Best Louisiana Online Casinos 2026
Currently, it is illegal for online casinos to operate in Louisiana. Recently state regulators have begun taking escalating measures against both illegal offshore gambling and online sweepstakes operators. You can still play at free social casinos with virtual coins, however no cash prizes are offered. Read on to learn more about what online games you can play in Louisiana and understand the recent laws in the Bayou State.
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Top Legal Games to Play at Louisiana Casinos
One of the safest legal ways to enjoy online casino games in Louisiana is free-to-play slots at Gambino Slots. While some sweepstakes casinos currently operate in the state, Louisiana regulators have begun to treat them as unauthorized or illegal gambling activity already prohibited under the existing laws.
Land-based casinos in Louisiana offer all the most popular slots and table games. There are 23 venues that offer legal casino games; this includes 14 riverboat casinos, one fully land-based casino, four tribal casinos, and four racinos. These establishments offer players the chance to play their favorite slots and table games, as well as golf and water parks for those looking for adventure.
Top Free Casino Games to Play
Louisiana Online Gambling Overview
Louisiana Gambling Law
Louisiana has several legal gambling options, however online gaming is still fairly restricted. 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, though state lawmakers have seen some debate over the future of this area. Free-to-play or social casinos with casino-style games are still available online.
While some sweepstakes casinos still operate in the state, they have come under major fire from state regulators. By the end of 2025, over 40 cease-and-desist letters were sent out to offshore casinos and sweepstakes casinos by the Louisiana Attorney General’s office.
Further to this, Governor Jeff Landry vetoed an anti-sweepstakes bill (SB 181) in June 2025, arguing that sweeps casinos were already illegal under existing state laws.
How to Play With Louisiana Casinos
If you want to play free online slots in Louisiana, here’s how to get started:
- Head to Gambino Slots or a sweepstakes casino of your choice.
- Create your account and fill in any personal information.
- Verify your account if necessary, such as with a valid ID.
- Log in and claim any available bonuses.
- Begin playing!
Best Bonuses to Claim 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.
Louisiana Casino Apps for Players
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.
Louisiana Casino Apps for Android
Currently, none of our recommended Louisiana online casinos offer an Android app.
Louisiana Casino Apps for iOS
History of Online Gambling Laws in Louisiana
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.
Timeline of Online Casino Gambling in Louisiana
1868
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.
1935
Louisiana legalizes pari-mutuel horse racing betting.
1991
Louisiana Lottery is approved by voters.
1993
First riverboat casino opens.
1999
First land-based casino opens.
2005
Louisiana bans online gambling.
2020
Following a vote, voters in 55 of Louisiana’s 64 parishes approve sports betting.
June 2021
Governor John Bel Edwards signed three bills into law to legalize sports betting.
October 2021
Retail sports betting launched. Online sports betting launches three months later.
December 2024
The Senate Judiciary B and Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee meet to discuss expanding online casino gambling.
June 2025
Landry vetoes SB181, AG begins taking actions against sweepstakes casinos.
Legal vs Offshore Casinos in Louisiana: What’s the Difference?
With no legal real-money online 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, and are not governed by US regulating bodies. This means that players do not have any legal protections from fraudulent practices, issues withdrawing money, or any other difficulties they may encounter.
Land-Based Casinos in Louisiana
Treasure Chest Casino
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 Casino
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.
Coushatta Casino Resort
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!
FAQs
Are online casinos legal in Louisiana?
No. There are no legal online casinos in Louisiana. However, you can play at free-to-play online slots sites.
What are the best online casinos in Louisiana?
Our top recommended online site is Gambino Slots, which offers free slots games with no download required.
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in Louisiana?
No. Sweepstakes casinos are considered by state regulators to fall under existing Louisiana laws around running a business where players risk “anything of value” for profit. In 2025, Louisiana’s AG issued cease-and-desist orders to 40+ sweepstake and offshore online casinos.
