Louisiana is a state with a long legal gambling history and a promising future. The Pelican State has reason to be prideful. Its casino gambling stretches back to 1753 and it’s home to the first race track in the south. Ahead of the curve, Louisiana offered it’s proto-lottery in the 1800s and enjoyed being the only state in the country with a legal lottery that could be played throughout the nation via the mail. Now, Louisiana is looking ahead as sports betting may soon become a reality.
Louisiana Legal Gambling History
Legal casino gambling has always been right at home in Louisiana. In 1753, a government-owned and operated casino opened up shop. At that time, plenty of other gambling establishments spread throughout the territory. The Federal government, trying to get a hold of things, banned all casino gambling outside of New Orleans. By 1866, all casinos in the state had been shut down and made illegal.
To fill the hole that the vacuum created, that same year in 1866, a private company stepped up and began offering a lottery while remaining within the law. Tickets were sold via mail and people could play throughout the country. Which they did, because it was the only game in town. This early form of a Louisiana state lottery was found to be unconstitutional by congress and disbanded in 1890.
A pioneer of many things, Louisiana was the first state in the south to open up a horse track and accept wagers. This happened in 1929 with the opening of the New Orleans Fair Grounds.
The second wave of both a lottery and legal casino gambling came in 1991, over 100 years after the first go-round, when the Louisiana state lottery was established.
Also, in 1991, the state-approved riverboat gambling. A 1992 provision of the riverboat law allowed for a land-based casino in New Orleans. At this time Louisiana tribes began entering compacts with the state.
In 2018, a law was passed to allow for daily fantasy sports.
Louisiana Gambling Legal Status
As far as legal gambling in the south goes, Louisiana is the place to be. No other state in the region comes close to touching Louisiana’s offerings.
Casino gambling is legal in the state and allows for slots and table games. Poker’s legality differs from county to county and whether or not residents have voted it in.
Track betting is a long-held tradition in Louisiana. The state is home to 4 racecourses and allows for pari-mutuels, off-track betting, and simulcast wagering.
There is a state lottery in Louisiana and charitable gaming is allowed for “good cause”.
And although online off-track betting is legal, all other forms of online gambling are illegal in Louisiana and state law specifically states it as such. There is a $500 penalty for anybody caught.
The legal age to gamble at casinos or play the lottery is 21 and up in Louisiana. For track betting and charitable gaming, it is 18 and older.
Louisiana Land-Based Casinos and Legal Casino Gambling
Louisiana has 21 land-based casinos, 6 of which are tribal. They all offer the full-spectrum of gaming including:
- Slots
- Poker
- Blackjack
- Roulette
- Craps
- Baccarat
- Video poker
- Three card poker
- Four card poker
- Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em
- Pai Gow poker
- And more.
Below is a full list of Louisiana’s land-based casinos
- Amelia Belle Casino
- Belle of Baton Rouge
- Boomtown Casino & Hotel Bossier City
- Boomtown Casino New Orleans
- Coushatta Casino Resort
- Cypress Bayou Casino
- Delta Downs Racetrack & Casino
- DiamondJacks Casino
- Eldorado Casino
- Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino
- Fair Grounds Racecourse & Slots
- Golden Nugget
- Harrah’s Louisiana Downs
- Harrah’s New Orleans
- Hollywood Casino
- Horseshoe Casino Hotel
- Isle of Capri
- Jena Choctaw Pines Casino
- L’Auberge Casino Hotel Baton Rouge
- L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles
- Margaritaville Resort Casino
- Paragon Casino Resort
- Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino
- Treasure Chest Casino
Louisiana Horse Tracks
Louisiana’s race track history goes back to 1929 when it opened the first race track in the south.
Currently, there are 4 race tracks in the state, which are:
- Louisiana Downs
- Evangeline Downs
- Delta Downs
- Fairgrounds Race Course
Louisiana Legal Daily Fantasy Sports and Sports Betting
Sports betting will be making its way to Louisiana shortly. H 459 was passed in Senate during 2019 sessions, but it ultimately fell apart in the end without enough time left in the session for reconstruction. But with the momentum and support, the next attempt will likely make its way through.
A 2018 state law passed to make daily fantasy sports legal in Louisiana. Players have access to the full range of options offered by FanDuel and DraftKings.
Louisiana Legal Gambling FAQ’s
What forms of gambling are legal in the state of Louisiana?
The following is legal to gamble on in Louisiana:
- Casino gambling including slots, poker, and table games.
- Poker (its legality differs county-to-county).
- Track betting including off-track betting.
- Daily fantasy sports(DFS)
- State lottery including scratch-offs, Powerball, and Mega Millions.
- Charitable gaming including bingo and raffles.
