Online poker is accessible to Louisiana players through reputable offshore poker sites that welcome U.S. customers. While Louisiana has strict laws against operating unlicensed gambling businesses, residents can legally access online poker platforms based overseas.
These poker sites offer versatile payment methods, player-friendly tables, and rewarding bonuses. Whether you prefer fast-paced tournaments, high-stakes cash games, or casual tables, our guide will help you find the best options.
Below, we’ll cover the top online poker sites for Louisiana players, the state’s gambling laws, and how to play responsibly.
Louisiana Poker Legality Snapshot
Online Poker
Available - Offshore Only
Land Based Poker
Available
Legal Gambling Age
21
Poker Regulator
Louisiana Gaming Control Board
Can You Play Online Poker for Real Money in Louisiana?
Yes, Louisiana players can legally access real money online poker through offshore sites. These platforms offer a variety of poker formats, from cash games and sit & go tournaments to major multi-table events with sizable prize pools.
Not every online poker site is reliable, so choosing a well-established platform is essential. The sites we recommend provide fast payouts, diverse game selection, and competitive promotions to enhance your experience.
Top Sites for Online Poker in Louisiana
We’ve done the leg work for you by testing and selecting the best Louisiana online poker rooms. Our picks are based on the features poker payers want, including soft competitions, fast withdrawals, and lucrative tournament guarantees.
In Louisiana, Ignition’s focus on anonymous tables makes the game feel more accessible and less intimidating. Players are seated randomly without screen names, eliminating tracking and making every session a clean slate. The interface is straightforward, with quick links to Zone Poker, cash games, and MTTs. While the game selection is mostly Hold’em and Omaha, the site delivers soft competition and solid crypto support.
High traffic with active cash games and tournaments.
100% up to $1,000 bonus with tournament tickets.
Fast crypto payments with no fees.
Many tournament options, including PKOs and Sunday Majors.
Min Deposit
10
Payout Speed
1 Day
Best Poker Room for Promotions
BetOnline offers one of the most generous promotion lineups in the Louisiana market. Start with a $1,000 welcome bonus and eight-step tournament tickets. The Bad Beat Jackpot applies to both Hold’em and Omaha, and when triggered, all players at the stake share a piece. Additional rewards include the Play & Win Leaderboard with $100,000+ in monthly prizes. While the eight-table cap may be limiting for serious grinders, the steady promos and shared jackpots offer broad appeal.
Louisiana poker fans who prefer fun, low-stress tournaments will feel at home here. Daily MTTs come with small buy-ins and soft fields, making it easy to play casually without sacrificing excitement. Freerolls offer extra value, and the slower game pace creates a welcoming vibe for newer or recreational players. It’s not where you go for six-figure prize pools, but it hits the mark for those focused on enjoying the game and building skills in a relaxed setting.
Comparing Online Poker Rooms Available in Louisiana
With several online poker platforms accessible to Louisiana players, choosing the best option depends on factors like game variety, tournament offerings, and available bonuses. Whether you're looking for high-stakes tournaments, soft cash games, or generous welcome promotions, our comparison table below highlights the key differences between top poker sites available in the state.
How We Select the Best Online Poker Sites in Louisiana
There are several key factors that players look for when picking a poker room. These include player traffic, poker bonuses, and game variety. Here are some of the top factors we look at when choosing online poker sites in Louisiana.
Availability in Louisiana - We verify whether a site accepts players from Louisiana.
Player Traffic and Competition Levels - High traffic levels ensure your favorite poker games are always running. Soft competition ensures there are plenty of opportunities to grow your bankroll.
Poker bonuses and Promotions - We look for sites offering generous welcome bonuses and lucrative ongoing promotions to help boost your bankroll.
Game Variety and Availability - Our focus is on sites that offer a variety of poker variants to give you multiple income streams. We also verify whether variants listed by a poker room actually run and at what stakes.
Are Offshore Poker Sites Safe?
The offshore real money poker sites we recommend are licensed in recognized gaming jurisdictions such as Curacao, Panama, and Costa Rica. These sites have operated for over a decade and offer proven track records of fair play, timely withdrawals, and player security.
Key reasons offshore poker sites remain a viable option for Louisiana players:
International Licensing – Regulated by gaming authorities outside the U.S.
Secure Transactions – Accept cryptocurrency, debit/credit cards, and e-wallets.
Fair Play Measures – Sites use RNG-certified software to ensure randomness.
When choosing an online poker site, stick to well-established platforms with strong reputations. Avoid unverified sites that lack regulatory oversight.
Is Online Poker Legal in Louisiana?
Online gambling is not regulated in Louisiana. The state is one of the few that makes online gambling a crime, with players subject to a fine and potential jail time. (RS 14:90.3E)
The only known instance of a player being arrested for online gambling is the case of Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte. In his case, he created fake accounts and gambled while underage. Ultimately, Boutte was not prosecuted on those charges.
The state primarily focuses on prosecuting illegal gambling businesses, so this allows you to still access safe and reputable offshore online poker rooms. Our recommended poker rooms accept Louisiana players and offer a secure online poker experience.
Will Louisiana Regulate Online Poker?
Louisiana lawmakers first debated online poker legislation in 2018 with a bill that would have allowed individual parishes to vote on legalizing online gaming. While the bill did not pass, it signaled growing interest in expanding Louisiana’s gambling market.
The proposal would have placed online poker regulation under the Louisiana Gaming Control Board and allowed select parishes to approve online gambling through a referendum. While no further action was taken in 2019, the fact that online gaming was discussed suggests that future bills could be introduced as Louisiana’s gambling industry evolves.
Given that the state has already legalized sports betting, online poker could be a logical next step in the coming years.
Play Online Poker Responsibly in Louisiana
Gambling is intended to be enjoyed responsibly as entertainment. If you feel that gambling has become a problem, help is available.
Below are local resources that can provide resources and counseling if you cannot control your gaming. Please gamble responsibly and seek help if needed.
With multiple live poker options and close proximity to poker-friendly states, Louisiana has produced numerous successful poker players over the years. Some of the top players from the state include World Poker Tour Champion Kevin Eyster and two-time WSOP bracelet winner Charles Lehr.
Here are the top live poker players from Louisiana.
Charles Lehr - $5,439,691
Brandon Adams - $5,411,231
Kevin Eyster - $5,327,781
Jared Ingles - $2,349,967
Walter Chambers - $1,527,424
Fred Berger - $1,303,140
Benjamin Thomas - $1,257,216
Ryan Lenaghan - $1,210,673
Derek Normand - $1,124,761
Caufman Talley III - $1,093,618
Louisiana and Online Poker
Louisiana may not regulate online poker, but that doesn’t mean players are out of options. Offshore poker sites provide a secure and competitive gaming experience, with everything from fast-paced cash games to high-stakes tournaments and huge bonus offers.
The best offshore poker rooms make it easy to deposit, play, and withdraw winnings safely—all while enjoying soft competition and action-packed tables. Whether you're chasing a big tournament score or just looking for a casual game, there's a site that fits your style.
Why wait? Take your seat at Louisiana’s top online poker tables and start playing today!
James Guill is a journalist and ex poker professional with over 15 years of experience writing in the world of poker. His coverage includes major poker tournaments and industry news for a variety of reputable poker publications. He has worked with IveyPoker, PokerNews, PokerJunkie, Bwin, and the Ongame Network. Currently at Legal US Poker Sites, James provides thorough analysis of crucial hands played in the top tournaments in the world.
Sources & Citations For This Article on Louisiana Online Poker
