
Author:
patricia
Last Updated:
05/25/2022
With legalization of online sports betting in Louisiana only just coming into effect, there is going to be floods of new sportsbooks operating in the state and even more bettors looking to get in on the action.
So allow us at TheGruelingTruth.com to present you with this guide on how to find the best betting sites Louisiana has to offer, give you our recommendation on the best sportsbook within the state and also some general tips on betting safely and how to find the sportsbook for you.
To put it simply this is for anyone looking who’s into sports betting in Louisiana. Whether you’re looking to place your first ever bet or or an experienced bettor looking to find the best betting sites louisiana has to offer, there will be something in this guide for you.
Nothing stands still in the world of online sports betting Louisiana, whether it’s a change in how an operator works, an update in legislation or simply a shift in where the value lies among the top US bookies. There’s always something new to learn and that’s where this guide comes in.
It’s been a long time in the pipeline but online sports betting is finally legal within Louisiana. Online sports betting in Louisiana was eventually legalized as of Friday, January 28th 2022. There is a very important caveat to the legalization however, as it only covers 56 out of the 64 parishes within Louisiana. These are in line with the parishes who voted for legalizing online sports betting.
The state has had a complex relationship with the entire concept of gambling. From settlers setting up billiard halls and the first state sponsored lottery in the 1700s, to a federal ban in 1812. The state opinion swung again 1866 with the state lottery set up and successful, to yet another ban later in the 1890s.
It was the 1990s when the movement to legalize gambling and sports betting began to pick up steam yet again. In 1991 the state lottery was finally reintroduced with Louisiana, approving 15 riverboat casinos that year. A couple of years later, three Native American bands opened tribal casinos with a fourth following soon after.
Despite these developments, it took another 30 years before any more progress could be made on the sports betting front. In 2018, 47 out of the parishes within the state voted to legalize and allow daily fantasy sports betting, but difficulties with the tax side of the bill caused lengthy delays.
But on November 3, 2020 there was a major breakthrough. When on Election Day, 56 of the 64 Louisiana parishes voted to legalize betting on sports Louisiana lawmakers and the decision makers kicked into action with House Bill 697, signed by Governor John Bel Edwards on June 3rd 2021.
Retail sports betting becomes legal in late 2021 with the date for the launch of online sports betting confirmed for the 28th of January 2022 – and most major North American brands launching in the state on the same day including BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, Barstool Sportsbook, FanDuel and DraftKings.
Despite there being plenty of top options for online sports betting in Louisiana, the operator we are recommending is BetMGM Louisiana Online Sportsbook. The BetMGM brand is one of the strongest names within American sports betting, with its services available in almost all of the states with legalized online betting. And there is a reason for that, the product is almost flawless with a polished appearance.
The depth of markets offered is excellent, all the major American sports are covered as would be expected, but they then go well beyond these shores. European sports such as soccer, cricket and handball are offered, along with niche winter sports such as luge, skeleton and ski jumping – an almost unparalleled offering within the USA.
It’s far from just their markets that make them our recommendation, their bonuses and promotions offer great value for their customers. Whether it is a risk free first bet of up to $1000. their Money Monday bonus or even their refer a friend scheme, the bonuses add an extra layer to an already solid product.
BetMGM also offer markets on college level sports, plenty of live streaming options on their markets, a polished and very easy to use website and mobile app, and access to MGM Resorts loyalty program, M Life Rewards.
It’s top of the list and for good reason, there’s no point recommending an operator if their odds are consistently well below the rest of the market.
We look to see how their odds stack up against the competitors and see if they are offering their customers a good set of odds.
Bonuses and promotions are a key part of all the best betting sites Louisiana has to offer. A strong set of bonuses can turn a good operator into a great one.
It’s more than just looking at how many bonuses the operator offers, but also how varied and consistent they are. Do their bonuses cover specific sports? Are they offered all year round? Do they actually offer value or is it more of a gimmick? These are all questions we ask when looking at an operator.
No one wants a clunky experience full of bugs and glitches, especially if your betting live and timing is crucial. That’s why we take great care to use an operator’s website and gain a true understanding of it’s quality and ease of use.
Variety is the spice of life. Whilst you may have your favorite sport that you go to all the time to bet on, that doesn’t mean you might not fancy something different. Sportsbooks that offer overseas sports as well as US sports, have an advantage, especially when it comes to major events like the FIFA World Cup.
This is typically more of a cherry on the cake rather than a deal breaker, but it can be a key point of comparison for us when looking at two seemingly even bookmakers.
If a bookie offers something slightly out of the ordinary, like a newer type of bet like FanDuel did with their same game parlays, a live streaming option or even a page full of stats etc on their website, it can lead to a better experience.
Whilst we’ve already gone through the top things we always look for when making our guides, it will also help you if you know what you are looking for personally. Here’s some advice from us on how to find the right operator.
If you prefer to place your bets well outside of traditional hours, then that is something you need to consider. Look for an operator with a 24 hour customer service option and also consider operators that offer worldwide markets, so regardless of time zones, there will be a market.
If you are a gambler who chooses to watch your bets play out, then you will want to prioritize an operator that offers live streaming on its markets. This will particularly help when it comes to events that aren’t televised.
Do you tend to use the same operator regularly and want to see that loyalty repaid to you in some form? Then an operator such as BetMGM with a strong loyalty program, is a good option.
Not everyone likes the same things, that’s a universal fact that rings true in online sports betting. So you should look for operators that offer a variety of more niche and foreign markets.
Having read this guide, you should now be well placed to find the best betting sites Louisiana has to offer you. Whilst we believe BetMGM offers the most complete package available, this doesn’t mean it is your best option. That’s when the tips in this guide come in to help you understand what you want and how to find it.
Check out the rest of our guides and advice at TheGruelingTruth.com, keep these tips in mind and check out our sportsbook reviews as you look to make a decision on the sportsbook for you.