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Legal Online Poker in Louisiana
In this guide find out the Legality of Online Poker in Louisiana
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Last Updated on June 28, 2024 by 
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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.
Laws & Regulations In Louisiana
If you wish to read and interpret poker-related legal regulations on your own, you may do so by following the links below:
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.
Legal Online Poker in Louisiana
Although Louisiana stepped onto the online gambling scene by regulating internet sports betting, online casinos and poker rooms still haven’t become legal in this state. The legal status of all online gambling activities could’ve been solved in 2018 through SB 322, but the bill died quickly and left the issue unsettled.
However, unlike many other US states, Louisiana hasn’t been entirely negligent regarding online gambling legislation. Louisiana Revised Statutes have been updated, and the most recent changes deem online casino gambling, as well as online poker, illegal.
The prohibition of online gambling has left LA players with a couple of options for playing online poker. They can play the game at sweepstakes or social casinos which use virtual currency and don’t take a rake, or join offshore online casinos and play for real money.
If you choose the latter, you won’t have trouble signing up since many international casino and poker sites accept Louisiana players. Still, don’t forget that LA laws may apply to online poker even though they don’t specifically mention the game or international websites. That’s why you should cross-check your law interpretation with that of legal experts before playing poker at offshore online platforms.
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Legal Land-Based Poker in Louisiana
Land-based poker games are hosted in different locations in the Pelican State. One of the options includes riverboats, which are no longer required to sail while gambling is taking place on them. You can now find them at the docks at all times.
Then, there are tribal casinos that have permission to offer gambling services on their reservations, as per gaming contracts signed with the state. Finally, Louisiana has allowed one commercial land-based casino to be built on its land, and the venue in question features a special WSOP Poker Room for avid poker fans.
In addition to standard land-based options for playing poker, Louisiana allows numerous venues like convenience stores, bars, and truck stops to operate video poker devices. You can also organize home poker games in the Pelican State, but you must comply with specific instructions.
How to Register at 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:
Choose A Poker Room
Pick a reputable online poker room from our page and follow the link to open its official website.
Signup
Find and hit the Join/Register/Sign Up button to initiate the sign-up process.
Type in your details, create a username and password, and agree to the site’s terms and conditions.
Finish the registration and verify your account, if necessary.
Deposit & Play
Use your new credentials to log in and make your first deposit using one of the supported payment methods.
Once your transaction goes through, claim the welcome bonus, pick a poker game you enjoy the most, and get started.
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:
| Name | Address | No. Poker Tables |
|---|---|---|
| Harrah’s Casino New Orleans | 228 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | 20 |
| Horseshoe Lake Charles Casino & Hotel | 100 Westlake Ave, Westlake, LA 70669 | 10 |
| Jena Choctaw Pines Casino | 149 Chahta Trails, Dry Prong, LA 71423 | 5 |
| Coushatta Casino Resort | 777 Coushatta Dr, Kinder, LA 70648 | 10 |
Other Resources
Conclusion
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.
FAQs
Is poker legal in Louisiana?
Yes, poker is legal in Louisiana in its land-based form. You can play this game at docked riverboats, tribal casinos, and the state’s only non-tribal land-based casino. Home games are also allowed, but they must be organized in compliance with specific rules and regulations.
Can I legally play online poker in Louisiana?
Louisiana doesn’t allow online gambling and has no state-approved poker sites. Moreover, the latest revisions to the Louisiana Statutes explicitly prohibit gambling on the internet. The online poker options available in LA include sweepstakes sites and offshore online casinos, but you may want to check the legality of the latter with your attorney.
Do land-based casinos in Louisiana have dedicated poker rooms?
Yes, some Louisiana gambling halls have dedicated poker rooms, such as Harrah’s Casino New Orleans, which has a WSOP Poker Room.
Do offshore online casinos accept Louisiana poker players?
Yes, most offshore online casinos accept Louisiana players and allow them to play poker on the web as soon as they register and make their first deposit.