Online Gambling Illegal In Louisiana
Gambling has long been recognized as a crime in the state of Louisiana and despite the enactment of many legalized gaming activities remains a crime. Gambling which occurs via the Internet embodies the very activity that the legislature seeks to prevent.
Is Online Gambling Illegal In Louisiana
Can You Play Online Poker in Louisiana?
There is currently no legislation permitting online poker in the state.
Current Louisiana Gambling Laws
Is Online Gambling Illegal In Louisiana
Louisiana has allowed for casinos for decades. The Bayou State houses more than a dozen of casinos with the majority of them operating as riverboats. Other casinos are run by Native Americans, land-based operators, and racinos.
Despite what was previously a strict stance by Louisiana against online gaming, discussions concerning iGaming regulation began in 2014 when the state kicked off the year by considering an online gambling bill. The presentation was a result of State Rep. Mike Huval's March 2013 request for a House Concurrent Resolution to study iGaming implications in the state.
Later in 2018, a bill was introduced by Senator Danny Martiny, who sited a concern for the state's finances for both this bill and another regarding sports wagering. The proposal was opposed primarily by the Louisiana Video Gaming Association and never got off the ground that year after the committee agreed that more work needed to be done for it to pass both a voter referendum and pass through the state's legislative bodies.
- In Louisiana gambling in public is illegal. The game of poker must be held in a private setting behind closed doors. The players must not make a public nuisance of themselves. In most states, the legal age for gambling is 18 but in Louisiana, it is 21.
- Louisiana Online Poker Law. With 22 casinos, Louisiana is a major player is the United States casino industry, and if everything continues to go in the right direction, online poker players who live here will be able to access online poker rooms sooner rather than later.
- Louisiana Online Casinos. Gambling in Louisiana has a long history, going all the way back before this was a US state. In a southern American region represented by religious, conservative and biased against gambling, states, the laws on wagering here come as a breath of fresh air.
- Online Gambling in Louisiana Online gambling is not regulated in Louisiana and there are no efforts underway at this time to change that. Lawmaker have looked at legalizing online poker and casino games in the past but have not revisited the issue recently.
In March 2019, Louisiana introduced a sports wagering bill that if both passed would allow sports wagering to take place in 2020. The bill would have explicitly prohibited online and mobile wagering outside of licensed facilities. However, the bill failed to pass by the end of the legislative session.
Although there are many hurdles to cross for online gaming and sports wagering appears to be a more immediate priority, it is possible due to the state's financial concerns that the battle for online gaming could become more heated in the coming years.
Best Online Poker Sites for Louisiana Players
None at present. But you can always play poker for free with the WSOP Social App.