Will Online Casinos Go Live in Louisiana Soon?

The US online gambling scene is certainly one to watch, with online casinos and sportsbooks going live across the country at a lightning pace. Since the PASPA was scrapped, states can now easily legalize online gambling. In turn, generating massive revenues from taxation which have previously been lost abroad to offshore gambling.

Whilst online sports betting is now legal in Louisiana, what does this mean for players who want to enjoy the benefits of online casinos?

What’s the Current Online Gambling Situation in Louisiana?

There’s some confusion with regards to this and it's firstly important to separate online sports betting from online casinos. Often players assume that because sports betting is legal in a state that online casinos are too, this is not the case. These are two separate gambling verticals that are often also dealt with separately when it comes to legalization. 

At present, if you are an adult residing in Louisiana you can legally bet on online sportsbooks. You can also take part in the state lotto or play at online social and sweepstakes casinos. But you are not legally able to partake in online casino gambling, just yet. Over the years, Louisiana residents have traveled to other states to enjoy this type of gambling. It has also left some players signing up with dubious and illegal online casinos that are not regulated.

The grey area surrounding the legalization of online casinos in Louisiana remains grey - though the future is looking brighter. This is due to the approval of legal online sports betting. Giving residents hope that online casinos will also be approved, which in turn could generate millions of dollars from taxation revenue.

Taxation laws in Louisiana state that online sportsbooks must remit 15% of all their gross revenues as tax. Coupled with the 10% accrued from land-based gambling revenues, it’s estimated that Louisiana could scoop $30 million per year in annual taxes from sports betting alone. 

A Sports Betting Paradise

Online sports betting was given the go-ahead in Louisiana in 2022. Daily fantasy sports were the first to go live in July 2021 whilst mobile sports betting was permitted in January 2022. 

The regulatory bill (SB247) was signed by Governor John Bel Edwards in June 2021. With 55 out of 64 parishes supporting this move, which allowed the creation of 20 online sportsbook licenses. Those parishes who voted against the bill are now geofenced by law.

Which Organisations Govern Online Gambling in Louisiana?

The Louisiana Gaming Control Board and the Louisiana Racing Commission are responsible for governing all forms of gambling within the state. The racing commission is responsible for horse racing bets both online and at land-based establishments. 

The Louisiana Gaming Control Board ensures that the state's gambling laws are enforced. Its mission is to instill public confidence within gaming activities and guarantee that these are conducted honestly. It regulates the practices, people, activities, and associations within the gaming industry. 

Offshore Online Casinos

Even though it is currently illegal, many online casinos still appear in internet searches for residents in Louisiana. Some will even advertise amazing welcome offers and permit players in Louisiana to deposit and play online casino games. Whilst it may seem tempting, these online casinos are 100% illegal within the state and we’d advise you to steer clear of them. 

These sites operate on an offshore basis and present many dangers to players. The main factor is that they are not authorized by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. This means that players have zero protection and no chance of fair treatment. Whereas if online casinos are approved and legally launched in Louisiana, these sites will be influenced and controlled by the proper regulatory body.