both locals and tourists alike. But despite this robust gambling scene, Louisiana presents a starkly contrasting view when it comes to online gambling. 

Unfortunately, the state’s position on online casinos and poker rooms is unequivocally negative. Online casinos, a popular form of gambling in seven US states, are illegal in Louisiana. 

Apart from online sports betting and DFS, all other forms are prohibited online. Residents should be aware that participating in illegal online gambling could potentially lead to criminal charges.

Unfortunately for Louisiana residents, there are no nearby states with legal online casinos. These stringent legal restrictions make social casinos an attractive alternative for those seeking the experience. 

In Louisiana, there’s no shortage of first-class retail casinos operated by top-tier names in the gaming industry. However, for players seeking a convenient online-only experience, social casinos represent a legal and enjoyable alternative.

Social casinos provide a unique gaming experience where players use virtual "currency" that has no monetary value. This model offers the excitement of online gaming while remaining within Louisiana’s legal boundaries. 

Participating in social casinos is straightforward. You'll simply register for an account by providing your personal information. Then, you'll explore the gaming options you can enjoy and play for free. 

Sweepstakes casinos offer an innovative solution for Louisiana’s online gambling restrictions. Unlike traditional online and social casinos, these platforms allow players to experience the thrill of casino games legally through an alternate model.

Free sweeps cash casinos with no deposit operate on a virtual currency system, often referred to as “Gold Coins” or “Sweeps Coins”. Players can grab these coins through various means, such as mail-in requests or social media contests. While you can’t convert Gold Coins into cash, you can often redeem Sweeps Coins for cash prizes, thereby providing an indirect method to real money gambling.

This feature distinguishes sweepstakes casinos from social casinos. In social casinos, you can't trade virtual currency for real money or prizes; its purpose is merely to facilitate gameplay. On the other hand, Sweeps Coins can be redeemed at sweepstakes casinos for cash prizes, adding tangible value for players.

Given the stringent laws regarding online gambling, it may be some time before we see traditional legit casino apps in Louisiana. However, the lack of legalized online casinos doesn’t mean that Louisiana residents are without options for enjoying casino games on the go. 

Social and sweepstakes casinos provide legal alternatives and often offer their own mobile apps. These apps allow players to enjoy a casino-like experience on their mobile devices. You also get enhanced usability and connectivity alongside the ability to turn on notifications.

Modern Louisiana online casinos are also built on HTML5 technology, making them responsive and optimized for mobile browsers. This technology allows sites to transition seamlessly from desktops to the screens of iOS, Android, and Windows Phone devices.

Until online gambling becomes legal, Louisiana residents and visitors can claim bonuses at sweeps and social casinos. Alongside offering an experience that is close to the real thing, these sites still boast plenty of free spins offers and no deposit bonuses for active players.

In Louisiana, online casinos have repeatedly been placed on the back burner, with legislative attempts met with significant resistance. This resistance is firmly grounded in a history of stringent laws and penalties targeting online gambling.

One example of this hard stance is Louisiana’s law against online poker. With fines for operating an online poker business reaching a staggering $20,000 and potential prison sentences, the message is clear. 

Furthermore, even participating in online gambling without owning or operating a site can lead to a fine of $500 or a six-month jail term. These severe penalties make Louisiana one of the least likely states to pass legislation favoring online casino play in the foreseeable future.

Many more bills have been put forward with regard to online casinos, with each highlighting the value of legalizing online casinos. Despite some legislative attempts and propositions, progress has been slow and without significant success. 

Yes, both online and retail sports betting are legal in Louisiana. This landmark change occurred in 2021 and has been celebrated as a significant step forward in the state’s gambling landscape. SB 142 and SB 247 passed in 2021, and online sports betting officially launched on January 28, 2022. 

The post-launch revenue figures have been a testament to the popularity of sports betting among Louisiana residents and visitors. This successful launch has attracted a host of operators, each offering a unique blend of betting options and bonuses. 

Louisiana is home to an array of land-based casinos, each with its unique features and offerings. These range from smaller establishments to expansive Vegas-style casinos. 

• Amelia Belle Casino, Amelia
• Bally’s Casino Shreveport, Shreveport
• Belle of Baton Rouge Casino, Baton Rouge
• Boomtown Bossier City Casino, Bossier City
• Boomtown New Orleans Casino, Harvey
• Coushatta Casino Resort, Kinder
• Cypress Bayou Casino, Charenton
• Delta Downs, Vinton
• Diamond Jacks Casino Bossier City, Bossier City (re-opening 2024)
• Evangeline Downs, Opelousas
• Fair Grounds Race Course, New Orleans
• Golden Nugget Lake Charles Casino, Lake Charles
• Harrah’s New Orleans Casino, New Orleans
• Hollywood Casino Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge
• Horseshoe Bossier City Casino, Bossier City
• Horseshoe Lake Charles Casino, Westlake
• Jena Choctaw Pines Casino, Dry Prong
• L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles, Lake Charles
• L'Auberge Casino Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge
• Louisiana Downs, Bossier City
• Margaritaville Resort Casino, Bossier City
• Paragon Casino Resort, Marksville
• Sam’s Town Shreveport Casino, Shreveport
• Treasure Chest Casino, Kenner

Louisiana is home to several tribal casinos, which are owned and operated by Native American tribes. These establishments play a significant role in the state’s gambling landscape, offering a unique blend of traditional and modern gaming experiences.

• Chitmacha Tribe of Louisiana - Cypress Bayou Casino and Hotel
• Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana - Coushatta Casino
• The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana - Paragon Casino Resort
• Jena Band of Choctaw Indians - Jena Choctaw Pines Casino

Yes, poker is legal in Louisiana, but only for in-person play. Many land-based casinos feature dedicated poker rooms, and there are almost a dozen spread across Louisiana. However, US poker sites are currently prohibited in the state.

Louisiana supports in-person poker play, with venues providing this classic card game. From large casinos with dedicated poker rooms to smaller establishments offering basic poker games, the state caters to all poker preferences. The state also hosts many poker tournaments, with New Orleans and Shreveport being notable hotspots.

At Louisiana racetracks, bettors can legally wager on horse racing. There are numerous tracks across the state, providing ample opportunities for race betting, including: 

• Evangeline Downs, Opelousas
• Fair Grounds, New Orleans
• Louisiana Downs, Bossier City

Louisiana offers several resources for those wanting to control their gaming habits. They include the Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling and the Center of Recovery (CORE). Additionally, the National Problem Gambling Helpline is available for individuals seeking assistance nationwide.