Riverboat Casino Louisiana – Gambling by the Water

Gambling and wagering are always interesting in an exciting environment like the one available at any riverboat casino in Louisiana, USA. Read on to find out what atmosphere and legal gambling games are prepared by each boat casino Louisiana gamblers and travellers from far away can enter.

Louisiana riverboat casino

In this blog post, you will find details about the riverboat casino locations in the Pelican State and what they offer to gamblers and visitors. As shown in the table below, we separated the information into different sections. Read on and learn how to choose the perfect Louisiana riverboat casino, what you need to know about such gambling places, and answers to popular and important questions about gambling on boats.

What are Riverboat Casinos?

Since ancient times, the Mississippi Great River has been one of the major arteries for people’s migration, industry, and commerce in North America. As time passed, the boats floating over the calm waters grew bigger and carried more people.

Innovative people from New Orleans, Saint Louis, Minneapolis, and other cities created the first privately owned riverboat casinos with hotels. This way, the passengers no longer had to rely on their effort to entertain themselves. Instead, they enjoyed card games and paid for comforts during their trips.

Why Louisiana Has Riverboat Casinos?

History of Louisiana Boat Casinos

Louisiana riverboat casinos appeared to make passenger trips fun and increase the attention towards one transport company over the other. The other benefit of this lucrative market was that for a long time gambling was illegal on land, but not on water. In 1753, the Louisiana government created a government-run casino in the state.

By the 1830s, the Mississippi River riverboat casinos were stealing so many players that it became a problem. Each Louisiana casino boat had its ways of dealing with cheaters and troublemakers. When the gambling laws in the USA and the Pelican State’s regulations came into power, the owners of steamboats with casinos began delivering the criminals to the legal authorities.

That “take-the-law-in-ones’-hands” tactics worked until the establishment of the Louisiana gambling laws and the improvement of the penal code of the USA. Do your research if you are interested in the matter, and you can start with the modern Louisiana gambling and racing regulations we listed in the table below:

🎲 Gambling Game πŸ“… Legalisation Year
πŸ‡ Horse Racing 1852-1868, 1971-present
🎟️ Lottery 1868-1893, 1990-present
🎱 Bingo 1987
🎰 Casinos 1991
πŸƒ Tavern/Truck Stop Video Poker 1991

Anyone interested to learn who invented the casino may also like the history of gambling on water. It is important to mention that every casino boat the Louisiana state had in the past differs from the present-day versions. For example, in the past, gamblers wagered mostly on cards or dice games like barbut. Today, the list of games stretches over slots, blackjack, poker, roulette, craps, lottery, and more.

Another main difference is that in the past, gambling was allowed on Louisiana boat casinos only while the boat was travelling. After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Louisiana’s boat casinos had to stay docked. The owners took advantage of that, and many built lovely casino resorts and expanded their lists of entertainment and services. Even so, there is still a chance for a few hours’ trip when the weather is fine.

Modern Riverboat Casinos in Louisiana

To play at a casino boat in Louisiana, you need to remember that they all follow the legal gambling age and responsible gambling regulations of the state. Each riverboat casino in Louisiana is licensed by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board and offers a memorable and unique gambling experience.

Working Riverboat Casinos in Louisiana, USA

Casino boat on the Mississippi River

Riverboat poker has been a blast during the last centuries, and even today, Louisiana casinos on water and land draw the best poker players in the world. To draw such a crowd, each Louisiana boat casino provides excellent gambling options and comfortable accommodations. The operators spice up the experience by creating entertainment and offering excellent international and local cuisine.

Pack your bags because the Pelican State has more than one riverboat casino to choose from. Below, you can find the list of the working Louisiana riverboat casinos, their location and games:

  • 🚒 Amelia Belle Casino (Amelia): 800+ slot machines, table games, sports betting
  • 🚒 Belle of Baton Rouge Casino (Batton Rouge): 750+ slot machines, table games, sportsbook
  • 🚒 Boomtown Casino (Bossier City): 1100+ slot machines, 16+ table games, sports betting
  • 🚒 Boomtown (New Orleans): 1250+ slot machines, 31+ table games, poker room, sports betting
  • 🚒 Diamond Jacks Casino & Resort (Bossier City): closed due to COVID-19, but there are rumours of reopening in 2024
  • 🚒 Eldorado Casino (Shreveport): 1100+ slot machines, 50+ table games, poker room
  • 🚒 Golden Nugget (Lake Charles): 1600+ slot machines, 87 table games, 7 poker tables, sports betting
  • 🚒 Hollywood Casino (Baton Rouge): 1500+ slot machines, 15+ table games, sports betting
  • 🚒 Horseshoe Casino (Bossier City): 1500+ slot machines, 68+ table games
  • 🚒 Isle of Capri (Lake Charles): 1170+ slot machines, 34 table games, 11 poker tables
  • 🚒 L’Auberge Casino Hotel (Baton Rouge): 1400+ slot machines, 50 table games, sports betting
  • 🚒 L’Auberge Casino (Lake Charles): 1400+ slots and video poker machines, 85 table games
  • 🚒 Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino (Shreveport): 1100+ slots, video poker and gaming machines, 30+ table games, poker tables, sports betting
  • 🚒 Treasure Chest Casino (Kenner): 1000 slot machines, 36 table games, sports betting

Whether you choose a working riverboat casino in New Orleans, Batton Rouge, or any other destination, you will have an unforgettable experience. Each of them has a unique atmosphere, but few of them offer a travelling and gambling experience like the one we can see in card players or gunslinger movies like the one described in our Maverick (1994) movie review.

Traits of the Best Riverboat Casinos in Louisiana

Traits of good riverboat casinos

It is quite easy to recognise the perfect Louisiana riverboat casino for you. One of the interesting things to remember when packing your bags is that a special casino attire (black tie, evening gown, etc.) might be required to be allowed on the gambling floor. Below you will find a list of tips to choose a riverboat casino:

  • πŸ—ΊοΈ Location: the riverboat casinos in Louisiana are anchored on the banks of rivers and lakes near great land-based hotels, in cities, or in resorts surrounded by magnificent nature.
  • πŸ›³οΈ Riverboat: today, a few boat casinos tour the river or the lakes of Louisiana. The trips are short, but the ships must be in good condition and offer comfort and amenities to all passengers.
  • ♠️ Casino: the casino floor usually has card games (poker, blackjack, baccarat), and the new technologies even offer slots, craps, and roulette (on the big ships where there is no swaying by the waves).
  • πŸ›οΈ Hotel: on the banks or the big riverboat, the attached hotel must offer relaxation and peace.
  • 🧸 Family Friendly: there are amusements for children, daycare, or other extras
  • 🐾 Pet-Friendly: learn the policy before bringing your cat, dog, or other pet
  • 🍀 Food: Louisiana cuisine and other tasty options are always available to hungry players. When the boat is docked, players can even explore the local cuisine.
  • 🍸 Drinks: every Louisiana casino on a boat has a bar, cafΓ©, lounge, or serves drinks table side.
  • πŸŽ™οΈ Entertainments: depending on the size of the casino and hotel, there is a vast range of entertainment like music, live performances, stand-up comedy shows, and more.
  • πŸ’† Relaxation: spa, beauty salons, manicures, hair stylists, and more locations for pampering and beauty are normal for the resorts.
  • πŸ›Ά Sports: fitness room, swimming pool, golf, basketball court, tennis court, and other organised sports events are also offered at Louisiana’s hotels with riverboat casinos.
  • 🎒 Fun: carnivals, malls, and other local attractions also draw a crowd.
  • 🏞️ Nature: seeing lovely scenery outside your window is a treat the Louisiana riverboat operators add to the benefits of visiting their establishment.
  • πŸ¦– Culture: exploring local history and culture is not up to everyone’s taste, but it enhances the experience of the stay in a Louisiana hotel with a boat casino.

If you have in mind to visit popular gambling or tourist destination, then our article about the best New Orleans casinos might also prove useful. There, you will see many of the names we already mentioned in the previous chapter because, as we said, every Louisiana casino boat is part of a resort or a casino hotel. The top locations have websites where they publish the available games, information about the accommodations, riverboat casino menu, local attractions, and more.

Other Gambling Locations & Online Casinos in Louisiana

Harrah's New Orleans

Louisiana’s gambling venues rank among the best casinos in the USA. Riverboat gaming has always been and will remain a unique experience, but traditional players can visit the racinos, poker rooms, Native American casinos, or the establishments with VLT machines we will mention in this section of the article.

Harrah’s New Orleans

There are many Louisiana riverboat casinos, but only one commercial land-based casino – Harrah’s New Orleans. This venue in New Orleans has 1100+ slot machines, 100+ table games, sports wagering, and many more incredible attractions. The hotel has 26 stores, 450 rooms and suites, and 10+ restaurants, delivering an authentic experience.

Native American Casinos in Louisiana

If you have already been to a Louisiana riverboat casino and you wish for another type of experience, you can always try the Native American casinos. They are regulated by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and owned by Louisiana tribes. Here is a short information about the Native American casinos in Louisiana:

πŸ¦… Native American Casinos
🏨 Casino Hotel ♠️ Casino πŸ›‹οΈ Hotel ✨ Other πŸ‘” Owner
Coushatta Casino (Formerly Grand Casino Coushatta) Kinder, LA 108,000 sq. ft: 2800+ Slots, 170+ Video Poker Machines, 70+ Table Games, Poker Room, Off-Track Betting, Bingo Coushatta Grand Hotel, Coushatta Grand Inn, Koasati Pines Lodge North & South, Red Shoes RV Resort 18-Hole Golf Course Koasati Pines at Coushatta, Restaurants, Buffets, CafΓ©s, Deli, Bars Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana
Cypress Bayou Casino & Hotel Charenton, LA 180,000 Sq. Ft: 1000+ Slot Machines, 38+ Table Games, Poker Room, Bingo, Off Track Betting Cypress Bayou Hotel, Cypress Bayou Casino RV Park 4 Restaurants, 4 Bars, Free Shuttle Service Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana
Jena Choctaw Pines Casino Dry Prong, LA 46,000 Sq. Ft: 700+ Class II Gaming Machines, Poker Room N/A JD’s Harvest Buffet, Cutters Sports Bar Jena Band of Choctaw Indians
Margaritaville Resort Casino Bossier City, LA 50,000 Sq. Ft: 1000+ Slot Machines, 50+ Table Games 395 Guest Rooms, Spa and Fitness Center 3 Restaurants, 3 Bars, 2 CafΓ© Poarch Band of Creek Indians Alabama Tribe
Paragon Casino & Resort (Formerly Grand Casino Avoyelles) Marksville, LA 74,120 Sq Ft: 2100+ Slot Machines & Jackpot Slots, 46+ Table Games, Poker Room, Sports Betting 500 Rooms & Luxury Suites, 45 Private 1 Bedroom Cabins, Spa La Vie, RV Resort 18-Hole Golf Championship Course, 4 Restaurants, 3 CafΓ©, Bars, Mari Showroom, Pelican Stage, Atrium, Conference Center Tunica-Biloxi Indian Tribe of Louisiana (Owner), Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment (Management)

Each of those operators creates one of a kind atmosphere. Most operators offer the full range of gambling casino games, and only one with a Class II gaming licence. Besides gaming, you can also learn a lot about the local traditions and go for walks or sports in beautiful nature.

Racinos & Racetracks in Louisiana

The only experience a Louisiana boat casino can’t deliver is enjoying live horse races. Even if you gamble at a riverboat casino, you can still dedicate a day to visiting the nearest racino. Here are the Pelican State’s four racetracks with slot machines you can play at while waiting for the next race to start:

  • πŸ‡πŸ½ Delta Downs Racetrack Casino Hotel (Vinton): 1600+ slot machines, Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse races
  • πŸ‡πŸ½ Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino (Opelousas): 1400+ slot machines, table games, sports book, Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse races
  • πŸ‡πŸ½ Fair Grounds Race Course (New Orleans): 600+ slot machines, Thoroughbred and Flat races
  • πŸ‡πŸ½ Louisiana Downs Casino & Racetrack (Bossier City): 1300+ slot machines, Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse races

Regardless of which racetrack you choose, you will always be able to see tense competitions between stunning horses. Besides horse races, visitors can enter the gaming rooms and try all available slots, video poker, and other gaming machines. If that is not enough entertainment for a day, you can head back to the riverboat casinos.

Online Gambling in Louisiana

Louisiana is one of the states where online casinos are not, but sports betting is legal. Each riverboat casino in Louisiana has a website with information about it, and the sportsbook gamblers can download it. Alternatively, you can try playing at the best online casinos in the USA for 2024.

Riverboat Casino Louisiana Fun FAQ

Now that you know what each riverboat casino in Louisiana offers, we will answer several important questions. Check out the answers, and if you need more details, the links will take you to the relevant section in this blog post.

*️⃣ What are riverboat casinos in Louisiana?

The shortest definition of a riverboat casino is a casino on a boat. If you intend to play at a riverboat casino in Louisiana, you should know that they are some of the top tourist destinations along the Mississippi River. Each of them is remarkable, so take your time picking.

*️⃣ Why are riverboat casinos legal in Louisiana, USA?

To answer that question, we need to explore the history of gambling in Louisiana. During its history, the state banned and legalised gambling multiple times, but this did not apply to gambling on water. The Louisiana riverboat casinos satisfied travellers' entertainment needs and even offered poker tournaments.

*️⃣ Does Louisiana have riverboat casinos?

The Pelican State is one of the top destinations for gamblers who like to wager on water. We created a Louisiana riverboat casino list where we listed the most interesting details about each location. We won't spoil the surprise by saying that all establishments have slot machines, table games, and more gambling surprises for their players.

*️⃣ Are riverboat casinos the only gambling venues in Louisiana?

If you have already tried every Louisiana casino boat, then it is time to check out the other gambling options in Louisiana. There are poker rooms, racinos, Native American casinos, and the only brick-and-mortar casino in the state – Harrah's New Orleans. Online casinos are banned, but online sports betting is legal.

*️⃣ Which are Louisiana's riverboat casinos?

Experienced gamblers and travellers know a lot about riverboat casinos in the USA. Our Louisiana boat casino list will be useful to anyone who is yet to explore the fascinating world of casinos on ships. We listed all riverboat casinos in the Pelican State and what they offer in terms of gambling, accommodations, and entertainment.

*️⃣ What makes Louisiana riverboat casinos great?

Picking a riverboat casino in Louisiana might be challenging because they all meet the criteria of excellent gambling locations and deliver top-ranking experience. To ease your decision on choosing the right place for your next wager, we created a list of traits that make a riverboat casino great.

*️⃣ Does Louisiana have casinos on dry land?

This question comes to mind for everyone who searches for a Louisiana riverboat casino. The reality is that there is only one Louisiana's land-based casino - Harrah's in New Orleans. This gambling venue's history and establishment rules are interesting, and the casino resort is even more impressive upon visit.

*️⃣ Are there Native American riverboat casinos in Louisiana, USA

The Louisiana riverboat casinos are not the only ones that dazzle with uniqueness. There are six Native American casinos in Louisiana open for gamblers and visitors. They all have traditional vibe, amazing games selection, excellent restaurants, and hotels. Explore their information and see which meets your criteria for a top-ranking gaming location.

*️⃣ Can I wager on horse races at a Louisiana riverboat casino?

Even though you have chosen to dedicate most of your time to gambling at a Louisiana casino boat, you can still visit the racinos in Louisiana. They are four and offer Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse, and Flat races. Players can hit the gaming floor with hundreds of slots between the competitions.

*️⃣ Do riverboat casinos in Louisiana have online versions?

It is important to know that all online casinos in Louisiana are illegal; even the local operators don't offer an online version of their Louisiana boat casino. On the other hand, sportsbooks are legal in Louisiana, so you can download one of the licensed native apps and place a bet on your favourite team.

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