Here's How How Many Casinos Are in New Orleans - US Casinos

New Orleans is more than just the home of Mardi Gras. There are 47 casinos and one racetrack to go along with all the jazz and gumbo you can handle. New Orleans casinos have a cumulative 2,400 slot machines and over 130 table games. It’s a big city, and there are a lot of options, so you’ll want to know a bit more before you plan a gambling trip there. 

Many of the casinos in New Orleans have hotels attached to them, but some do not. That’s an important distinction if you’re travelling into the Big Easy from out of town. It’s also a good idea to call ahead and ensure your chosen destination is still operating. Several casinos closed during the pandemic and due to Hurricane Katrina a few years ago.

The Casino Experience in New Orleans

Who dat? Get used to hearing those words because they’re the rallying cry for the New Orleans Saints. If you’re not a fan now, you might be after you gamble at a New Orleans casino for a while. The locals are enthusiastic supporters of their team, and their spirit shines through throughout the week. Get ready to be fired up from the time you arrive.

As for the casinos themselves, you’ll find slot machines, video poker games, live tables, and some of the most intense poker matches you’ll ever participate in or witness. Sports betting, both live and online, is legal in the city, so feel free to check all the point spreads. You don’t have to bet on the Saints, but don’t let anyone see you betting against them. 

The largest and most popular casino in New Orleans is Harrah’s, but the Palms Casino has a better rating on Yelp. You can’t go wrong with either. It’s also worth checking out the Treasure Chest, Boomtown Casino, and the Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots if you want to catch some live horse racing. The weather is ideal for it, and the food is out of this world.

What to Do When You’re Not Gambling

There are plenty of other things to do in New Orleans when you’re not gambling, and many of them won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Steamboat dinner cruises run about $50 per person. Spend slightly more, and you can go on an authentic New Orleans airboat ride. You could also go with the slightly less exciting option of taking a boat tour of the plantations.

And then there’s the food. It might just be the best attraction in the city. Try to take a walking tour of the French Quarter if you get a chance, and don’t be afraid to sample everything. Be prepared, though. Cajun spice is nothing to sneeze at, or maybe it is. Ask lots of questions and enjoy southern hospitality. New Orleans natives love to feed their guests. 

For those more into drinking than eating, there’s a haunted pub crawl where you can see the spooky side of the city, including the Lalaurie Mansion, widely considered the most haunted spot in town, and Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar, the oldest bar in the United States. Be sure to hire a local guide so you get the most out of the experience.

Rules and Regulations for Gambling in New Orleans

Don’t bother trying to enter or gamble in a New Orleans casino if you’re under 21. It’s illegal. You can however bet on a horse race or buy a lottery ticket if you’re 18 or over. The Fair Grounds has been running races since 1872, and it’s a great place to learn the ins and outs of how to place bets, get some fresh air, and get to know the ponies. 

Sports betting was legalized in New Orleans just one year ago and has exploded across the state of Louisiana. With professional sports teams like the Saints and Pelicans, combined with national collegiate power LSU, local fans are willing and able to place regular bets. They can do this in the casino or online using popular mobile apps like BetMGM, Caesars, and DraftKings.