Louisiana is a great state for sports fandom, as there is a nice mix of professional and collegiate programs worth paying attention to. And there will be even more reason to pay attention to the teams and programs in the state, as sports gambling is a part of the equation in the state. Here, we will answer the question of whether or not Louisiana sports betting is legal and the details bettors need to know.
Is Sports Betting Legal In Louisiana?
Yes, sports betting is officially legal and operational in the state of Louisiana. After being legalized in the majority of parishes (referred to as counties in most states) previously, legal online sports gambling was launched in the state on January 28, 2022. As long as a bettor is located in a parish where sports betting was legalized, using an approved sportsbook in the state, they will be able to place wagers on sporting events.
Right now, there is a select group of sportsbooks that have launched in the early stages of legalized action in Louisiana. But the door is open for dozens of additional sportsbooks to be opened up in the state. What that will mean for Louisiana bettors long-term is that there will be more competition between bookmakers, which can mean more aggressive promotions and more favorable betting lines to attract bettors away from competitors.
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Which Sportsbooks Are Available?
So far, there are six sportsbooks that have launched in the state of Louisiana. Those sportsbooks are BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, BetRivers, and Barstool. These bookmakers will be competing with one another for market share from their launch date, and bettors should keep their eyes open for promotions and other features that will set these bookmakers apart.
In the long run, it is expected that additional sportsbooks will be opened up to Louisiana bettors, though the details on those books are not yet concrete. There are several big names in the industry that have yet to open up in Louisiana, and they will have every opportunity to do so as time goes on in this state.
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Can I Bet On Louisiana College Teams?
Another important question surrounding legal sports betting in Louisiana is whether or not it is legal to bet on Louisiana college sports teams. The LSU Tigers might be the most beloved sports team in this state, while teams like the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns are also regularly televised and have a following. Fortunately, it is possible to bet on those teams in the state of Louisiana.
The reason this is even a question is the fact that states like New York have prohibited betting on in-state college teams. That has prevented New Yorkers from betting on schools such as Syracuse, St. Bonaventure, and Buffalo. But that will not be an issue in Louisiana, which is great news for bettors there.
