Is Online Casinos & Poker Legal in Louisiana? (2026)
Partially — Online Casinos & Poker are legal with restrictions in Louisiana as of 2026.
Law changed in 2026: In March 2026, several bills were pre-filed for the legislative session, including measures to ban sweepstakes casinos and certain sports betting prop bets.
Quick Answer
Louisiana permits online sports betting and limited online poker but does not allow online casino gambling. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board regulates online poker under La. R.S. 27:311 et seq.
- Age restriction: 21 years old for online gambling
What the Law Says
Louisiana has legal online sports betting, but online casinos are not yet legal. Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 14, §90 covers gambling offenses.
— Louisiana Gaming Control Board
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Online Casino Rules | Possession of licensed online poker software is legal; online casino software possession is prohibited. |
| Licensed Platforms | Sale or distribution of licensed online poker software is legal; online casino software is prohibited. |
| Penalties | Unlicensed gambling is a felony under La. R.S. 14:90.1. |
| Minimum Age | 21 years old for online gambling. |
| Pending Legislation | HB 697 (2023) proposed expanded online gambling but did not pass. |
In March 2026, several bills were pre-filed for the legislative session, including measures to ban sweepstakes casinos and certain sports betting prop bets.
Enforcement Reality
The Louisiana State Police Gaming Enforcement Division actively investigates and regulates all licensed gaming. They have taken action against unlicensed online platforms.
Using online sweepstakes casinos is a common mistake, as the Attorney General has declared them illegal. Prediction markets have also been deemed illegal sports betting.
Local Exceptions
None identified. State law applies uniformly across Louisiana. Local ordinances may still vary — check with your city or county government for any additional rules.
Bottom Line
Online Casinos & Poker are legal with restrictions in Louisiana. This activity is permitted, but specific conditions apply. Violating those conditions can result in fines or criminal charges. Read the rules carefully and consult an attorney if unsure.
Louisiana vs. the Rest of the US
Across the US, playing at online casinos is fully legal in 17 states, restricted in 12, and illegal in 21. Louisiana falls in the RESTRICTED category.
View the full 50-state map →Sports Betting Laws Guide
This topic is closely related to sports betting and gambling laws.
Reviewed by cross-referencing the cited state statute against current legislative databases and regulatory publications.
Sources & Verification
This page was reviewed by Ethan Harper by comparing the legal status against the cited state statute. AllowedHere is an informational resource and does not provide legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
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