Currently, real-money online casinos aren’t legal in Louisiana, and the state has been clamping down on sweepstakes sites, forcing many to leave. However, you can still play free online slots games using virtual coins. Read on to learn more about how to play online games in Louisiana and understand the recent laws in the Bayou State.
The only legal way to enjoy online casino games in Louisiana is free-to-play slots at Gambino Slots. Some sweepstakes casinos operate in the state, such as Lonestar; however, the state is becoming more hostile to sweepstakes. The Attorney General declared them ‘illegal’ in July 2025.
Land-based casinos in Louisiana offer all the most popular slots and table games. There are 19 land-based casinos in total, 14 of which are riverboat casinos. These casinos offer players the chance to play their favorite slots and table games, as well as golf and water parks for those looking for adventure.
As real-money casinos are illegal, and sweepstakes casinos are difficult to come by, your best bet is to play free online slots at Gambino Slots. It uses virtual coins as its form of currency, which cannot be redeemed for real money or cash prizes.
We always recommend players consider a game’s return to player (RTP) percentage. RTP is a metric used to indicate how often a game pays out. The percentage theoretically shows how much of each dollar wagered is eventually paid.
For example, if a game has an RTP of 96%, the slot pays out, on average, $0.96 of every $1 you wager. However, this is just an estimate calculated from millions of simulated spins and not a guarantee.
Louisiana is a gambling-friendly state, but it still has many restrictions on online gaming. Riverboat and land-based casinos have expanded in the state since the early 1990s, and online sports betting went live in 2022.
Currently, real-money online casinos are not legal in Louisiana, but free online slots are readily available for all players. Some sweepstakes casinos still operate in the state, but many have withdrawn due to complex and difficult laws. Even though Governor Jeff Landry vetoed the anti-sweeps bill, he has already declared them ‘illegal’, a sentiment that was backed up by Attorney General Liz Murrill.
The future of real money online casinos in Louisiana is the subject of debate. The Senate Judiciary B and Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee held a hearing in December 2024 to discuss the expansion. However, lawmakers raised concerns about responsible gambling and how it could impact brick-and-mortar casinos.
If you’re ready to play free online slots or join one of the few sweepstakes casinos, here’s how to get started:
As real-money casinos are prohibited, your only options are through free online slots or a small selection of sweepstakes casinos. Purchasing virtual coins is always optional and never required to play.
You must be 18 or older to play free-to-play slots in Louisiana or at sweepstakes casinos. The rules of each site differ, so be sure to read their rules, as some sweepstakes casinos may have an age limit of 21.
To play free online slots or at sweepstakes casinos, you must be 18 or older. You’ll also need to confirm your identity. This includes uploading a photo of your government-issued ID and waiting for approval.
There is no regulatory body for online casinos in Louisiana, as online casino gambling has not yet been legalized in the state. However, the Louisiana Gaming Control Board regulates online sports betting and land-based casinos in Louisiana.
Gambino Slots offers a variety of online casino bonuses, such as the no deposit bonus, which rewards you with coins and free spins just for signing up! Once you sign up, you can find many regular promotions, such as a daily wheel spin, social media giveaways, and a refer-a-friend offer.
Our top recommended free online slots site offers a dedicated mobile app for players. While the site is optimized for all browsers, the mobile app will offer a more streamlined slots experience.
Currently, none of our recommended Louisiana online casinos offer an Android app.
Gambling in Louisiana has a long history dating back hundreds of years. New Orleans was a hub of casino gambling in the early nineteenth century before government regulations shuttered the legal casino industry in the 1830s.
More than a century later, the casino industry in Louisiana re-emerged with the legalization of land-based and riverboat casinos. Louisiana also recently legalized sports betting, but online casino gambling has yet to be legalized.
As sweepstakes casinos are not considered to be online gambling in Louisiana, players can legally play their favorite online casino games at any of our recommended online sweepstakes casinos.
The Louisiana Assembly charters the Louisiana State Lottery Company. It became the largest state lottery in the country before losing its charter in 1893 amid controversy.
Louisiana legalizes pari-mutuel horse racing betting.
Louisiana Lottery is approved by voters.
First riverboat casino opens.
First land-based casino opens.
Louisiana bans online gambling.
Following a vote, voters in 55 of Louisiana’s 64 parishes approve sports betting.
Governor John Bel Edwards signed three bills into law to legalize sports betting.
Retail sports betting launched. Online sports betting launches three months later.
The Senate Judiciary B and Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee meet to discuss expanding online casino gambling.
With no legal real-money casinos in Louisiana, it might be tempting for players to play at offshore casinos. As offshore casinos are illegal in the US, we highly recommend players do not play at them. They don’t have to follow US gambling laws, so If players have issues or want to withdraw their money, it might be difficult, if not impossible, to do so.
We recommend that players in Louisiana try online sweepstakes casinos. They are safe and legal, offer all the top games from the best software providers, follow regulations, and guarantee players' safety and data protection.
If you want to try a land-based casino in Louisiana, you are spoiled for choice with 19 options across the state. This includes a commercial casino, four tribal casinos, and fourteen riverboat casinos. Louisiana’s land-based casinos offer various slots, table games, and poker.
Treasure Chest Casino is one of the newest land-based casinos in the state, opening in June 2024. The casino was built for about $100 million. There are more than 900 games across slots and table games. There are several restaurants to choose from, including Alder & Birch Steakhouse, Infusion, Lakeside Cafe, and more.
Golden Nugget Lake Charles opened in 2014 and is one of the most impressive casinos in the state. Featuring 1,600 slots, 87 gaming tables, a DraftKings sportsbook, an 18-hole golf course, and multiple world-class restaurants, it is a top casino destination in Louisiana.
With over 100,000 square feet of gaming space, Coushatta Casino Resort offers thousands of slots and dozens of table games. It also has multiple restaurants and even a water park on-site!
No. There are no legal online casinos in Louisiana. However, you can play at online sweepstakes and free-to-play online slots.
Yes. Select sweepstakes casinos in Louisiana are legal, and all our recommended online sweepstakes casinos are legal to play in Louisiana.
Our top recommended online site is Gambino Slots, which offers free slots games with no download required.
Yes, sweepstakes casinos in Louisiana are safe. All our recommended online sweepstakes casinos use encryption software to ensure your personal data is secure. Plus, there is no financial risk if you play at Louisiana sweepstakes casinos for free.
Yes. You can claim bonuses at Louisiana sweepstakes casinos, including welcome bonuses and other promotions like daily offers, tournaments, no deposit bonuses, and more!