Louisiana Online Casinos 2024 – Which One to Pick?
Is online casino legal in Louisiana? As we know, several parts of the world have embraced the idea of online casinos, as this industry proves entertaining and convenient. But is Louisiana one of such locations?
If you are curious about gambling and the possibility of access to a state-regulated Louisiana online casino, saddle up, as you’re about to get all the answers you need.
This article covers the history of gambling in LA and offers future predictions. Before that, let’s begin with a quick review of the current state of real money online gambling in Louisiana before exploring the alternatives available.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Learn the legal gambling options supported in Louisiana.
- Discover our top-pick sweepstakes casinos for quality gaming.
- Read the future predictions of online casinos in Louisiana.
Are Real Money Online Casinos Legal in Louisiana?
Louisiana is fully supporting gambling, with over 40 legal land-based casinos spread across the Bayou state. In January 2022, following public votes, online sports betting, and daily fantasy sports were legalized in 55 of the 64 parishes and launched.
However, this legalization does not cover online real money casinos, which are currently not legal in the state. But not to worry, although there isn’t a real money online casino Louisiana, there’s an alternative in sweepstakes online casinos where players can game for free and win cool prizes.
Check out our guide on states that allow online casinos to learn the gambling policy of each state in the country.
Fact: No talks are ongoing to legalize online gambling in Louisiana.
Our Top 5 Sweepstakes Online Casinos in Louisiana
Although it is disappointing that there is no real online casino for Louisiana residents, Sweepstakes is a worthy alternative. These social gaming platforms combine the fun of online casino games with free play and prize redemption.
To learn more, go through our guide on the best sweepstakes casinos for US players.
For Louisianans, here is a list of the top LA five sweepstakes casinos to try out.
Stake.us in Louisiana
When listing the best online casino Louisiana for social gaming, Stake.us is one name that makes it onto the list. Stake.us is legal in 43 of the 50 US states, including the Pelican State, where new players are offered a welcome bonus of 260,000 Gold Coins, 55 Stake Cash — plus a 5% Rakeback on losses.
This bonus offer gets better with a daily login, among other promotions. Plus, your free GCs and Stake Cash are valid for all games within the casino. So you get to try out an impressive library of casino games ranging from slots, roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and live dealer games.
→ Start your gaming session with the Stake.us live game Gravity Blackjack by BETER Live, which supports random multipliers up to 10x on the side bet.
Sweeptastic in Louisiana
Are you a fan of video slots with diverse themes and gameplay? Sweeptastic is one of the best Louisiana online casino sites to visit. For starters, new players are welcomed with a free reward of 10,000 Lucky Coins and 20,000 LC + 4 SCs after setting up their profile.
As for the game library, Sweeptastic is home to slot games, as there are over 600 titles! These games are designed by reputable software developers such as Pragmatic Play, Novomatic, Betsoft, 1spin4win, BGaming, and Gamart. These games can be played using the casino’s in-house currency, Lucky Coins, or Sweepstakes Coins.
→ The Tycoons: Billionaire Bucks – Hold & Win by Betsoft is an excellent choice to try out at the casino, as this title offers the perfect win opportunity with 25 paylines.
Vegas Gems in Louisiana
Although new to the scene, Vegas Gems has proven to be all-out for exclusive gaming services in Louisiana. New signups are offered a welcome bonus of 1,000 Gems. While the offer may not seem like a lot, the casino is designed to support continuous free play, so you can claim more coins through daily logging, mystery chest, and other activities.
The Vegas Gems game library is equally impressive, consisting of popular slot titles from Pragmatic Play and Belatra Games. Unlike other sweepstakes casinos, Vegas Gems offers Crash, Conflip, and Towers, the casino’s Originals.
→ If you’re one for easy gameplay, try the Vegas Gems’s Coinflip game, as the idea of the game is pretty straightforward: flip the coins in your favor.
WOW Vegas in Louisiana
With over 900 Vegas-style games from top casino software developers, WOW Vegas is the perfect online casino Louisiana for slot lovers. The gaming platform is also generous in bonuses, offering new players 150,000 WOW Coins and 3 SCs.
To promote fun and engaging gameplay, WOW Vegas organizes Prize Drops tournaments where all players can participate to share in the pool prizes of Sweepstakes Coins. The games featured in tournaments are popular titles from BetSoft, EvoPlay, Pragmatic Play, Booming Games, Net Gaming, and Rogue, among others.
→ WOW Vegas features daily new releases, and the Moosey Money slot game by Rogue Partner Studio is an excellent game choice. This game is perfect for topping up on coins due to its 10 free spins bonus feature.
Chumba Casino in Louisiana
Since its launch, Chumba Casino has offered the best Louisiana online casino bonus. New users receive a welcome bonus of 2,000,000 Gold Coins and 2 Sweeps Coins. This offer, as you’ll find, is extremely generous compared to other sweepstakes casinos.
To make use of your free game coins, you have a wide range of options, from slots, bingo, slingo, table games, and scratch cards. So, running out of gaming options is impossible at Chumba Casino.
→ There are several games to recommend at Chumba Casino, as the platform features quality games. However, The Last Empress by VGW is an excellent place to start with its multiple free spins and jackpot features.
Want to Bet Real Money? The Top 3 Land-Based Casinos in Louisiana
Do you prefer brick-and-mortar gambling options instead of a Louisiana online casino? You’re in luck, as this option is equally available. Louisiana is openly supporting land-based casinos, so there are several of these options available. However, for the best experience possible, here are the top three choices to try out.
Golden Nugget in Lake Charles
Besides its magnificent view, Golden Nugget offers one of the best land-based casinos in Louisiana. The 242-acre waterfall casino resort features 1,600 video slot machines and 87 table games.
Besides gambling services, Golden Nugget provides top-notch hotel services. There’s a pool area with a lazy river and slides, as well as multiple options for food and entertainment.
I love this place. So much to do and so many places to eat. It’s not all about gambling like some casino. There is entertainment every night…
Vera Chaumont, from Google Review
- Address: 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd, Lake Charles, LA 70601, United States
- Phone Number: +1 337-243-4310
- Website: goldennugget.com/lake-charles
- Opening Hours: 24 hours
- Review on Google: 4.3 /5
Harrah’s in New Orleans
Next on my list is the highly recommended Harrah’s in New Orleans. Harrah’s is unique, offering over 2,100 slot machines and 200 table games. The casino is operated by Caesar Entertainment, a reputable name in the gambling industry, so you’re assured of a quality casino experience.
In addition to casino services, Harrah’s is known for its restaurant services, ranging from buffet style to fine dining. With an impressive 4.2 star rating, a user of the casino has this to say:
Had a great time at the casino. Visiting for a work event, and our hotel was close enough to walk. First time ever getting a handpay. They had my favorite slot game, and everyone was super friendly!
Tanishia Epps Spencer, From Google Review
- Address: 8 Canal St, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
- Phone Number: +1 800-427-7247
- Website: caesars.com/harrahs-new-orleans
- Opening Hours: 24 hours
- Review on Google: 4.2 /5
L’Auberge Casino Resort in Lake Charles
With a high rating of 4.3 / 5, it is evident that L’Auberge Casino Resort is worth visiting. The hotel and gaming resorts offer Louisiana residents over 1,400 slot machines and 82 table games to select from.
There’s more; L’Auberge also offers luxury hotel services with a heated pool and lazy river.
The setting inside the casino is very cozy. There are many, many games to choose from, which I love! Free drinks if you’re at a table/slot. All the cashiers/dealers/waitresses were super friendly…
Cheyenne Valdez, from Google Review
- Address: 777 Ave L’Auberge, Lake Charles, LA 70601, United States
- Phone Number: +1 337-395-7777
- Website: llakecharles.com
- Opening Hours: 24 hours
- Review on Google: 4.3 /5
How to Declare Taxable Winnings in Louisiana?
Gambling winnings are taxable, according to the Louisiana Department of Revenue. Operators are expected to withhold 6% of your winnings to be paid as taxes.
This tax is applied to all winnings above $1,200. Sportsbook winning, on the other hand, is subjected to a 4.25% tax. The operator is then required to provide you with a W2-G form for the IRS to declare taxable winnings.
Additionally, gambling operators that pay out winnings above a specific figure are expected to withhold 24% as federal tax. The only exception to this rule is lottery winnings below $600, which are not subject to any tax whatsoever.
Other Legal Gambling Activities in Louisiana
While a state-regulated Louisiana online casino is yet to become a reality, Bayou State permits other gambling alternatives. There are a handful of fun gambling activities in the state.
These options are:
- Horse Racing/Off-Track Betting: Horse race betting is legal in Louisiana and carried out on licensed racetracks. Interstate and international parimutuel wagering is also permitted.
- Riverboat Gambling: Besides land-based casinos, river-based casinos are another gambling activity legalized in the state. These casinos are featured on riverboats and cruise ships.
- Sports Betting: For sports enthusiasts, the sports betting market is open to Louisianans, both online and walk-in operators. Daily Fantasy Sports is also permitted in 47 of the state’s parishes.
- State Lottery: This is one of the oldest gambling options available in Louisiana. The state permits lottery, and this activity is strictly regulated.
History of Gambling in Louisiana
Louisiana has an eventful history of gambling. Back then, New Orleans was the gambling center in the state, with a street named “Craps” (now Burgundy Street) in honor of the dice game imported by the French settlers.
Here’s a summary of the activities that led to today’s Louisiana gambling laws.
- 1823: New Orleans had a total of six casinos licensed by the Louisiana legislature.
- 1835: The licensing of casinos was withdrawn by the state. However, many continued to operate illegally.
- 1860–1865: After the Civil War, gambling was again legalized in the state.
- 1866: Louisiana created its first state lottery.
- 1920s: Parimutuel betting on horse races was legalized.
- 1991: The operations of casinos were authorized in nearby Mississippi, and video poker was also legal.
- 1997: Racetracks lobbied for the introduction of slot machines, which were eventually installed at these centers.
- 2022: Online sports betting was legalized.
Fact: The Louisiana State Lottery Company was one of the largest operating businesses in the United States by 1890. Hopeful winners bought tickets nationwide.
What’s Next for Louisiana Online Casinos?
What are the chances of accessing a Louisiana online casino anytime soon? Pretty slim, we must say. There has been no suggestion or proposed bill to legalize online casinos. It seems unlikely, too, that the Bayou State will embrace the idea following the recently suggested bill by Louisiana State Rep. Shaun Mena.
According to Mena, since the legalization of sports betting, the national gaming addiction hotline numbers are up. As a result, he proposed a ban on gambling advertisements.
I’m not proposing that we ban online sports betting, not at all — I just want to ban the advertisement for it.
Shaun Mena, LA State Rep.
With such developments, it will take a while for the state to support online casinos. For now, Louisianans can access sweepstakes or land-based casinos, which are entirely legal within the state.
So, Will You Bet From Louisiana Tonight?
Although online gambling laws tend to move slowly in Louisiana, the Pelican State has legalized a bunch of activities, including social gaming.
So, Louisianans searching for casino-style games will be glad to discover sweepstakes casinos or retail casinos. To get started, visit any of the reviewed casinos above to claim your bonuses.
Want to learn more about online casino bonuses to strengthen your betting skills? Check our page here.