Casino certified

Harrah's New Orleans Hotel & Casino boasts the latest in slots, video poker and table games, plus exciting entertainment, restaurants and so much more. The first form of organized gambling in Louisiana was a government-run casino in 1753. There were more places to gamble in Louisiana than nearly any other city in the early 1800’s. The federal government had enough of the rampant gambling in the territory and banned casinos in.

1. Places To Gamble In Louisiana
2. Best Place To Gamble In Louisiana

With so much history and culture, it’s no wonder the ghost stories fly in Louisiana. Historic plantations, cemeteries, and creaky, century-old buildings that are now home to bars and restaurants are also home to a rich history filled with stories from the past. Whether you’re a skeptic or believer, below, you’ll find 17 places that both visitors and residents swear to be inhabited by phantom phenomenon.

Just a note: we know there are plenty of other documented locations in New Orleans, but in an effort to include a diverse assortment of locations around the state, we’ve left some of those out. Feel free to mention any additional New Orleans locations in the comments below!

Louisiana, especially New Orleans, has a reputation for being one of the most haunted locales in the United States. Experience these haunts the next time you visit the state - if you are brave enough, anyway.

1. Myrtles Plantation in St. Francisville, LA

This historic mansion was built in the late 1700s and is considered one of America’s most haunted homes. Photographs taken on the property feature eerie figures and apparitions, such as the famous 'Chloe postcard,' in which the translucent figure of a slave girl can be seen standing against a wall. In another photograph of a visiting teacher and some of her students, you can clearly see the undoctored image of a young girl peering through the window behind them. Overnight stays and guided tours of Myrtles Plantation^[1] are available, but don’t be surprised if you feel frigid cold spots, hear strange noises or capture the image of an unseen visitor on your camera.

2. Lalaurie House in New Orleans, LA

The Lalaurie House has been deemed one of the most paranormal-afflicted locations in the French Quarter and although it is now a private residence, it’s one walk-by experience you don’t want to miss. Tarnished by an extremely morbid history, this historic building was once the home of the prestigious Madame Lalaurie and her family. As legend would have it, Mrs. Lalaurie was extremely cruel and inhumane to her slaves, chaining them up to walls and performing unnecessary surgical procedures on them. Many people lost their lives in this mansion and one slave even jumped to her death to escape her master’s wrath. Even if you’re a skeptic of the haunting tales, stop by to get a glimpse of this magnificent home and reflect on its sad but true history.

3. Shreveport Municipal Auditorium in Shreveport, LA

A National Historic Landmark, the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium^[2] boasts a gorgeous Art Deco style and has hosted big names like Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Johnny Horton and Elvis Presley. Staff and visitors have reported seeing the door above the foyer open and close on its own, and some even say they’ve spotted a young girl in a blue dress running around the auditorium. Experience this beautiful, historic building with a creepy ghost tour. Just make sure to contact the auditorium two weeks in advance to schedule it.

4. Bentley Hotel in Alexandria, LA

Bentley Hotel opened in 1908 and served as elegant lodging for several distinguished individuals including Henry Kissinger, Dwight Eisenhower, John Wayne and Roy Rogers, among others. In 2012 the Bentley Hotel^[3] was purchased and plans were made to reopen the once grand hotel to the public. The Mirror Room Lounge reopened on May 1, 2015 and is reportedly still visited by the ghost of the man who built the hotel, Joseph Bentley. Several other mischievous ghosts are said to haunt this place. One is the ghost of a young girl who fell to her death down the elevator shaft. Another is a man that died from a fall off the grand staircase in 1985. Figures have also been seen peeking over the railings above the grand staircase. The cast of Ghost Hunters visited Bentley Hotel in 2011 to investigate and were encountered with several instances of paranormal activity.

5. Pat O’Brien’s in New Orleans, LA

Visitors from around the world stop by Pat O’Brien’s^[4] for its widely-acclaimed hurricanes, but they also come to experience this bar’s ghostly inhabitants. The women’s restroom upstairs and the piano bar are said to be the two most haunted areas within the bar and employees report instances of phantom footsteps and the soft sound of piano keys being lightly tickled, only to find no one there. Something mysterious also tends to inhabit the courtyard, where chairs and tables are curiously moved around and objects disappear and reappear without explanation.

6. Calcasieu Courthouse in Lake Charles, LA

The original Calcasieu Courthouse^[5] was destroyed by a fire in 1910 and rebuilt in 1911. That structure still stands today and was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. It was here that the troubled Louisiana woman Toni Jo was tried, convicted of murder, and sentenced to death in 1942. She was treated very well while in prison and maintained a cool and collected attitude even on the morning of her execution, but she ultimately became the only woman in Louisiana to die in the electric chair. Some courthouse employees say they have heard the whispering of a woman’s voice, footsteps roaming the hallways, and even some terrifying high-pitched screams.

7. Oak Alley Plantation in Vacherie, LA

With the striking pathway shaded by century-old oak trees greeting you at the plantation gate, Oak Alley Plantation^[6] is simply a fascinating place to visit. There have also been many supernatural experiences reported by both staff members and visitors, and it’s not uncommon for visitors to catch glimpses of figures, feel cold spots, or hear strange voices. One staff member felt someone touch his arm while working alone at the mansion. Another tour guide actually saw two different figures appear, one in the kitchen and the other in the Lavender Room. The Oak Alley Plantation grounds are enchanting, beautiful, and full of rich history, but they are also mysterious. Guided tours are available on the hour and half hour from 9:30 a.m. to close daily.

8. Pleasant Hall at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA

Places To Gamble In Louisiana

Everyone at Louisiana State University^[7] knows the haunting tale of the girl who shot her boyfriend and then turned the gun on herself. Other versions of the story say the girl actually jumped from the third floor window of the building (which was then called Smith Hall) and although there haven’t been any police records found to back up the story, some people are convinced it’s still affected. Room 312 is believed to have been the room where the girl killed herself, and back when the building served as a hotel, guests reported feeling a presence in that room. Not to mention, the door would open and close on its own.

9. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 in New Orleans, LA

In New Orleans, cemeteries full of above-ground tombs are called cities of the dead, and the rows of ornate graves invoke quite the eerie feeling, especially in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. This cemetery is home to many old graves, some of which are even from the 1700s. The notorious Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau is buried in this cemetery and voodoo societies still visit it daily to leave offerings in return for the Voodoo Queen’s blessing. Restless spirits are said to roam the cemetery, and visitors have claimed to see manifestations of ghosts walking through the rows of tombs, EVPs have been recorded there, and photos display eerie orbs throughout the cemetery. Although it is highly visited by tourists and locals alike, visitors are not allowed to enter on their own. You can only enter with a tour company that has registered with the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

10. Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop in New Orleans, LA

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop^[8] claims to be the oldest bar in the United States and may have been built as early as 1722. The building was believed to have been first used by the Lafitte brothers for their smuggling operation, but today it’s frequented by visitors and residents looking to have a good time. One of the oldest buildings in the French Quarter, of course it has to be haunted, and Jean Lafitte has been spotted on more than one occasion, quietly lurking in the corner near the fireplace on the bottom floor. The second floor of the bar is said to be haunted by another ghost, a woman, who likes to whisper in the ears of unsuspecting victims. Nonetheless, these ghosts don’t keep away any of the customers, and this location is definitely one you want to check out for yourself.

11. USS Kidd in Baton Rouge, LA

The USS Kidd^[9] in Baton Rouge serves as a memorial to those who lost their lives aboard the ship. Visitors can walk the decks, tour the ship, and experience real WWII and Korean War artifacts up close. Some visitors claim to have seen apparitions of sailors in uniform aboard the ship, which is no surprise when you consider the vessel’s history. Whether or not the hauntings are real, this ship remains a cherished display of the bravery of our armed forces and an important piece of our history.

12. Magnolia Plantation Complex, Derry, LA

This former plantation carries a lot of history and apparently spirits too. In 2009, the cast of Ghost Adventures went to investigate the property, which is rumored to host a barrage of ghosts that were once slaves on the property. Evidence of voodoo has been found on the property and ritualistic chanting has been heard coming from one of the former slave cabins. Although the mansion at Magnolia Plantation^[10] is privately owned and closed to the public, the rest of the complex is open for self-guided tours and includes a plantation store, a former slave hospital, eight cabins, a gin barn and a blacksmith shop.

13. Old State Capitol Building in Baton Rouge, LA

Louisiana’s beautiful Old State Capitol Building^[11] is not only home to a museum but also hosts weddings, special events, and possibly even the ghost of Pierre Couvillion, a congressman during the mid 1800s. Legend has it that he passed away of natural causes in the capitol building and still hangs around the historic statehouse. Staff have reported motion detectors going off when there’s no one around and mysterious footprints on the senate floor. The basement is said to be home to the most paranormal activity. At one point, it was used as a hospital and a prison for soldiers.

14. Diamond Grill in Alexandria, LA

This upscale restaurant is a favorite spot for many, serving up five star dishes made with fresh, locally-grown ingredients. But the Diamond Grill^[12] is also reputed to be quite busy with paranormal happenings. The face of a man peering through a window was captured in a photograph taken by a passerby while the restaurant was closed, and eerie EVPs, dark shadows, and objects moving on their own have all been documented. Should this stop you from dropping in for a bite to eat? Definitely not! It only adds to the authentic experience.

15. Andrew Jackson Hotel in New Orleans, LA

The Andrew Jackson Hotel^[13] is a striking display of gorgeous 18th century European design, with an ideal location in the French Quarter. Many visitors stay for the beautiful courtyards, comfortable rooms, and southern hospitality, while others venture there for the ghosts. A well-known haunting location, guests of the Andrew Jackson Hotel report hearing children playing in the halls in the middle of the night and clothes and objects being moved around the rooms. The staff insist the hauntings are friendly and the hotel consistently gets rave reviews from guests. Give it a try and you might leave with a story to tell!

16. Houmas House Plantation and Gardens in Darrow, LA

This antebellum estate is gorgeous and more than two hundred years old! The Houmas House Plantation and Gardens^[14] offers daily tours of the grounds and even overnight stays in the rooms decorated with period furnishings and antiques. Several ghostly legends haunt the property, including ancient oak trees that are said to be inhabited by the spirits of 16 workers who lost their lives during a construction project on the Houmas House Plantation property. A young girl in a blue dress has also been seen standing on the staircase, but she rapidly disappears before anyone can talk to her.

17. Manchac Swamp north of Laplace, LA

Of course we can’t write an article about Louisiana without mentioning cajun country. Manchac Swamp is not only really creepy, but it’s supposed to hold ghostly occurrences too. Legend says a voodoo priestess, Julie White, lived in the swamp and predicted that her death would take the lives of many others too. Eerily enough, in 1915 on the day of her funeral, a hurricane hit and killed many of the people in the area. Some people have reported hearing a woman’s screams or a voice singing the song White was heard singing the day of her death, “One day I’m gunna die, and I’m gunna take all of you with me.” If that’s not enough to give you the chills, then I don’t know what is. You can explore this swamp for yourself with Cajun Pride Swamp Tours^[15] located in Laplace, Louisiana, and learn even more about the area’s history.

Have you been to any haunted Louisiana places? How about any haunted spots in your hometown? Share a story with us below!

Louisiana has a handful of beautiful riverboat casinos, plenty of charitable
gambling to go around, and some pari-mutuel horse racing.

But Louisiana’s history with gambling has been a love/hate one, like when
they legalized the state lottery, outlawed it, then legalized it again.

But where does Louisiana stand along the many states considering regulated
online gambling?

Online Gambling and Louisiana Law

Is Online Gambling Legal in Louisiana?

Online gambling is illegal in Louisiana.

Here’s what the f
Louisiana Revised Statutes says about online gambling:

“Gambling has long been recognized as a crime in the state of Louisiana and
despite the enactment of many legalized gaming activities remains a crime.

Gambling by computer is the intentional conducting, or directly assisting in
the conducting as a business of any game, contest, lottery, or contrivance
whereby a person risks the loss of anything of value in order to realize a
profit when accessing the Internet, World Wide Web, or any part thereof by way
of any computer, computer system, computer network, computer software, or any
server.

Whoever commits the crime of gambling by computer shall be fined not more
than five hundred dollars, or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.”

Can I Get Arrested for Gambling Online in Louisiana?

Since it’s illegal to gamble online in Louisiana, yes, you can get arrested
for it, but you probably won’t.

We couldn’t find any residents who’ve been arrested for gambling online.

The Louisiana law enforcement is more interested in taking down residents who
run illegal online casinos.

Our advice, of course, is to obey the law of the land, regardless of
jurisdiction. At the same time, we’re aware that some of our readers want
guidance about risk levels. We think that playing a hand of blackjack on the web
is one of the lowest-risk crimes you can imagine in Louisiana or elsewhere.

With this kind of business, it’s traditional for law enforcement to focus on
the providers rather than the customers. Online gambling of any kind is usually
low on law enforcement’s radar, although running an illicit gambling operation
presents considerable risk.

Is Louisiana Going to Legalize Online Gaming?

It’s unclear if Louisiana is going to legalize online gaming. The state has
been looking into state-regulated online gaming since 2013, but we’ve seen no
progress toward online gambling.

How do I choose a good and safe offshore gaming site?

If you’re in Louisiana and looking to play on the web, an offshore gambling
site is your most realistic option. As a bettor, the legal risks are minimal,
but the other risks are considerable. You need to worry about whether the site
is going to provide you with good customer service and reasonable payout times.

If you read the reviews on our site and keep the following in mind, you’ll
have a better time finding a place to play.

• Game Variety

The first thing you should do is check to see
if the site has the game you’re interested in playing. Also check out what other
games they have available, in case you occasionally want to switch up the games
you play.

It’s silly to sign up for an all-slots site if your goal is to place sports
bets and play blackjack.

• Tournaments

If tournaments are something you’re planning
on participating in, make sure the site you’re looking at offers good ones. Look
at the tournaments page for information like prizes, frequency, and rules.

• Bonus Terms and Conditions

Nobody likes reading the fine
print, but you might want to when it comes to bonus terms. Almost every site you
look at will have a sign-up bonus, but read the fine print to learn about the
conditions you have to meet in order to get the bonus. One condition you might
have to meet is how much you have to wager.

• Read Reviews

Reading reviews might be the most important
research you do before signing up for a site. Focus on member reviews, not a
forum or website reviews. Member reviews tell you all you need to know about a
site, including what to expect, what they liked, and what they didn’t like.

We think the reviews on our site are as even-handed and comprehensive as any
you’ll find on the internet. Read them, and let us know if you agree.

• Customer Complaints

Do a search for the name of the site
you’re considering and the word complaint, and you might find some members who
have filed complaints about the site. Reading these can alert you to common
problems people have with the site.

• Deposit Options

See what forms of deposit the site
accepts. You want to make sure there’s a form you’re familiar with.

• Cash Out Options

It’s also important to see how you can
get your money back out when you win. Not every deposit option is available as a
withdrawal option. It’s always a good idea to find out before you make a deposit
to make sure a good option is available.

• Contact Customer Service

Chat with customer service to get
a feel for their professionalism. You also want to keep in mind how long it
takes them to get back to you. If you become a member and have a real issue, you
don’t want to wait a week for a response.

• Restricted States

Some sites have restrictions on who they
can offer their games to. Make sure the site you’re considering can legally
offer their gaming to your state.

• Licensing Jurisdiction

Look into the site’s licensing
jurisdiction to find out what restrictions the site has to follow. Some areas
have stricter restrictions than others.

• Longevity of Business

See how long a site has been in
business. A site that has been in business for five years will have both more
information and a more reliable reputation than a site that has been in business
for five months.

Are Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in Louisiana?

No, daily fantasy sports are not legal in Louisiana.

But it’s not because of a lack of resident interest. Several attempts have
been made in the past to legalize daily fantasy sports; one attempt was as
recent as 2016.

Here’s some information from the
ESPN website about the history of daily
fantasy sports in Louisiana:

“In 1991, then-Attorney General William J. Guste, Jr. concluded that a 1-900
number fantasy football contests constituted illegal gambling, but nothing in
the 1991 memo touched on DFS-specific issues. The Louisiana legislature
considered a DFS bill during the 2016 session.”

More Gambling Laws in Louisiana

• Casino Games: Legal
• Sports and Race Betting: Pari-Mutuel Only
• Lottery: Legal
• Bingo: Charitable Only
• Social Gambling: Illegal

The Louisiana Revised Statutes defines gambling as the following:

“(a) Gambling is the intentional conducting, or directly assisting in the
conducting, as a business, of any game, contest, lottery, or contrivance whereby
a person risks the loss of anything of value in order to realize a profit.

(b) Whoever commits the crime of gambling shall be fined not more than five
hundred dollars, or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.”

Casino Games: Legal

All your favorite casino games can be found in Louisiana casinos, including
poker, blackjack, roulette, craps, and slot machines.

Louisiana has a mixture of tribal casinos, land-based casinos, and riverboat
casinos.

Here’s what the Louisiana State Legislature says about gaming activities on
rivers and waterways:

“The development of a historic riverboat industry is important to the economy
of the state of Louisiana in that it will assist in the continuing growth of the
tourism industry and thus will benefit the general welfare of our citizens and
create new jobs. It is the intent of this Chapter to utilize Louisiana
resources, goods, and services in the operation and construction of riverboats
to the extent allowable by law, as defined in this Chapter.

An integral part of riverboat operation and profitability is the offering of
regulated gaming, among other activities.”

Sports and Race Betting: Pari-Mutuel Only

Louisiana allows pari-mutuel betting on horse racing.

Here’s what the Louisiana State Legislature says about pari-mutuel wagering:

“The commission shall make rules governing, permitting, and regulating the
wagering on horse races under the form of mutuel wagering by patrons, known as
pari-mutuel wagering. Only those persons receiving a license from the
commission may conduct this type of wagering, and shall restrict this form of
wagering to a space within the race meeting grounds. All other forms of
wagering on the result of horse races are illegal, and all wagering on horse
races outside the enclosure where horse races have been licensed by the
commission is illegal.”

Here’s what the
Louisiana State Legislature says about other track wagering:

“The commission may make rules regulating pari-mutuel wagering known as other
track wagering.

With the consent of the commission, an association may accept wagers at its
facility for the entire racing card scheduled on horse racing events of
regional, national, and international interest conducted at another track
outside of this state, and transmitted either by simulcast or other means of
video transmission, pursuant to a contract with the association or other entity
conducting the event.”

Greyhound racing is outlawed in Louisiana.

Lottery: Legal

Louisiana has a state-regulated lottery.

Here’s some information about the state lottery from the
Louisiana Lottery website:

“Louisiana Lottery Corporation began in 1991 after the 1990 state Legislature
proposed a state lottery (ACT 1045) as a way to generate revenue without
increasing taxes. Due to the Lottery’s unique operations, the Legislature
recognized a corporate structure would suit it best.

Voters also liked the idea and passed a constitutional amendment in 1990
creating the LLC by a 7 to 3 margin.

In 2011, the Lottery celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the sale of its first
scratch-off on Sept. 6, 1991.

In 2003, voters passed another constitutional amendment to dedicate Lottery
proceeds to the Minimum Foundation Program that funds public education in
Louisiana.”

As for where the money from the Louisiana Lottery goes, prize winners get
53%, the state treasury gets 35%, the lottery retailers get 5.5%, and 6% goes to
lottery operations.

Louisiana Lottery games include:

• Scratch Offs
• Mega Millions
• Powerball
• Lotto
• Easy 5
• Pick 4
• Pick 3

Bingo: Charitable Only

Charitable organizations may hold charitable games, including bingo, raffles,
pull tabs, and more.

The Louisiana Charitable Raffles, Bingo and Keno Licensing Law define a
charitable organization as:

“a nonprofit board, association, corporation, or other organization domiciled
in this state and qualified with the United States Internal Revenue Service for
an exemption from federal income tax”

Here are the approved games for charitable organizations according to the
Louisiana Charitable Raffles, Bingo and Keno Licensing Law:

“(1) The game of chance commonly known as raffle or raffles played by drawing
for prizes or the allotment of prizes by chance, by the selling of shares,
tickets, or rights to participate in such game or games, and by conducting the
game or games accordingly.

(2) The game of chance commonly known as bingo or keno played for prizes with
cards bearing numbers or other designations, five or more in one line, the
holder covering numbers, as objects, similarly numbered, are drawn from a
receptacle, and the game being won by the person who first covers a previously
designated arrangement of numbers on such a card.

(3) The game of chance commonly known as pull-tabs played for prizes with
cards or tickets and as defined in R.S. 4:725 or played as electronic pull-tabs
as provided in R.S. 4:733.

(4) Electronic video bingo as provided for in R.S. 4:724 and as defined by
rules of the office.

(5) Fund-raising events generally known as 'Las Vegas Nights' or 'Casino
Nights' as provided for in R.S. 4:729 as defined by rules of the office.”

Some general restrictions on charitable gaming in Louisiana include the
following:

“No licensee shall hold, operate, or conduct any game of chance under this
Chapter more often than on fifteen days in any one calendar month.

The total amount of prizes which may be awarded in any one session by a
licensee shall not exceed four thousand five hundred dollars in cash or other
thing or things of value.”

Social Gambling: Illegal

No Louisiana laws touch on “social gambling,” but based on the laws that are
written on gambling, social gambling is illegal. Gambling is only authorized in
licensed casinos and businesses licensed to offer slot machines.

But it’s not uncommon to find small-stakes home games, which the law
enforcement seems to tolerate in Louisiana.

Gambling Venues in Louisiana

Louisiana casinos offer about every casino game you could want, from craps to
slot machines and everything in between. Here are 10 of the casinos located
throughout Louisiana, including some land-based, riverboats, and tribal casinos.

1) Coushatta Casino Resort

777 Coushatta Dr

Kinder, LA 70648

Phone number: (800) 584-7263

2) Golden Nugget Lake Charles

2550 Golden Nugget Boulevard

Lake Charles, LA 70601

Phone number: (337) 508-777

3) Paragon Casino Resort

711 Paragon Place

Marksville, LA 71351

Phone number: (318) 253-1946

4) L’Auberge du Lac Resort

777 Ave L’Auberge

Lake Charles, LA 70601

Phone number: (866) 580-7444

5) Delta Downs

2717 Delta Downs Dr

Vinton, LA 70668

Phone number: (800) 589-7441

6) Isle of Capri Casino Hotel Lake Charles

100 Westlake Ave

Westlake, LA 70669

Phone number: (610) 241-1618

7) Treasure Chest Casino

5050 William Blvd

Kenner, LA 70065

Phone number: (504) 443-8000

8) Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel

832 Martin Luther King Rd

Charenton, LA 70523

Phone number: (337) 923-7284

9) Choctaw Pines Casino

149 Chahta Trails

Dry Pong, LA 71423

Phone number: (318) 648-7773

10) Boomtown Bossier City

300 Riverside Dr

Bossier City, LA 71111

Phone number: (318) 746-0711

History of Gambling in Louisiana

Governor Louis Billouart de Kerrierec opens the first government run casino.

New Orleans, Louisiana is now exempt from the ban on gambling.

Governor Murphy Foster closes down the Louisiana State Lottery.

Pari-mutuel betting on horse racing at fairgrounds is legalized.

The Louisiana State Lottery is legalized again. 15 riverboat casinos are approved. The first land based casino is approved also.

The state negotiates compacts with three Native American tribes to allows to allow them to open casinos on their tribal land.

Racetracks are now permitted to have slot machines. Gambling by computer is added to the laws in the gambling statues.

Best Place To Gamble In Louisiana

The committee is researching the possibility of bringing internet gambling to Louisiana.

Additional Resources

The Future & Your Views

Louisiana offers a variety of gambling options, and aside from their ban of
internet gambling, they’ve been a progressive state in the gambling department.

We don’t know if you’ll see many changes coming to Louisiana’s gaming soon,
but Louisiana gambling sites are definitely being considered.