If you would like to learn more about gambling in Louisiana, make sure to keep reading. Below we have a look at all you need to know about gambling in the state. This includes the state’s gambling laws, the types of gambling facilities available to players, and the overall history of gambling in the state. So, read on and find out more about Louisiana casinos and more.
Gambling Laws
Louisiana probably has some of the most relaxed gambling laws in the United States’ South. In short, gambling is legal in certain forms, which is why there are so many casinos available across the state. The one important thing to take note of is that most casinos are required to be on a body of water, with the exception of one in New Orleans and those located on Native American reservations.
In addition to these venues, there also some local restaurants and bars that offer residents the chance to play video poker. Each individual parish determines whether or not it is legal for such venues to offer these games. It is important to note that revenues on these machines are taxed at 26%.
Players are required to be 18 to play bingo or bet on horse racing. However, they need to be 21 to play in the state lottery or play casino games.
With regards to online gambling, the law explicitly prohibits players from betting online. Players can be fined up to US$500 for playing, while site operators are liable of committing a felony crime. Daily fantasy sports are also considered illegal, so don’t get tempted into signing up to a site like DraftKings.
Types of Casinos
As mentioned above, there are a few different types of casinos available in the great state of Louisiana. We have a look at the options down below:
- Louisiana Riverboat Casinos – these comprise most of the casinos available on the state. Due to some of the laws surrounding gambling in the state, casinos aren’t really allowed in the state so they get around this by travelling on water.
- Indian Casinos in Louisiana – these are casinos located on Native American reservations. There are several located across the state. Some examples of such include the Jena Choctaw Pines Casino or the Paragon Casino Resort.
- Brick-and-Mortar Casinos – there is only one land-based casino in Louisiana located off outside of a reservation and that is the Harrah’s New Orleans casino. This is because the casino has got a deal with the state to provide the area with jobs.
- Casino Sites – if you are looking for the top-rated casinos in Louisiana, you will need to make sure that you don’t look online. There are loads of online gambling sites that payout in Louisiana but you face a fine for playing at them.
Popular Casino Games in Louisiana
Although some venues only offer players the chance to play video poker, there are loads of casino games that are popular throughout gambling casinos in Louisiana. Some include the following slots and table games like:
- Slots – it is unsurprising that Louisiana slot machines are so popular as these types of games are generally the most popular across the country.
- Poker – can you really call yourself a casino if you do not offer players the chance to play poker? We think not!
- Blackjack – the easiest casino game to learn how to play is available at a wide number of casinos in the state.
- Roulette – spin the wheel and figure out whether or not you are a winner with all the wonderful roulette options available across the state.
In addition to these options, horse racing and the state lottery are also quite popular. With four different horse tracks located across the state, we really recommend that players give betting on horses a try.
List of Casinos
If you are looking for the best casino in Louisiana, make sure to have a look at a list of locations we have below. With over 28 casinos and racetracks available across the state, you are sure to find a casino that fully fits your needs!
| Casino | Address |
| Belle of Baton Rouge Casino | 103 France St. |
| Amelia Belle Casino | 500 Lake Palourde Rd. |
| Boomtown Casino – Bossier City | 300 Riverside Dr. |
| Coushatta Casino – Kinder | 777 Coushatta Dr. |
| Boomtown New Orleans | 4132 Peters Rd. |
| Cypress Bayou Casino – Charenton | 832 Martin Luther King Rd. |
| Diamond Jacks Casino – Bossier City | 711 Diamondjacks Blvd. |
| Eldorado Casino – Shreveport | 451 Clyde Fant Pkwy |
| Delta Downs Casino – Vinton | 2717 Delta Downs Dr. |
| Fair Grounds Race Course and Casino – New Orleans | 1751 Gentilly Blvd. |
| Evangeline Downs – Opelousas | 2235 Cresswell Lane Extension |
| Harrah’s Louisiana Downs – Bossier City | 8000 E. Texas St. |
| Golden Nugget – Lake Charles | 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. |
| Hollywood Casino – Baton Rouge | North, 1717 River Rd. |
| Harrah’s – New Orleans | 228 Poydras St. |
| Isle of Capri – Lake Charles | 100 Westlake Ave. |
| Horseshoe Casino – Bossier City | 711 Horseshoe Blvd. |
| L’Auberge Casino – Lake Charles | 777 Ave. L’Auberge |
| Choctaw Pines Casino – Dry Pong | 149 149 Chahta Trails |
| Margaritaville Casino – Bossier City | 777 Margaritaville Way |
| L’Auberge Casino – Baton Rouge | 777 L’Auberge Ave. |
| Sam’s Town – Shreveport | 315 Clyde Fant Pkwy |
| Paragon Casino – Marksville | 711 Paragon Place |
| Treasure Chest Casino – Kenner | 5050 Williams Blvd. |
History of Louisiana Gambling
Louisiana is a state with a rich history of gambling, with casinos being available in the territory before churches. The first-ever casino was opened in the state in 1753. By the 19th century, the casino led the country in number of gambling establishments. In 1812, this changed when the federal government passed a law in which casinos were banned. Surprisingly, special provision was made for New Orleans though. The legality of casinos saw a number of different developments throughout the century making it legal and illegal at different times.
The state introduced the first-ever lottery game in 1866 – a period in which other forms of gambling were banned. The lottery was run by a private company which paid US$40000 a year to run it. Players from outside of the state were able to play in it and tickets and payments were mailed to them. The lottery was run as such until the federal government outlawed such in 1890, although the law was repealed in 1893.
In 1929, Louisiana legalized its first form of sports betting – horse racing. Bettors were able to wager on races at the New Orleans Fair Grounds. This has grown to become one of the most popular forms of gambling in the state with racinos even slots. In 1991, the first riverboat casinos were opened and they were then followed by tribal casinos.
It is important to note that internet gambling is explicitly banned and that any person who gambles online can be prosecuted. The casino itself can also be prosecuted.
Louisiana Casino FAQs
What cities in Louisiana have casinos?
The only casinos on actual state ground is based in New Orleans. However, the state has several on reserves near cities such as Bossier City, Marksville, Dry Pong, and Opelousas, among others. Then, there are quite riverboat casinos few based on Lake Charles.
What is the gambling age in Louisiana?
The age for gambling differs based on what type of gambling it is. With regards to racing and charitable gambling, the minimum age is 18 but for lotteries and casinos, it is 21.
Do Louisiana casinos have to be on water?
Well, yes and no. There are special regulations that allow a casino to operate in New Orleans (Harrah’s needs to meet a minimum employee requirement in order to maintain its license.) Then there are also the Indian casinos operated on reserves. However, other than those, casinos cannot be opened on Louisiana state land.
What casino games can be played in Louisiana?
Slots, poker, baccarat, blackjack, roulette, pai gow poker, craps and pretty much any other popular casino game players in the USA love playing. You really won’t be without something to play when visiting a fine casino in Lousiana.
How many casinos are in New Orleans?
There are currently five casinos in and around New Orleans. Harrah’s Casino, which is owned by Caesars Entertainment is probably the most popular but players can also get their casino fix at Fair Grounds Race Course, Carnival Triumph Casino, Carnival Club Casino New Orleans and Crescent City Casino.
Is online gambling allowed in Louisiana?
Louisiana law explicitly states that online betting in any form is not allowed. Both players and casinos can be prosecuted and fined for playing online or offering such services to people in the state.
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