There are no shortage of entertainment options in New Orleans and the casino scene definitely lives up to the city’s unique, extravagant reputation. After strolling through Mid City or bar-hopping down Bourbon Street, locals and tourists love to test their luck in one of the Crescent City’s 47 gambling locations.
Given that we have vacation rentals strewn throughout New Orleans, it’s up to you if you prefer to be strategically near or far from the casino that most entices you.
You can choose between a casino hotel in the heart of the French Quarter, a tucked-away riverboat casino in Kenner, or one of the nation’s oldest racetracks in the Fairgrounds neighborhood. Give lady luck a run for her money before ending your night at one of the city’s best bars.
With over 3,000 slot machines and 130+ table games throughout the city, the bets are high that you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for. But, with so many options, where do you invest your time and money?
We’ve rounded up the best casinos in New Orleans for you so that you can skip the guessing and head straight for the prize.
The History of New Orleans’ Casinos
New Orleans claims a long-standing history with the casino industry dating back to the late 18th century. Throughout the early 1800’s, casinos were a staple in the New Orleans local culture and tourism economy.
Gambling was legal in the city until 1866, when the first Louisiana Lottery was introduced. The casino ban made way for the formation of the city’s only official form of gambling: horse racing. In the 1900’s, Louisiana was a popular destination for those wanting to test their luck on the racetracks. It even boasts of one of the oldest racetracks in America, The Fair Grounds Race Course, which opened its doors in 1872. It wouldn’t be until 1990 that other avenues of gambling became legal.
In 1992, land-based casinos, as we know them today, were officially legal in the city of New Orleans. Throughout the past 30 years, the Nola casino industry has weathered fires, hurricanes, and more. But in a city as resilient as New Orleans, casinos continue to stand their ground as a strong presence, ever evolving to meet their visitors’ hopes and dreams.
New Orleans Gambling Regulations
You must be 21-years-old to enter and play at casinos in Louisiana. You must be 18 to bet at the horse race or buy a lottery ticket.
A New Tradition is Forming in New Orleans
Online sports betting officially became legal in January 2022 in New Orleans following a 2018 Supreme Court ruling, and the casinos throughout the city followed suit. New Orleans is now home to multiple Sportsbooks, which are designated sports betting rooms.
Picture watching your favorite team play on large state-of-the-art televisions while betting on their victory among fellow fans. In addition to the gambling locations, sports betting kiosks are available at bars and restaurants throughout Nola. If you’re looking to try your hand at sports betting, we’ll highlight a few local Sportsbooks below.
Harrah’s New Orleans
- Website: https://www.caesars.com/harrahs-new-orleans
- Address: 228 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70130
- Neighborhood: Downtown/Central Business District
Located in the heart of downtown, Harrah’s New Orleans Casino is walking distance from the French Quarter and just steps away from the Mississippi River. One glance inside of Harrah’s and you will feel like you are back on Canal Street with its wrought-iron balconies and bright hues.
Harrah’s New Orleans Casino has over 1,100 slot machines, with hundreds of one and two-cent games to choose from and ultra-high limit slot machines with big payoffs. There are 116 video poker machines and a multitude of table games such as craps, blackjack, poker, baccarat, and pai gow.
Harrah’s recently opened Caesars Sportsbook in 2022 after sports betting became legal in the city. Caesars Sportsbook is a world-class 5000+ square foot betting room boasting a 147-foot video screen and state-of-the-art audio system to watch and bet on your favorite games. Pull up a chair at the massive bar or one of the 140 seats with views of the video screen and stay a while. Finish your night with a burger and booze at Hoodoo Cocktail Lounge inside of the casino.
Boomtown New Orleans Casino
- Website: https://www.boomtownneworleans.com/
- Address: 4132 Peters Rd, Harvey, LA 70058
- Neighborhood: The West Bank
Boomtown New Orleans Casino is the largest casino in Southeast Louisiana, boasting 30,000 square feet of playing space. Boomtown Casino is nestled in the West Bank, only a 20-minute drive from downtown Nola.
With over 1,000 slot machines and video poker games at your fingertips in the game room, there is no scarcity of gambling options inside Boomtown’s walls.
Head to the poker room next and you’ll discover seven poker tables waiting for you with one of the lowest rakes in the city. And if you’re looking to try out sports betting, Boomtown Casino recently added a Sportsbook room featuring multiple 65-inch HDTV’s for a front-row seat to watch and bet on your favorite teams.
Boomtown is open 24-hours, 7 days a week and you’ll find breakfast, lunch, and dinner options no matter when you decide to visit.
Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots
- Website: https://www.fairgroundsracecourse.com/
- Address: 751 Gentilly Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70119
- Neighborhood: The Fairgrounds
We’re switching it up a bit on this one and taking you outside to the Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, one of the oldest race tracks in the United States. Opened in 1872, the race course has hosted many famous visitors in its history and is now home to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival each Spring.
A longstanding New Orleans tradition, the racetrack starts its season with opening-day races every year on Thanksgiving Day.
But if you’re looking for more traditional betting options, you’ve also come to the right place. With over 600 slots and their very own TwinSpires Sportsbook for sports betting, the gambling options are endless at the race course. Don’t forget to finish your trip with a bite at the Clubhouse dining room and get access to spectacular views of the racetrack.
Note: There are multiple Fair Grounds OTB & casino locations throughout New Orleans. You can find a map of them here.
Treasure Chest Casino
- Website: https://www.treasurechest.com/
- Address: 5050 Williams Blvd, Kenner, LA 70065
- Neighborhood: Kenner, LA
Located about 30 minutes from the heart of the city is Treasure Chest Casino, a docked riverboat casino on Lake Pontchartrain in Kenner. While Treasure City is soon moving to land, it is currently one of the few floating casinos left in the state of Louisiana.
It boasts close to 1000 slot machines and various progressive jackpots. Try your hand at one of Treasure Chest’s many table games including mini baccarat, roulette, blackjack, and pai gow.
Mosey on over to Cafe Pontchartrain in-between games for burgers, po-boys, and other classic Nola dishes. Following lunch, visitors love to take a stroll along the beautiful riverfront before returning for Treasure Chest’s FanDuel Sportsbook, which offers three betting windows, 16 self-service betting kiosks, and over 20 television screens.
Let the Good Times Roll
With gambling locations in all corners of the Crescent City, you have easy access to the most fun casino spots everywhere you turn. Between slot machines, table games, sports betting, and even horse-racing, New Orleans casinos offer a wide variety of betting options that are sure to meet your needs. Don’t forget to take advantage of the Nola restaurants nestled within each casino and amazing views just outside the walls.
Whether exploring the Kenner riverfront, Central Business District, Fairgrounds racecourse, or the West Bank, casinos are a great way to tour all that this diverse city has to offer. Laissez les bon temps rouler!