Legal Online Poker in Louisiana

Louisiana is generally an open-minded state when gambling is concerned. If we’re talking about poker in particular, the game has been played across the Pelican State at riverboats, tribal gambling venues, and the single land-based casino in New Orleans. In contrast, online poker still hasn’t been accepted by LA legislators. The LA legal regulations state that gambling via computer and the internet is illegal and punishable by law.

Does this mean that LA players can’t play online poker at all? Read the article to find the answer to this and many other questions about online gambling in Louisiana.

Is Online Poker Legal in Louisiana?

Unlike many US states that haven’t updated their original gambling laws written decades ago, Louisiana decided to revise its legal books and finally address online gambling. The definition of internet gambling, as per Louisiana Revised Statutes 14:90.3, characterizes the activity as:

“the intentional conducting, or directly assisting in the conducting as a business of any game, contest, lottery, or contrivance whereby a person risks the loss of anything of value in order to realize a profit when accessing the Internet, World Wide Web, or any part thereof by way of any computer, computer system, computer network, computer software, or any server”

These lines suggest that all online gambling activities are illegal, except for sports betting, which the Pelican State officially regulated in 2020. Furthermore, the Revised Statute mentions that:

“Whoever commits the crime of gambling by computer shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars, or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.”

As the game of poker falls under gambling activities according to Louisiana gambling laws, the added revision can only mean one thing — online poker isn’t legal in LA. Nevertheless, no parts of updated legal regulations mention offshore gambling sites or prohibit them from serving players from Louisiana.

Due to easy access to international online poker rooms and casinos, and their presence in LA’s virtual space, players from the Pelican State may have an impression that online gambling isn’t a crime. It is recommended, however, to seek a legal consult before joining an offshore site, as only experts in the field know the proper interpretation of the law.

Poker Laws

If you wish to read and interpret poker-related legal regulations on your own, you may do so by following the links below:

• Louisiana Gaming Control Law
• Louisiana Revised Statutes (Internet gambling)

Best Legal Poker Rooms in Louisiana

Poker players from Louisiana have no shortage of poker options, even though the state seems to have mixed feelings about the game’s legality. The following paragraphs will provide details about the available land-based and online poker opportunities in the Pelican State. My list of the best poker sites which I consider to be the best rooms to play in 2024:

How to Register on a Legal Online Poker Site in Louisiana

You won’t find any state-approved poker sites in Louisiana, but if you choose to join offshore ones, here’s the step-by-step guide for doing it right:

While land-based venues in Louisiana don’t let in anyone under 21, offshore poker sites usually accept players who are 18 or older.

Land-Based Casinos With Live Poker

As mentioned earlier, Louisiana has several types of venues that host live poker. You can choose between docked riverboats, tribal casinos, and a single state-owned brick-and-mortar casino venue. These gambling establishments feature tables offering daily poker action, while some also host poker tournaments. Here’s the list of the best locations for fun poker nights in LA:

• Harrah’s Casino New Orleans — 228 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70130
• Horseshoe Lake Charles Casino & Hotel — 100 Westlake Ave, Westlake, LA 70669
• Jena Choctaw Pines Casino — 149 Chahta Trails, Dry Prong, LA 71423
• Boomtown Bossier City Casino — 300 Riverside Dr, Bossier City, LA 71111
• Coushatta Casino Resort — 777 Coushatta Dr, Kinder, LA 70648

Other Resources

Final Thoughts

Louisiana has authorized every legal gambling venue within its borders to offer poker games and tournaments. Therefore, LA players can’t complain about the availability of land-based poker options.

If you don’t feel like playing poker in person, your current online options include social casinos or international sites which accept LA residents. Note that an online gambling ban does exist in the Pelican State, but if your lawyer gives you the green light to join international sites, we won’t stand in your way.

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