Louisiana Reports Sports Betting Growth for Mobile in September

Louisiana reported over $405 million in wagers for September, according to latest figures from the state’s gaming board. Football betting was up for the month, with parlays accounting for a large portion of the growth.

While there were healthy wager numbers for Louisiana’s mobile betting industry, the story was different at retail sportsbooks.

Wagers were down 39% on last month, though the early NFL season bettors may have skewed the total figures.

The Louisiana Gaming Control Board issues reports monthly, covering revenues for the state’s landbased casinos, fantasy sports, riverboats, and sportsbooks. Regulated sports betting in the Pelican State is nearing its fifth birthday, with the first mobile sportsbooks launching in January 2022.

Total Written Wagers Up, Retail Down

There was a slight increase in mobile betting wagers in September, up 4.6% year over year. Written wagers stood at 384 million, up from 260 million in August.

Tax paid was up on the month before at $8.5 million versus $6.6 million in August. By far, football bets on the NFL accounted for the biggest share at just over $5.1 million.

Parlays accounted for $24.8 million in net proceeds, by far the biggest provider of all bet types.

However, retail betting was down. July and August recorded 20.9% and 41.8% drops in wagers year-over-year. September followed suit with a 39% drop in year-over-year wagers.

Net proceeds were up over 30%, suggesting larger bets and parlays are on the rise. Indeed, net proceeds by parlay were at $2.2 million for September, over double that of the previous month.

Sports Betting in Louisiana – September 2026 Figures

• Overall Wagers (Mobile): +4.6%
• Wagers Written (Mobile): 384 million (up 124m vs Aug)
• Retail Sportsbook Wagers: 20 million (-39% Y-o-Y)
• Football (NFL etc) net tax proceeds: $5.1 million (vs $1.4 million in Aug)

DraftKings Probed in Louisiana Checks

The new NFL season always triggers a spike in activity as Week 1 nears and bettors lock in their futures wagers and sportsbooks offer their best promotions.

However, the Louisiana government is keen to keep its licensees in check when it comes to promotions.

Last week, the LGCB convened to extend DraftKings’ sports betting license. However, there is a caveat to the extension, namely checks on the sportsbook’s practises.

DraftKings was one of the first legal sportsbooks in Louisiana, but it is facing questions over its alleged use of AI to tailor bonuses to players.

The company last month denied using AI and strenuously objects to suggestions it actively seeks problem gamblers. DraftKings operates retail sportsbooks at Louisiana riverboat casinos in addition to its mobile app.

Moves to End Sports Betting Harassment

Louisiana lawmakers are also doubling down on efforts to protect athletes from harassment. State senator Mike Reese (R-Leesville) earlier this year put forward SB 325 which proposes an exclusion list for anyone found guilty of harassing athletes during games.

The bill has its limitations, not least the exclusion list only applying to retail sportsbooks. Anyone found guilty of violating a ban would face a $500 fine and a jail sentence.

As regulated (and illegal) sports betting has grown, so too have the instances of disgruntled gamblers taking out their losing bets on sportsmen and women during a game. The growth in sports betting wagers in LA only increases the risk of abuse.