![\"Online](\"https:\/\/www.top10pokersites.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/US-poker-sites-approval.jpg\" "\\"Is")
The Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 14, 14:90 et seq.<\/b><\/a> defines gambling<\/b> 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.<\/i>\nThe Bayou State legalized several gambling forms under the Louisiana Gaming Control Law<\/b><\/a>, which was first passed in 1996:<\/p>\n Besides state-owned riverboats,<\/b> Louisiana is also home to four tribal casinos<\/b> operating under the 1988 Indian Gaming Regulatory Act<\/b> <\/a>(IGRA). The first horse races <\/b>were held in the 1830s<\/b>, thus allowing pari-mutuel horse race betting throughout the state.<\/p>\n Although the state lottery<\/b> was among the first ones in the country to begin operating in the 1860s<\/b>, it encountered stiff opposition that eventually outlawed it. Finally, the lottery came back in 1991,<\/b> after a whole century.<\/p>\n Soon afterward, the LA legislature allowed the construction and operation of state-owned riverboat casinos<\/b>, thus creating a legal and regulated gambling sector. Initially, the riverboats were required to sail around while gambling took place. However, the decision was repealed several years later. In addition to riverboats, only one state-owned land-based casino<\/b> can be found in the Bayou State.<\/p>\n Harrah\u2019s New Orleans <\/b>is the sole brick-and-mortar venue<\/b> operated by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board<\/b>. However, it had to meet several requirements to be allowed to run in the city. First, the casino had to employ 2,400 people<\/b> and pay a $100 million tax <\/b>annually. The amount was later lowered to $60 million<\/b>.<\/p>\n Surprisingly, video poker<\/b> is also quite popular throughout Louisiana. Nearly all parishes feature video poker lounges<\/b> at truck stops<\/b>, bars<\/b>, and convenience stores <\/b>scattered around the state.<\/p>\n Louisiana legalized DFS<\/b> in 2018<\/b> and retail <\/b>and online sports betting in 2020<\/b>. The first retail sportsbook<\/b> was established on Halloween 2021<\/b>, while its online counterpart<\/b> went live in January 2022.<\/b><\/p>\n However, despite launching online sports betting, state officials still explicitly prohibit online casinos and poker<\/b>.<\/p>\n Moreover, home poker games<\/b> are also part of the legal landscape in Louisiana<\/b> as long as participants and organizers stick to several requirements. Unfortunately, online poker is still outlawed<\/b>.<\/p>\n In the paragraphs below, you can learn more about poker-specific laws and regulations in the Bayou State. As mentioned, internet gambling <\/b>(except for online sports betting) is illegal <\/b>under Louisiana legislation. Unfortunately, this also includes online poker.<\/p>\n According to Louisiana Revised Statutes 14:90.3<\/b><\/a>, internet gambling is defined 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.<\/i><\/p>\n The article also states that anyone committing the crime<\/b> of internet gambling will receive a fine of up to $500<\/b> or a six-month imprisonment.<\/b><\/p>\n In 2018, republican senator Daniel Martiny introduced SB 322<\/b><\/a>, which would have enabled each LA parish<\/b> to let the voters decide whether to allow internet gambling<\/b>. Although it was the first move to legalize online gambling throughout the state, the bill died<\/b> without gaining much traction.<\/p>\n Still, despite the state\u2019s strict anti-online gambling laws and stiff penalties, offshore operators <\/b>continue to cater to Louisiana residents and offer various poker games. Keep in mind, though, that you should consult a lawyer first<\/b> if you\u2019d like to try online poker on offshore sites.<\/p><\/div>\n Louisiana has unique land-based legislation<\/b> that only allows riverboat <\/b>and tribal casinos<\/b> to operate in the state.<\/p>\n In 1993,<\/b> state legislators passed the Louisiana Riverboat Economic Development and Gaming Control Act<\/b><\/a>,<\/b> which allowed 15 riverboats<\/b> to conduct gambling activities while sailing. However, the decision was repealed in the following years, permitting riverboat casinos to stay at the docks<\/b> while welcoming LA casino players.<\/p>\n At the same time, the state signed separate gaming compacts<\/b> with each of the four tribes<\/b>, thus letting them build land-based casinos on reservations and offer gambling opportunities to Louisiana residents.<\/p>\n There is also one exception<\/b> to the Riverboat Act. Namely, Harrah\u2019s New Orleans<\/b> is the only non-tribal land-based casino<\/b> in Louisiana allowed to operate. Besides 1,000+ slot machines and 100+ table games, Harrah\u2019s also boasts a branded WSOP Poker Room<\/b> with plenty of games and tables available.<\/p>\n Out of nearly two dozen gambling venues<\/b>, only half offer live poker. Here are some of the facilities where LA players can get real poker action:<\/p>\n Home poker games<\/b> are legal <\/b>under Louisiana law. However, the government is quite stern when it comes to respecting rules. Those who want to organize and host a poker game must follow three main requirements:<\/b><\/p>\n Typically, the legal age limit for home poker games in other states is 18. However, Louisiana remains strict even when these gambling activities are concerned. In the end, it\u2019s up to organizers to ensure everyone is allowed to play \u2014 otherwise, the game is illegal.<\/p><\/div>\n Below, we\u2019ll explore these gambling forms in the Bayou State.<\/p>\n As previously explained, Louisiana has had a unique gambling setup from the beginning. Based on the Louisiana Riverboat Economic Development and Gaming Control Act<\/b>, only riverboats <\/b>could legally offer casino gambling to LA residents.<\/p>\n Until recently, riverboat casinos were only allowed to remain on the docks<\/b> while conducting gambling activities. Luckily, the senate passed SB 316<\/b><\/a> in 2018, enabling all 15 riverboats to move 1,200 feet onshore and become full-fledged land-based casinos<\/b>. This shift might take several years, as not all riverboats will adopt it right away.<\/p>\n Besides this type of gaming, four recognized tribes have signed compacts with the state under the 1988 IGRA <\/b>\u2014 the Coushatta Tribe, the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians, the Chitimacha Tribe, and the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe<\/b>. Each operates a land-based casino with various gambling options, entertainment centers, and other amenities.<\/p>\n Lastly, a single non-tribal brick-and-mortar casino, Harrah\u2019s New Orleans,<\/b> runs its gambling operations from this state. However, there are several stipulations it needs to meet in order to be exempt from the law. Namely, it must employ 2,400 people and pay the state $60 million in annual taxes. It was recently purchased by Caesars Entertainment <\/b>in a $325 million upgrade but has yet to change its name.<\/p><\/div>\n In 2021, the Louisiana House of Representatives passed SB 247<\/b><\/a> (Louisiana Sports Wagering Act<\/b>), legalizing retail and online sports betting in the state. Voters in 55 out of 64 parishes<\/b> approved the sports betting law. Those without legal online and retail sportsbooks are:<\/p>\n The first retail sportsbook went live on October 31, 2021<\/b>, with others following suit. As for online sportsbooks, they officially began operating on January 28, 2022<\/b>. The state has allowed 41 betting apps<\/b> to provide locals with various sports wagering options.<\/p><\/div>\n Louisiana lawmakers proposed a state-owned lottery in 1990<\/b>, and voters approved it, with 69% in favor<\/b>. The Louisiana Lottery Corporation<\/b> was established, and the first ticket was sold in 1991. Since its foundation, the LA Lottery has contributed over $3.9 billion<\/b> to the state.<\/p>\n Louisiana legislation also supports social online casinos <\/b>(sweepstakes) and charitable gambling<\/b>, like bingo, raffles, and keno, where all the proceeds go to an eligible charity.<\/p><\/div>\n In 2018, voters in 47 out of 64 parishes <\/b>voted for the legalization of daily fantasy sports<\/b> in the state. However, it took legislators three years to finalize the DFS rules<\/b> and create a legal landscape.<\/p>\n The 2020 HB 357<\/b><\/a> (Louisiana Fantasy Sports Contests Act<\/b>) was signed into law, allowing operators to start sending applications. The first DFS platforms went live in 2021<\/b>.<\/p><\/div>\n Horse betting is legal <\/b>in the Bayou State and is overseen by the Louisiana Racing Commission. There are 4 racetracks<\/b> and 17 off-track betting locations<\/b> throughout the state. Individuals can visit OTBs, follow simulcast races, and bet on them.<\/p><\/div>\n In 1991,<\/b> the Video Draw Poker Devices Control Law<\/b><\/a> was signed, allowing bars<\/b>, truck stops, <\/b>and convenience stores<\/b> to install video draw poker devices. Since the law hadn\u2019t adequately defined these venues, many businesses saw this as an excellent opportunity to increase profits. So, they registered as truck stops and began offering video poker to their customers.<\/p>\n According to recent reports, over 12,000 video poker machines<\/b> are active in the Bayou State. So, if you\u2019re ever in the mood for video poker, you\u2019ll likely find several venues on the highway.<\/p><\/div>\n It took legislators years to agree on DFS and sports betting, so legalizing online poker currently seems too far-fetched.<\/p>\n Unfortunately, the fate of online poker legislation is still uncertain. Since the current laws criminalize internet gambling, it might be a while before we see any legal online casinos or poker sites in the Bayou State. Yes, to a certain extent. The Pelican State has legalized poker in land-based and tribal casinos and at home (under certain conditions). Unfortunately, online gambling, including poker, is explicitly outlawed in the Louisiana statutes.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n Over the years, Louisiana has legalized various gambling forms, including state and tribal casinos, horse race betting, sports betting, charitable games, home poker games, video poker lounges, social gambling, and daily fantasy sports.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n According to the current LA legislation, you can\u2019t play online poker anywhere. In fact, Louisiana is one of the two US states that criminalize online gambling, including playing on offshore sites. Therefore, if you want to enjoy online poker, you should consult a lawyer.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n Yes, Louisiana has nearly two dozen casino venues where you can enjoy various poker games. Besides state and tribe-owned facilities, LA residents can host home poker games under specific rules.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" When we think of Louisiana, tasty food, distinctive music, and, most notably, the Mardi Gras celebration come to mind. However, the Bayou State is also renowned for its progressive gambling industry that attracts people from all over the South. The Louisiana gambling legislature is a mix of highly restrictive and permissive statutes. While most gambling…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":2666,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n
Poker Laws<\/h3>\n
![\"Law\"](\"\/images\/icons\/icon-law.png\" "\\"Louisiana"){kind=icon}
Although the Louisiana legislature doesn\u2019t explicitly mention poker in its revised statutes, the game certainly falls under the definition of gambling<\/b>. As a result, it is legal on riverboats<\/b>, in tribal casinos<\/b>, and at the only state-owned land-based casino<\/b>.<\/p>\n
\n<\/p>Online Poker<\/h3>
Land-Based Poker<\/h3>
\n
Home Poker Games<\/h3>
\n
<\/i> What Forms of Gambling Are Legal in Louisiana?<\/span><\/h2>\nLouisiana offers plenty of gambling opportunities to its residents. Besides poker, locals can enjoy land-based casino gambling<\/b>, online <\/b>and retail sports betting<\/b>, social gambling<\/b>, daily fantasy sports, video poker lounges, <\/b>and horse race betting.<\/b>\n
Land-Based Casinos<\/h3>
Retail and Online Sports Betting<\/h3>
\n
Lottery, Social, and Charitable Gambling<\/h3>
DFS<\/h3>
Pari-Mutuel Betting on Horse Racing<\/h3>
Video Poker Lounges<\/h3>
Why Should We Play Online Poker?<\/h3>
\n
<\/i> Recent Louisiana Poker Law Changes<\/span><\/h2>\nSB 322<\/b><\/a> was the state\u2019s first attempt<\/b> to legalize online gambling. Had it been passed, it would have allowed parishes to decide whether they wanted to allow internet gambling, including online poker. Unfortunately, it hadn\u2019t received the necessary support.
\n<\/i> Future of Poker in Louisiana<\/span><\/h2>\n
![](\"\/images\/icons\/icon-future.png\"){kind=icon}
Louisiana has a well-developed gambling landscape, but the previously-mentioned failed attempt indicates that the state isn\u2019t ready to introduce online gambling<\/b> to the fold just yet. \n<\/i> Other Resources<\/span><\/h2>\n
\n
<\/i> Final Thoughts<\/span><\/h2>\nThe Louisiana gambling laws are quite explicit and cover almost all gambling forms, both legal and illegal, leaving no room for interpretations and misunderstandings. Locals can still enjoy many options \u2014 casino, sports betting, video poker, horse race betting, and DFS.\n
\n<\/p><\/i> FAQ<\/span><\/h2>\n
Is poker legal in Louisiana?<\/h3><\/div>
What forms of gambling are legal in Louisiana?<\/h3><\/div>
Where can I play online poker in Louisiana?<\/h3><\/div>
Can I play land-based poker in Louisiana?<\/h3><\/div>