In-person Bets Begin at Caesars’ Louisiana Sportsbooks

Caesars has launched Louisiana sportsbook operations with Harrah’s New Orleans and Horseshoe Bossier City Hotel and Casino, both of which are owned by Caesars Entertainment Inc.

“Today was historic for us as a company, and we’re excited to open our new Caesars Sportsbook locations at Harrah’s New Orleans and Horseshoe Bossier City to honor the legacy these properties hold in the region,” said Dan Real, regional president, Caesars Entertainment.

“We can’t wait to introduce all that sports betting has to offer to sports fans while sharing our emphasis on responsible gaming.”

The first in-person bets took place simultaneously at the Caesars retail sportsbooks located within the respective casino establishments. The launch was also planned out in grand style. At the Horseshoe Bossier City, Mayor Tommy Chandler led the ribbon-cutting ceremony. On the other hand, former New Orleans Saints quarterback, Bobby Hebert, placed the first bet at Harrah’s New Orleans, proceeds of which will be donated to the Second Harvest Food Bank.

Eric Hession, co-president of Caesars Digital, also expressed his excitement at the milestone achievement of bringing sports betting to the brand’s valued customers in Louisiana. He added that the launch of the sportsbooks at Harrah’s and Horseshoe was just the beginning.

More on Their Plate

A Caesars sportsbook app is already available for bettors in Louisiana in anticipation of the regulatory approval on mobile sports betting. Eligible bettors in the state will be able to download the app on Android and iOS devices.

Hession also mentioned, “Once mobile sports betting is live, we look forward to serving sports fans on every platform and offering all of our customers unforgettable experiences with Caesars Rewards.”

The current sportsbooks at Harrah’s and Horseshoe are only temporary, and both will open new retail sportsbooks in 2022. The company also has a larger game plan which involves major renovations to both Louisiana locations, projected for the fall of 2022.

Following the overhaul, Harrah’s New Orleans will be converted to Caesars New Orleans and Isle of Capri Lake Charles into Horseshoe Lake Charles. The latter will reopen with a Caesars retail sportsbook location as well.

Leading the Way for Sports Betting in Louisiana

These Caesars properties are the first commercial casinos to launch in-person bets following the legalization of sports betting in the state. Before them, only Betfred had launched a sports betting outfit earlier within Paragon Casino Resort. This was permitted as Paragon Casino is a tribal establishment owned by the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe.

Back in 2020, sports betting was legalized in the state following a parish by parish referendum. However, Louisiana only allows the passing of new tax law in an odd-numbered year. For this reason, the signing into law was pushed back to June of this year.

Following the legislative launch, sports betting is approved in all parishes that approved the referendum.