Is Poker legal in Louisiana (la)? Online Poker Laws in Louisiana Explained

Can You Play Online Poker in Louisiana?

There is currently no legislation permitting online poker in the state.

Current Louisiana Gambling Laws

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 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.

In 2021, Louisiana lawmakers approved legislation legalizing sports betting in the state, and retail wagering began later that year.

Best Online Poker Sites for Louisiana Players

None at present. But you can always play poker for free with the WSOP Social App.