Online sports betting is expected to be available in Louisiana in early or mid-January 2022, in time for National Football League playoffs, according to Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns.
Previously, Johns said online betting would begin by New Year’s Day. “We want to do it quickly,” he said, “but we want to do it the right way.”
On-site retail sports betting now is available at eight Louisiana casinos. The applications of six other casinos and racetracks are under review; five eligible venues still have not applied for sports betting licenses, but may get in under the wire; the application deadline is December 31.
“All the reports I’ve gotten from across the state is that everything has gone out without a hitch,” Johns said.
Fees are $750,000 for the initial license and $500,000 for annual license renewal. Louisiana residents may sign up for Caesars Sportsbook and DraftKings app and web accounts, but can’t place mobile bets while the license approval is pending.
Louisiana residents in 55 parishes approved sports betting last November. Sports wagering at casinos was expected to begin in September, but the kickoff was delayed by Hurricane Ida.
The eight venues offering sportsbooks are:
- Barstool Sportsbook at Boomtown Casino and Hotel in Bossier City
- Barstool Sportsbook at Margaritaville Resort Casino in Bossier City
- Barstool Sportsbook at L’Auberge Casino Hotel in Lake Charles
- DraftKings Sportsbook at Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino in Lake Charles
- Caesars Sportsbook at the Horseshoe Casino in Bossier City
- Barstool Sportsbook at Boomtown Casino and Hotel in Harvey
- Caesars Sportsbook at Harrah’s New Orleans
- Barstool Sportsbook at L’Auberge Casino and Hotel in Baton Rouge
Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville, owned by the Tunica-Biloxi tribe, also opened its Betfred Sports retail sportsbook on October 6. The state control board does not regulate tribal casino operations.
