Sports Betting legality in New Orleans, LA for Super Bowl

Key Points

• Louisiana legalized sports betting in 2021, with online wagering then launching in January 2022.

• Sports betting is legal in 55 of the 64 Louisiana “parishes,” which are geographical areas similar to “counties” in other states.

• There is no sportsbook inside the Caesars Superdome, the location of Super Bowl 59, but mobile wagering will be available to attendees. 

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As we inch closer to the Super Bowl, sports bets continue to pour in at an unprecedented clip. Super Bowl 59 invites sports fans from around the country to flock to New Orleans and witness one of the biggest events in not just American sports, but the world. 

With sports betting now legal in most of Louisiana, many attendees and locals will be looking to place wagers on the big game. Mind you, it is important to note that there are important rules and regulations to consider, including where betting is allowed, how mobile betting works and the restrictions that may apply. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about sports betting in New Orleans leading up to Super Bowl 59 and beyond.

Where is sports betting legal in Louisiana? New Orleans?

Sports betting is legal in most of Louisiana, but the decision was uniquely left to individual parishes with Senate Bill 247 signed in by Gov. John Bel Edwards. In 2020, 55 out of 64 parishes voted to legalize sports betting, including those covering New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Shreveport. See map below for specific locations.

The 9 parishes that opted out of sports betting are:

• Caldwell

• Catahoula

• Franklin

• Jackson

• LaSalle

• Sabine

• Union

• West Carroll

• Winn

While residents of these parishes can create betting accounts, deposit, and withdraw money, they must physically be in an approved parish to place wagers. Geolocation tracking ensures compliance with these unique rules in Louisiana.

In New Orleans,  mobile sports betting is available throughout approved parishes. Regarding retail options, Caesars New Orleans is the only retail sportsbook in downtown New Orleans.

History of sports betting legalization in Louisiana

The road to sports betting legalization in Louisiana began in 2018 when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). Two years later, Louisiana voters approved sports wagering in a parish-by-parish vote.

Key legislative milestones:

• November 2020 – 55 parishes vote in favor of legalizing sports betting

• June 2021 – Senate Bill 247 and House Bill 697 are passed, formally legalized sports betting

• October 2021 – First retail, in-person sportsbooks open

• January 2022 – Online sports betting launches in the 55 parishes that voted for it

It’s worth noting that each of Louisiana’s 19 casinos can operate two online sportsbook brands, so there are plenty of online betting options in the state.

Can people bet inside the Caesars Superdome while watching the Super Bowl?

Despite sports betting being legal in Louisiana, there is no physical sportsbook inside the Caesars Superdome, host of Super Bowl 59. However, mobile betting is available in New Orleans, so fans in attendance can download sportsbook apps and place bets from their phones while inside the stadium. Those who prefer in-person, retail betting will need to visit Caesars New Orleans, which is about a mile away from the stadium.

While other NFL stadiums have integrated sportsbooks, the Caesars Superdome has not followed suit.

Rules for NFL players and referees around gambling during Super Bowl week

The NFL maintains strict anti-gambling policies for its players and personnel. NFL players are prohibited from betting on any NFL game, including the Super Bowl. Unlike during the regular season, non-Super Bowl players may gamble and play table games at casinos, but still cannot enter a sportsbook or bet on the Super Bowl. Any players caught violating this rule would face lengthy suspensions or even a potential full ban. 

Despite what some aggrieved fans may think, NFL referees cannot bet on the Super Bowl or any other NFL game. In fact, their finances are monitored to prevent potential integrity concerns. Referees are encouraged to be cautious about where they spend their time, especially in gambling environments. This includes not just avoiding sportsbooks but potentially steering clear of casinos and other gambling locations like racing tracks.

The NFL policy states, “All NFL Personnel are prohibited from placing, soliciting, or facilitating any bet, whether directly or indirectly through a third party, on any NFL game, practice or other event.” 

Gambling addiction support and treatment in Louisiana

Sports betting comes with serious potential risks. Gambling addiction affects thousands of people across Louisiana, so recognizing the signs of a problem can make a world of difference.

Common signs of gambling addiction:

• Betting more than you can afford to lose

• Chasing losses by making larger bets

• Feeling stressed or anxious about betting

• Hiding gambling activity from loved ones

• Borrowing money to bet

If you or someone you know may be struggling with their gambling habits, Birches Health offers specialized treatment for gamblers, from the comfort of home across Louisiana.

Birches offers the following ways to get started:

• Book an appointment

• Call 833-483-3838

• Email help@bircheshealth.com