Online Gambling License in Louisiana

The Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) is a regulatory body tasked with overseeing all forms of gaming, including online gambling, within the Pelican State.

The LGCB was established in 1996 to ensure the integrity and fairness of gaming activities carried out across the state. In addition to these tasks, the LGCB enforces rules and regulations, issues licenses to operators, and monitors compliance to ensure residents of Louisiana can enjoy a safe and competitive environment.

It’s composed of seven members, appointed by the Governor of Louisiana, but with the approval of the Senate. The chosen members serve consecutive terms to maintain continuity and stability in the LGCB operations. The Louisiana State Police also has its representative within the regulatory body, serving as its executive director.

Apart from the general duties we mentioned, the LGCB is responsible for regulating riverboat casinos, land-based casinos, video poker devices, and parimutuel racing facilities.

Types of Gambling Regulated by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board

The Louisiana Gaming Control Board regulates the several types of gambling:

Casinos

Louisana has 47 casinos – 43 commercial and four tribal. Most of the state’s commercial gambling venues are riverboats, although there are several racinos and a single land-based facility. Louisiana casinos also offer traditional table games and electronic gambling machines. Under state compacts, these types of games are referred to as “Class III” games.

The Pelican State greenlighted riverboat casinos in the 1990s. Initially, they were required to be located in open waters, but since 2001, they have been permitted to be docked. Following the regulatory changes, all riverboat casinos were allowed to obtain permission to move their operations to land.

Local businesses, such as restaurants, bars, truck stops, and convenience stores in nearly half of Louisiana parishes operate video poker machines.

Poker

There’s no shortage of poker rooms in Louisiana casinos. The most notable gambling venues that offer poker are Harrah’s in New Orleans, Coushatta Casino in Kinder, Isle of Capri Casino Lake Charles in Westlake, and Horseshoe Casino in Bossier City.

Sports Betting

Land-based and mobile sports betting in Louisiana was approved through a referendum held in November 2020, when 55 out of 64 parishes voted for the legalization.

The law allowed retail sportsbooks at casinos and racetracks and allowed up to 41 mobile bookies. Since then, some of the biggest operators in the US have entered the market, including DraftKings and FanDuel.

Parimutuel Betting

Parimutuel horse race betting in Louisiana is available at racetracks in New Orleans, Bossier City, Opelousas, and Vinto. Local residents can also enjoy off-track betting, which is also available on several online platforms like BetAmerica, TVG, and TwinSpires.

On the other hand, dog racing is not allowed in the state of Louisiana.

Daily Fantasy Sports

For years, daily fantasy sports contests weren’t allowed in Louisiana, as the law banned real-money games of chance. All of this changed back in 2018 when daily fantasy sports were permitted in the majority of parishes (47 of 64) following a referendum. Operators are required to use geolocation technology to block access to residents from those 17 parishes that didn’t approve the move.

The Louisiana Gaming Control Board Regulatory Framework

The LGCB operates under a complex legal framework. Its aim is to regulate gaming activities within the state. The main legal foundation for the regulatory body is Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 27, which includes several key acts.

Louisiana Gaming Control Act establishes the LGCB and outlines its authority and primary responsibilities. The Louisiana Riverboat Economic Development and Gaming Control Act regulates riverboat casinos. While land-based casinos follow the Louisiana Economic Development and Gaming Corporation Act.

Video poker devices operating across Louisiana are regulated through the Video Draw Poker Devices Control Law. Slots at parimutuel racing facilities are covered by the Louisiana Parimutuel Live Racing Facility Economic Redevelopment and Gaming Control Act.

Last on this list, but certainly not least, is the Sports Wagering Act, which regulates wagering on sports in the state.

The main responsibilities of the LGCB include issuing licenses to operators, monitoring activities to keep integrity and fairness, and ensuring compliance with the existing regulations. Additionally, it should promote the sustainability of the gaming industry in Louisiana and support its further growth.

FAQs about the Louisiana Gaming Control Board