Casinos in New Orleans, Louisiana

Betting on a good time? In New Orleans, the odds are good you’ll find one. Gambling in New Orleans has been popular for decades, although it was not legalized until in 1990s. Previously, underground betting was extremely popular because the state did not allow it. However, horse-race bets have been allowed since the 1920s and have remained popular since.

In 1991, Louisiana voted that up to 15 riverboat casinos could operate in the local waterways, in hopes to boost the state’s economy. Also, the state lottery began in the same year, including Powerball and scratch-off tickets. Soon thereafter, video poker outlets and casinos were also legalized and began popping up across the state. Gambling and casinos in New Orleans remain a prominent part of the city’s economy and nightlife. Come place your bets and collect your winnings in New Orleans!

Best Casinos in New Orleans

Harrah’s Casino, within easy strolling distance of the French Quarter and the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, delivers high-octane Vegas-style gaming, entertainment, and restaurants. With over 2,000 slot machines, 100 table games, a poker room, hotel, and nightclub, many would argue that it is the best casino in not only New Orleans, but Louisiana. It is by law the only land-based private casino in the state and referred to as the official gaming establishment.

However, there are other spots to place your bets around the city. Across the Mississippi, on the Westbank, there’s Boomtown New Orleans for a little more low-key fun. Boomtown offers nightly shows, slots, table games and dining. The New Orleans Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots has large slot machine rooms and video poker as well as off-track betting. Other places throughout the city offer video poker rooms and off-track betting for a variety of gambling. You will often find gaming devices at bars around town as well. For a list of casinos for when you are feeling lucky, see below.

SPORTS BETTING IN NEW ORLEANS

Online sports betting became live and legal in New Orleans in January 2022, allowing fans to bet on their favorite local teams via the Caesars Sportsbook app. Caesars has partnered with Harrah’s to make sports betting fast, simple and rewarding through its Caesars Rewards loyalty program. Learn the ins and outs of sports betting on the Caesars website here. Other popular sports-betting apps, including FanDuel and DraftKings, are also legal in Louisiana. 

NEW ORLEANS GAMBLING LAWS AND REGULATIONS

You must be 21 years old to enter and/or gamble as at a casino or video poker machine in Louisiana. However, you can bet at the horse race or buy a lottery ticket if you are 18 and older.