Best Casinos in Louisiana 2026

Louisiana is one of the gambling hubs of the American South. The state features a wealth of gambling options including riverboat casinos, Indian casinos, brick-and-mortar casinos and even online casinos. It doesn’t matter whether you want to play classic casino games such as video poker, bet on horses or play the lottery, it is all available to you in Louisiana.

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.

Online casinos for Louisiana players

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!

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 19^th 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

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