Louisiana has one of the most established gambling industries in the South, regulated by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board.
The state permits commercial and tribal casinos, a state lottery, charitable bingo, pari-mutuel horse wagering, and both retail and online sports betting in approved parishes. However, real-money online casinos and sweepstakes casinos remain illegal and unregulated.
Sports betting has expanded rapidly, becoming the most dynamic sector of the market, especially after the 2025 tax rate increase on online wagers. Meanwhile, the state’s Attorney General ruled that sweepstakes casinos violate Louisiana law, prompting the Gaming Control Board to issue numerous cease-and-desist orders against unlicensed operators.
Moreover, riverboat casinos are also transitioning to land-based venues following recent regulatory reforms. The state also maintains strict enforcement against illegal gambling, allows local parishes to decide which forms of gaming they permit, and directs tax revenue from licensed gambling toward public programs.
Overall, Louisiana’s gambling environment is highly regulated and continues to evolve, with growth centered on casinos and sports wagering while online casino gaming remains unlicensed and unregulated.
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Overview: Louisiana Tribes and Their Role in State Betting
Louisiana’s federally recognized tribes play a crucial role in the state’s gambling and betting industry.
The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe, the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, and the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana each operate major casinos under tribal-state gaming compacts established through the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). These compacts allow the tribes to conduct casino-style gaming on their sovereign lands, including slot machines, table games, and, in some cases, sports wagering.
The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe made history in 2021 when its Paragon Casino Resort accepted Louisiana’s first legal sports bet. This milestone highlighted the tribes’ importance in the Pelican State’s growing sports betting market.
Although commercial and tribal gaming are regulated differently, both sectors contribute significantly to Louisiana’s gambling economy. Additionally, tribal casinos are monitored by their own gaming commissions, while the Louisiana State Police’s Indian Gaming Unit provides oversight and investigations.
Unlike commercial operators, tribes are not required to pay direct gaming taxes to the state. However, they often share revenue with local parishes through compact agreements.
Their operations create jobs, boost tourism, and stimulate local economies. As Louisiana’s gambling industry continues to evolve, the state’s tribes remain central players. They are key pieces to the state’s sovereignty, regulation, and innovation in the expanding world of casino and sports betting.
Key Louisiana Tribes and Their Operations
Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana
The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe operates under a tribal-state compact with the state of Louisiana. Their flagship gaming operation is the Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville, Louisiana.
The tribe’s gaming commission regulates employee licensing, vendor approvals, audits and compliance. Through the compact and operations, the tribe has become a major employer in the region and contributes revenue to local communities.
Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana
The Coushatta Tribe runs the Coushatta Casino Resort in Kinder, Louisiana. Their resort features thousands of slot machines and many table games, drawing visitors from across Louisiana and neighboring states.
As a result, the tribe’s gaming operation serves as a large employer and economic engine in its region.
Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana
Located in St. Mary Parish, the Chitimacha Tribe operates the Cypress Bayou Casino Resort. The tribe uses gaming revenue not only for business development but also for cultural and community initiatives (including language revitalization and land acquisition) built out of their heritage and historic lands.
Current State Laws of Louisiana Regulating Gambling
Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 14, § 90 – “Gambling”
This statute defines the crime of gambling as conducting or assisting in a business of games of chance for profit. It prohibits unlicensed gambling businesses: individuals who conduct, finance, manage, direct or own an illegal gambling business may be fined or imprisoned.
Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 14, § 90.2 – “Gambling in public”
This statute targets gambling that occurs in public locations (parks, streets, sidewalks, etc.). It excludes authorized charitable and festival raffles/bingo. Violators may face up to a $500 fine and up to six months imprisonment.
Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 33, § 4852 – “Parishes authorized to prohibit gambling with cards”
This statute gives parish governments (via their police juries) the power to suppress and prohibit card games involving wagers. It does not apply to private games in private homes or clubs where no rake or profit is taken.
Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 27 – Louisiana Gaming Control Law (multiple sections)
Title 27 is the core regulatory framework for legal gambling operations in Louisiana (casinos, riverboats, sports wagering, video draw poker, etc.). It covers the regulatory board, licensing, suitability of operators, consumer protections, local option, and enforcement.
Key sections include:
- 27:11 – Establishes the Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) and its membership, terms and duties.
- 27:15 – Gives the LGCB regulatory authority over gaming operations including licensing, enforcement and jurisdiction.
- 27:28 – Sets “suitability” standards for persons seeking licenses or contracts under the Title (integrity, character, not threatening public interest).
- 27:27.1 & § 27:27.1 (Compulsive/Problem Gambling Program) – Requires gaming licensees to implement problem-gambling programs.
- 27:249 – Requires posting of signs at gaming establishments for problem gambling helplines.
- 27:1 et seq. – The broader Title sets legislative public policy, definitions, licenses, prohibited acts, and local option features.
Other Act-specific Statutes
These segment-specific laws carve out rules for particular gaming formats, ensuring each is regulated under the broader Title 27 umbrella.
Under the umbrella of Title 27, several “Acts” or chapters regulate specific types of gaming:
The Louisiana Riverboat Economic Development and Gaming Control Act (La. R.S. 27:41 et seq.) regulates riverboat casinos and gaming on navigable waters.
The Louisiana Fantasy Sports Contests Act (La. R.S. 27:301 et seq.) regulates daily fantasy sports operations.
The Louisiana Sports Wagering Act (La. R.S. 27:601 et seq.) regulates retail and online sports wagering in Louisiana.
Latest Louisiana Gambling Legislative Updates
House Bill 639 – Online Sports Betting Tax Increase
This bill raises Louisiana’s tax rate on online sports wagering from 15 % to 21.5 %, effective August 1, 2025.
One-quarter of the revenue is dedicated to the new “SPORT Fund” for NCAA Division I public universities, supporting scholarships, facility improvements, and other athlete-related costs.
Retail (in-person) sportsbooks remain taxed at 10 %, while online platforms bear the higher rate.
The change boosts state revenue, aligns the online tax rate with land-based gaming, and channels funds toward higher-education athletics.
Senate Bill 181 – Proposed Online Sweepstakes Casino Ban
This bill sought to ban “dual-currency” sweepstakes casino games (online platforms where players use a virtual currency convertible to cash) under Louisiana law.
It passed both legislative chambers unanimously, but was vetoed by the Governor, who said the existing regulatory framework (via Louisiana Gaming Control Board) already covered such enforcement.
Although the bill didn’t become law, the state’s Attorney General issued an opinion declaring many of these platforms illegal. Regulators continue to act using existing statutes.
Attorney General’s Legal Opinion – Sweepstake Platforms Deemed Illegal
Following the veto of SB 181, the Attorney General issued a formal opinion stating that online sweepstakes casinos using dual-currency systems violate Louisiana gambling laws and may face enforcement actions.
This strengthens the state’s ability to crack down on unlicensed or offshore gaming operations even without new legislation.
Land-Based Sports Betting in Louisiana
Legal Status: Legal
Land-based sports betting in Louisiana operates under a regulated and legalized framework, making it one of the more progressive states in the South for wagering activities. The state legalized sports betting in 2020 after voters in 55 of its 64 parishes approved it through a parish-by-parish referendum.
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) oversees all land-based sports wagering operations, ensuring compliance with state laws and responsible gaming standards.
Currently, licensed land-based sportsbooks operate within established casinos and racinos across approved parishes. Major venues such as Harrah’s New Orleans, L’Auberge Casino Baton Rouge, and Boomtown Casino Bossier City have integrated full-service sportsbooks, offering both professional and collegiate betting markets.
These sportsbooks partner with major national operators like Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel to provide high-quality facilities and advanced wagering technologies.
In addition, tribal casinos, such as the Coushatta Casino Resort and Paragon Casino Resort, have introduced retail sportsbooks under federal and state compacts. These establishments contribute significant tax revenue to the state and local communities while creating hundreds of jobs.
Overall, Louisiana’s land-based sports betting industry continues to expand responsibly. The combination of voter approval, strong regulation, and operator partnerships has made the state a regional leader in legal sports wagering.
List of Land-Based Sports Betting Operations in Louisiana
Caesars New Orleans
Sportsbook Operator: Caesars Sportsbook
Located in downtown New Orleans, Harrah’s acquired Caesars and rebranded. They now operate a Caesars Sportsbook offering professional and collegiate wagering. The venue combines traditional casino gaming with luxury hotel amenities and live entertainment, making it one of Louisiana’s most visited gaming destinations.
Horseshoe Bossier City
Sportsbook Operator: Caesars Sportsbook
Managed by Caesars Entertainment, this casino features a modern Caesars Sportsbook lounge. Patrons can wager on a wide range of events while enjoying dining and riverfront entertainment.
Golden Nugget Lake Charles
Sportsbook Operator: DraftKings Sportsbook
This luxury resort hosts a DraftKings Sportsbook, providing state-of-the-art betting kiosks, large video walls, and comfortable lounge seating. It attracts bettors from Texas and across the Gulf region.
Amelia Belle Casino
Sportsbook Operator: FanDuel Sportsbook
Located in Amelia, Louisiana, this casino offers retail sports betting through its FanDuel-powered sportsbook. The property combines slot machines, table games, and local dining experiences.
Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino
Sportsbook Operator: TwinSpires Sportsbook
Situated in Opelousas, this racino integrates a TwinSpires Sportsbook within its horse racing venue. It provides bettors with access to both live racing and sports wagering.
Delta Downs Racetrack & Casino
Sportsbook Operator: FanDuel Sportsbook
Found in Vinton, this Boyd Gaming property features a FanDuel Sportsbook. Guests can enjoy live horse racing, gaming, and in-person sports betting under one roof.
Coushatta Casino Resort
Sportsbook Operator: The Rez Sportsbook
Owned by the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, this tribal resort operates The Rez Sportsbook. It offers wagering on major sports and provides a family-friendly resort experience with multiple amenities.
The Queen Baton Rouge
Sportsbook Operator: DraftKings Sportsbook
Formerly Hollywood Casino, The Queen hosts a DraftKings Sportsbook. The renovated property includes a riverside sports lounge, gaming floor, and dining venues for an upscale wagering experience.
Louisiana Online Sports Betting
Legal Status: Not Licensed or Regulated
Online casinos in Louisiana are not licensed or regulated under current state law. While the state has legalized retail and mobile sports betting, lawmakers have not extended those permissions to include online casino gaming or iGaming.
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) continues to oversee all licensed gambling within the state which includes sports betting operations. Yet, it has not issued any regulatory framework or licensing provisions for online sports betting operators.
Lawmakers have periodically discussed expanding digital gambling to boost tax revenue, but no active legislation has passed. As a result, until new laws are enacted, online casinos remain unregulated in Louisiana.
Other Online Sports Betting Options for Louisiana Residents
Betting sites based offshore and accessible to U.S. players can serve as alternative venues for Louisiana players seeking to place online wagers. Because these operators are headquartered outside the United States, they operate in a legal “grey zone.” To date, there are no known cases of Louisiana players being prosecuted for placing bets on these offshore platforms.
Louisiana Land-Based Casino Gambling
Status: Legal
Land-based casinos in Louisiana operate under a fully licensed and regulated system, making the state one of the South’s most established gaming markets. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) oversees all commercial and tribal casino operations, ensuring compliance with state gaming laws and responsible gambling practices.
Currently, Louisiana hosts a mix of riverboat, land-based, and tribal casinos that provide gaming, entertainment, and hospitality experiences.
The first land-based casino, Harrah’s New Orleans (now operating as Caesars New Orleans), opened in 1999 and remains a cornerstone of Louisiana’s gambling industry. In recent years, the state has allowed several riverboat casinos to move on land, expanding their facilities and creating modern entertainment hubs.
Notable examples include L’Auberge Casino Baton Rouge, Golden Nugget Lake Charles, Margaritaville Resort Casino, and The Queen Baton Rouge. These venues feature thousands of slot machines, table games, poker rooms, restaurants, and live shows, drawing millions of visitors annually
In addition to commercial establishments, Louisiana’s tribal casinos such as Coushatta Casino Resort, Paragon Casino Resort, and Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel. They operate under federal and state compacts and significantly contribute to regional economies and local employment.
Overall, Louisiana’s land-based casino industry remains vibrant, regulated, and economically vital, balancing entertainment with strong oversight and community impact.
List of Land-Based Casinos in Louisiana
Caesars New Orleans (formerly Harrah’s New Orleans)
Owner: Vici Properties; Operator: Caesars Entertainment
Located in downtown New Orleans, this large-scale resort offers around 115,000 sq ft of gaming space, over 2,100 slot machines, and more than 90 table games.
Golden Nugget Lake Charles
Owner and Operator: Landry’s, Inc.
This waterfront resort features over 1,038 rooms, a private beach and marina, 1,600 slots, and about 60 table games.
L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles
Owner: Gaming and Leisure Properties; Operator: Penn Entertainment
This resort in Lake Charles boasts a large gaming floor, luxury hotel accommodations, and a full entertainment complex.
Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall, Shreveport
Owner and Operator: Boyd Gaming
Located in Shreveport, this property features 514 hotel rooms and a gaming floor with about 1,100 slot machines and 29 table games.
Coushatta Casino Resort
Owner and Operator: The Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana
Located near Kinder, Louisiana, this tribal-owned resort has thousands of slots, many table games, multiple hotels, and resort amenities.
Paragon Casino Resort
Owner and Operator: The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana
Located in Marksville, this tribal resort includes casino gaming, hotel accommodations, and resort amenities; it also was an early sports-betting venue in the state.
Louisiana Online Casino Gambling
Legal Status: Not Licensed or Regulated
Online casinos in Louisiana are not licensed or regulated under current state gambling laws. While Louisiana allows sports betting, both retail and mobile, there are no legal provisions that authorize online casino gaming or iGaming platforms offering slot machines, poker, or table games for real money.
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) strictly oversees land-based casinos and licensed sportsbooks but has not extended its authority to cover internet-based casino operations.
Lawmakers have periodically discussed expanding iGaming to generate new tax revenues and compete with neighboring states, but no formal legislation has advanced.
Until that happens, online casinos remain unregulated in Louisiana.
Other Online Casino Options for Louisiana Residents
Online casinos based offshore that accept U.S. players serve as an alternative for Louisiana players seeking online gambling. Since these operators are located outside the United States, they exist in a legal “grey zone.” To date, there is no record of individuals being legally prosecuted solely for playing on these offshore platforms.
Louisiana Poker
Status: Legal
Land-based poker in Louisiana is licensed and regulated, forming an important part of the state’s thriving casino industry. The LGCB oversees all poker operations within commercial and tribal casinos, ensuring fair play, responsible gaming, and compliance with state gambling laws.
Poker rooms are legally permitted only in licensed casino establishments, and many of the state’s leading casinos host dedicated poker lounges that attract both local players and tourists.
Venues such as Harrah’s New Orleans (now Caesars New Orleans), L’Auberge Casino Baton Rouge, and Golden Nugget Lake Charles feature professional poker rooms. They offer a range of games, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Seven Card Stud.
Moreover, these facilities frequently host cash games, daily tournaments, and special events, providing players with both recreational and competitive experiences. Tribal casinos like Coushatta Casino Resort and Paragon Casino Resort also operate popular poker rooms under tribal-state compacts.
Poker contributes significantly to Louisiana’s gaming revenue and tourism economy. The game’s popularity continues to grow as casinos modernize their offerings with digital tables, rewards programs, and televised tournaments.
Overall, Louisiana’s land-based poker scene remains robust, fully licensed, and a central feature of the state’s broader commitment to maintaining a safe and regulated gaming environment.
List of Poker Operations in Louisiana
Caesars New Orleans (formerly Harrah’s New Orleans)
Owner: Vici Properties; Operator: Caesars Entertainment
Number of Tables: 20
Located in downtown New Orleans, this poker room is part of a major resort casino. The dedicated “World Series of Poker Room” opened in 2022 with 20 tables.
Horseshoe Bossier City
Owner: Vici Properties; Operator: Caesars Entertainment
Number of Tables: 14
Located in Bossier City, northwest Louisiana, this casino features a 14-table poker room offering cash games and tournaments.
Coushatta Casino Resort
Owner and Operator: The Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana
Number of Tables: 10
Situated in Kinder, Louisiana, this tribal resort offers a smoke-free 10-table poker room, with multiple game types including No-Limit Hold’em and Omaha.
Golden Nugget Lake Charles
Owner and Operator: Landry’s, Inc. (part of Tilman Fertitta’s companies)
Number of Tables: 7
Based in Lake Charles, this venue features a newly-renovated poker room with seven smoke-free tables. The resort is well-known for its luxury amenities and attracts regional players.
Louisiana Online Poker
Status: Not Licensed or Regulated
Online poker in Louisiana is currently not licensed or regulated under state law. While the state has embraced land-based and mobile sports betting, it has not yet legalized online poker platforms that allow real-money play.
The LGCB regulates all forms of authorized gambling, but no framework exists for licensing or monitoring internet-based poker rooms. As a result, residents cannot legally participate in state-approved online poker games for cash.
Some offshore poker websites also accept Louisiana players, but these platforms operate in a legal grey area. Until Louisiana enacts new legislation permitting online poker, traditional, regulated poker remains limited to land-based casinos.
Other Online Poker Options for Louisiana Residents
Online poker sites based offshore and accessible to U.S. players can serve as alternative venues for Louisiana players seeking to place online wagers. Because these operators are headquartered outside the United States, they operate in a legal “grey zone.” To date, there are no known cases of Louisiana players being prosecuted for placing bets on these offshore platforms.
Louisiana Horse Betting
Status: Legal
Land-based horse betting in Louisiana is licensed and regulated under the authority of the Louisiana State Racing Commission (LSRC). The state has a long and proud tradition of horse racing that dates back to the early 19th century, making it one of the oldest racing jurisdictions in the United States.
Today, Louisiana’s horse betting industry operates through several racetracks and off-track betting (OTB) facilities, all of which offer pari-mutuel wagering that complies with state laws and regulations.
Prominent racetracks such as Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots in New Orleans, Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino in Opelousas, Delta Downs Racetrack & Casino in Vinton, and Louisiana Downs in Bossier City host live thoroughbred and quarter horse racing events.
These venues also provide modern casino-style gaming, creating a blend of traditional racing and contemporary entertainment.
Bettors can place wagers directly at racetrack windows or through state-licensed OTB parlors operated by Louisiana Downs OTB and Fair Grounds OTB networks. Each venue adheres to strict oversight to ensure fair wagering, responsible gaming, and integrity in racing operations.
Overall, Louisiana’s land-based horse betting industry remains vibrant and well-regulated, supporting local economies, breeders, trainers, and thousands of jobs across the state.
List of Horse Betting Operations in Louisiana
Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel
Owner: Boyd Gaming Corporation
Owned and operated by Boyd Gaming Corporation. Located in Vinton near the Texas border, the facility includes live thoroughbred and quarter-horse racing (plus simulcasting and sportsbook), a full-casino and hotel complex. The racetrack provides live race days and a robust off-track betting experience.
Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino
Owner: Boyd Gaming Corporation
Also owned by Boyd Gaming, this venue sits in St. Landry Parish and blends traditional horse racing (one-mile oval, substantial stalls) with casino gaming and simulcast betting options.
Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots
Owner: Churchill Downs Inc.
Owned and operated by Churchill Downs Incorporated, this historic New Orleans racetrack dates back to the 19th century. It hosts thoroughbred meets (including prominent races) and offers on-site slots, racing betting, and related amenities.
Louisiana Downs
Owner: Rubico Acquisition Corp.
Located in Bossier City and previously under Caesars Entertainment Corporation ownership, this track provides thoroughbred and quarter-horse racing meets, simulcast wagering, and off-track betting parlors throughout the state.
Louisiana Online Horse Betting
Status: Legal
Online horse betting in Louisiana is licensed and regulated, distinguishing it from many other forms of online gambling in the state. The LSRC oversees both live and remote horse wagering, ensuring that all activities comply with the state’s strict betting laws.
Through the Louisiana Pari-Mutuel Live Racing Act, residents are permitted to place wagers on horse races via authorized online betting platforms that hold valid licenses.
Currently, several major operators, including TwinSpires, TVG (FanDuel Racing), and BetMGM Horse Racing, legally serve Louisiana bettors. These platforms allow users to watch live streams of domestic and international races, place pari-mutuel bets, and access detailed race statistics and odds.
Moreover, the Pelican State’s regulatory framework ensures that these sites maintain responsible gambling standards, prevent underage betting, and protect consumer funds.
While offshore betting platforms exist, only those sanctioned by Louisiana law are considered legal and secure for residents.
Overall, Louisiana’s online horse betting market is thriving under regulated oversight, combining traditional racing excitement with the convenience of digital wagering, and reinforcing the state’s long-standing equine heritage.
List of Online Horse Betting Operations in Louisiana
TwinSpires
Owner / Operator: Churchill Downs Incorporated
TwinSpires offers licensed advance-deposit wagering (ADW) in Louisiana. It allows bettors to place online pari-mutuel wagers from home, provides live streaming of major tracks, and is regulated by the Louisiana State Racing Commission.
AmWager
Owner / Operator: AmWest Entertainment LLC
AmWager is listed as a legally licensed ADW in Louisiana for horse racing. It offers wagering on thoroughbred, quarter-horse and harness races and holds license oversight by the Racing Commission.
Iron Bets Racing
Owner / Operator: Michael Dempsey
Iron Bets Racing appears in listings of legal Louisiana horse racing betting sites (ADWs) that comply with state regulations for pari-mutuel wagering.
BetMGM Horse Racing
Owner / Operator: Entain plc (via its US division)
Listed among the legal Louisiana horse racing betting platforms. It provides online betting on horse races via its ADW brand, regulated under state pari-mutuel laws.
Other Online Horse Betting Options for Louisiana Residents
Online horse betting based offshore that accept U.S. players serve as an alternative for Louisiana players seeking online gambling. Since these operators are located outside the United States, they exist in a legal “grey zone.” To date, there is no record of individuals being legally prosecuted solely for playing on these offshore platforms.
Louisiana Lotteries
Status: Legal
The Louisiana Lottery is licensed and regulated, serving as one of the most popular and legally sanctioned forms of gambling in the state.
Established in 1991 following a voter-approved constitutional amendment, the Louisiana Lottery Corporation (LLC) operates under the oversight of the Louisiana Legislature and the Governor’s Office, with its profits directed primarily to the state’s Minimum Foundation Program for public education.
The Lottery offers a wide range of games, including Powerball, Mega Millions, Lotto, Easy 5, and various scratch-off tickets. These games are available through a statewide network of licensed retailers, giving residents easy access to legal wagering options.
Players must be at least 21 years old to participate, and all operations follow strict auditing and transparency standards to ensure integrity and fairness.
Additionally, the Louisiana Lottery maintains partnerships with multi-state lottery associations, enabling participation in nationwide jackpot drawings with multimillion-dollar prizes. The corporation continuously updates its game offerings and promotions to remain competitive and engaging while emphasizing responsible gaming.
Overall, Louisiana’s lottery industry plays a vital role in generating revenue for public education and community programs, offering citizens a regulated and secure environment to enjoy chance-based entertainment under state supervision.
List of Lottery Platforms in Louisiana
Louisiana Lottery Corporation
Owner/Operator: State of Louisiana via the Louisiana Lottery Corporation (LLC)
The Louisiana Lottery Corporation oversees all state lottery games including draw-style games (e.g., Powerball, Mega Millions, Lotto, Easy 5) and instant scratch-off games.
While the corporation offers a mobile app, this app only allows players to create digital playslips and check tickets. It does not allow online ticket purchase.
Louisiana Sweepstakes
Status: Not Licensed or Regulated
Sweepstakes in Louisiana occupy a complex legal space and are generally not licensed or regulated under the state’s gambling framework. While legitimate promotional sweepstakes tied to product sales or marketing campaigns are permitted, standalone sweepstakes that operate as gambling alternatives often fall outside the scope of state oversight.
Louisiana’s gambling laws, enforced by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) and state statutes under Title 27 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, draw clear distinctions between games of chance, contests, and illegal gambling activities.
Promotional sweepstakes that comply with federal and state consumer protection rules such as offering free entry and disclosing odds are legal. However, sweepstakes that mimic casino-style games or require payment to play can be deemed unlawful gambling operations.
Consequently, Louisiana authorities continue to monitor such schemes, emphasizing that only authorized gambling activities. This includes the state lottery, casinos, and horse betting, industries that operate legally.
Louisiana Sweepstakes Casinos
Status: Not Licensed or Regulated
Sweepstakes casinos in Louisiana are not licensed or regulated, operating outside the state’s official gambling framework.
In July 2025, Attorney General Liz Murrill issued a formal opinion declaring that online sweepstakes casinos using dual-currency systems such as “Gold Coins” and “Sweeps Coins” violate Louisiana gambling laws.
The opinion stated that these platforms, which simulate slot machines, blackjack, and roulette under a “sweepstakes” model, constitute illegal gambling and gambling by computer under existing state statutes.
Following this, the Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) and the Attorney General’s Office began issuing cease-and-desist orders to operators marketing these games to Louisiana residents. Murrill’s opinion emphasized that these websites lack vital consumer protections, including age verification, geolocation, and state oversight, placing players at risk of fraud and unfair practices.
In response, lawmakers introduced Senate Bill 181, which sought to explicitly ban online sweepstakes casinos and close any legal gray areas. The bill passed both legislative chambers unanimously, demonstrating strong bipartisan support.
However, Governor Jeff Landry vetoed the measure, reasoning that existing laws already make such operations illegal and enforceable under current statutes.
Ultimately, Louisiana’s leadership maintains that sweepstakes casinos remain not licensed or regulated, and their operation within the state is treated as a violation of gambling laws.
Louisiana Gambling FAQ
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