Louisiana online sports betting imminent

Next Steps for Mobile Sports Betting in Louisiana

Louisiana online gaming has been legal since June 2021. Online gambling was triggered when Senate Bill 247 was approved, and Gov. John Edwards signed it into law. SB 247 legalizes sports betting in Louisiana, while House Bill 697 provides supplemental rules on licensing and taxes. After a long wait, LA online sportsbooks and LA sports betting apps look like they are ready to launch. News of an official launch date will soon be available.

Current Status of Louisiana Online Gambling

Sports gambling is not a new phenomenon in Louisiana. Retail sportsbooks launched in the Bayou State in October 2021 and are currently benefitting from the NFL betting craze. LA betting sites, though, are still waiting in the wings for now.

One of the critical holdups is that the Louisiana State Police must investigate and approval all license applicants. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) takes online betting applications, but State Police must conduct background checks on key stakeholders. This process hasn’t been completed yet, which is one reason why LA betting apps aren’t available.

Another issue is that the rules haven’t been finalized for the marketplace. The LGCB has developed the significant rules, but it still has work to do on this front.

When will Mobile Betting Launch in Louisiana?

No official date has been given for the launch of online sports betting in Louisiana. The LGCB hopes everything will be ready to go live in January, which would enable operators to capitalize on Super Bowl betting. According to Chairman Ronnie Johns, however, this timeframe is optimistic.

LA wagering sites are already accepting pre-registrations and offering bonuses and promotions to early signups. For example, Caesars Sportsbook Louisiana promises early registrants a $300 no-deposit bonus.

The following sportsbooks have been licensed to launch in Louisiana when the time comes:

• BetRivers
• BetMGM
• BetFred
• DraftKings
• FanDuel
• Caesars

Each of the state’s 19 commercial casinos can offer two online Louisiana sportsbooks. Consequently, the market could feature up to 38 LA mobile betting sites. However, it is more likely Louisiana’s population can support 6–10 online operators.

Relevant news