best new orleans riverboats

The Best Riverboat Tours To Take On Your Next Visit To New Orleans

Despite New Orleans (NOLA) being largely known for its Mardi Gras parties, Bourbon Street beverages, beignets, and po'boys, there's so much more to this dynamic city. That's especially true if you see it from the perspective of its neighbor, the mighty Mississippi River. The city's proximity to water is part of how it became such a storied metropolis, so visitors should know how vital these waterways are. What better way to experience that history than by traveling on the river itself?

For the most part, the riverboat tours you take in New Orleans will either be on the Steamboat Natchez or the Creole Queen Paddlewheeler. Both of these paddleboat riverboats are esteemed parts of NOLA's tourist culture and provide a wide range of tour options. There are numerous ways to take on and experience the grand, muddy Mississippi, so let's dive in to our list of your best options.

Creole Queen Historic Cruise

Hop on board the Creole Queen Paddlewheeler, and you can learn all about three centuries of history found in New Orleans. Enjoy the sights along the river as a local historian revels in the city's storied past. You'll hear about how NOLA was founded by the LeMoyne brothers, how the French Quarter area came to be and you'll be reminded of all those details you forgot in school about the Louisiana Purchase.

You'll feel like royalty during a ride on the Creole Queen with its bright red paddlewheel and ivory paint. From the deck, you'll get views of the city and the surrounding areas that you'll never forget. You can even get bottomless mimosas for an additional fee for a slightly more upgraded experience.

This tour option also includes a one-hour excursion and tour of Chalmette Battlefield. There, you will hear from a designated park ranger about exactly what happened on that field. You can bring your lunch on the boat or you can choose to include lunch with your ticket, which would feature options like New Orleans-style shrimp pasta, Creole jambalaya and authentic red beans and rice.

Creole Queen Jazz Brunch

There's nothing like brunch with a view, which is exactly what you'll get if you brunch with the Creole Queen. During this jazz brunch experience (brunch is optional), you can greet the midday in style, including with bottomless mimosas or Bloody Marys in hand, if you wish. For NOLA party-goers, the brunch timing is perfect for a late morning after a long night. The boat doesn't board until 10-11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday mornings with sailing from 11 a.m. to 12:30 pm.

Here, the jazz band is the star of the show. The sounds of trumpets and horns and unsuspecting melodies pair perfectly with the consistent views from the Mississippi River. You can still learn about the history of the town from this tour, too. A historian will be on board to offer stories and answer questions, helping create this picturesque memory of a fun morning in a history-filled part of America.

Creole Queen Jazz Cruise

You couldn't possibly visit New Orleans without enjoying the sounds of the city's jazz culture at night. The Creole Queen has a nighttime jazz option that can come with dinner or not. From on board this riverboat, you can watch the city light up as the sun sets, followed by views of the city lights and the twinkling sky. 

A longer tour than the brunch version, also with a slightly more elevated price point, the nighttime jazz cruise is a romantic exploration of the river. Accompanied by the allure of a jazz band, the cajun seafood pasta will taste like home to even first-time visitors. Like the brunch tour, you do also get some historical narration even with the jazz focus.

This is the tour for the NOLA night owls. Sailing ends at 9 p.m., which means the night is still young enough to explore the city, especially if you plan to bar hop over on Bourbon Street or find some live music to dance the night away.

Steamboat Natchez Spring Fling Option

Technically an add-on to their dinner and lunch cruises, the Spring Fling add-on can elevate a Steamboat Natchez river cruise experience. This package includes the river tour, the lunch or dinner option, a sweet snack, a decorated reserved table, as well as three alcoholic beverages from their special menu. Not to worry, kiddos aren't left out of the fun here — they get unlimited soft drinks or juice.

This deal is only offered, rightly, during the spring to help make spring breaks even more special. Usually, the package is offered by Steamboat Natchez from mid-March through most of May. If you plan on utilizing the cash bar, the package is well worth the price. You can get the Spring Fling option for lunch or dinner cruises as well as the Sunday brunch cruise. Obviously, between the three options the lunch ticket will be the most reasonable price for budget spring breakers while the dinner ticket will be more of a splurge at almost double the cost of lunch.

Steamboat Natchez Dinner Jazz Cruise

Available with or without dinner, this cruise showcases the Mississippi River from dusk until the stars come out to shine. Accompanied by Grammy-nominated Dukes of Dixieland Jazz, guests will also hear the history of NOLA. Like the Creole Queen, the Steamboat Natchez cruises down the river with its vibrant red wheel and charming white paint job. A bright Steamboat Natchez sign is splashed along the side of the boat to ensure you don't accidentally board the wrong paddlewheel boat.

For those who opt for dinner, there are two dinner seatings: the first from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. and the second from 7:45 p.m. to 9 p.m. If you want to watch the sunset glow from the boat's deck, consider doing the second dinner seating. You are welcome to leave your table before the seating time is over. Likewise, if you'd rather see the city shimmering under the stars, you'll want to eat dinner sooner to get back to the deck after sunset.

Steamboat Natchez Sunday Jazz Cruise

For the brunch crowd, the Steamboat Natchez also offers a brunch jazz cruise along the river. Whether or not you indulge in some tasty brunch offerings, you can enjoy the historical narration, a calliope concert, and Duke Heitger's Steamboat Stompers Jazz Trio. A Sunday cruise is a great way to finish a trip to NOLA or start one, especially if you've never been to this fascinating city before.

Some of the tasty brunch foods you can indulge in on this cruise include chicken and sausage gumbo, grits, and pain perdu, which is a sweet treat similar to French toast. There are a wide variety of foods available during brunch to accommodate a range of dietary needs or the pickiest of kiddos.

If you somehow miss live music during a trip to New Orleans, a jazz cruise is an excellent way to fit in some jazz tunes you won't hear in the same way anywhere else. Steamboat Natchez is a great option for music-lovers and first-timers alike. 

Steamboat Natchez Daytime Jazz Cruise

Like the Sunday Jazz Cruise, the Steamboat Natchez brings back its calliope concert as well as Duke Heitger's Steamboat Stompers Jazz Trio for daytime adventurers. The difference is that the lunch cruise is only available from Monday-Saturday each week.

An optional lunch is offered on this sightseeing cruise that also includes a narrated history of the city. Like the dinner cruise, there are two seatings during lunch: the first from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and the second from 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. Either way, do not miss the red beans and rice! It's simple but so very tasty. The menu is referred to as "casual," denoting that there are not a lot of foods on offer during the buffet. Even so, there is plenty to make a meal.

Since these cruises take place during the parts of the day when the sun is highest, be careful of the heat. This is particularly important if you're visiting in the summer months because the sun can be brutal on the decks of the boat. Be sure to pack a hat, wear your sunscreen and stay hydrated!

Hop aboard the Canal Street Ferry

New Orleanians know that the best way to see the Mississippi River is aboard the $2 Canal Street to Algiers Ferry. These rides might not be luxe, though you get to enjoy the same sights as the other river boats at a much cheaper cost. For roughly thirty minutes, ferry riders can enjoy the riverfront and make their way to the other side of NOLA.

The ferry has been part of life in NOLA since 1827, so not only would you be saving a lot of money by taking it instead of a cruise, but you'd be experiencing the views as New Orleanians have for almost two centuries! Find the ferry right off Canal Street next to the Aquarium of the Americas.

The Canal Street Ferry runs every day of the week with varying hours. You could take it to Algiers Point and explore the historic neighborhood, visit the Jazz Walk of Fame, or use it as an excuse to find a new lunch spot. Since the ride is only 30 minutes each way you can easily fit it into the busiest NOLA vacation with ease. It's also a great way to still get that river experience without the cruise price tag.

Booze Cruise on The Cajun Queen

This mega-peddle boat can host up to 22 guests. Think of it like a river cruise meets street peddle-bar, the Booze Cruise is an excellent smaller option for folks looking for a good time on the river. Cruising on the Cajun Queen can either be a public or private experience, depending on what you're looking for. Guests also don't have to be 21 to enjoy the ride either, the boat can accommodate riders aged eight and up.

In addition to the peddle boat, you can also rent a pontoon boat for up to a dozen people for a different kind of cruise experience. The pontoon allows guests to bring their drinks as well as snacks and comes with a sound system and coolers with ice for all your BYOB needs. You may not get a full-on narrated history experience, though you could always hire a captain that offers narration. Or maybe you could invite a longtime New Orleanian who likes to spin a good yarn. Either way, you get some much-needed river time and get to experience NOLA from the Mississippi.

Exploring the Gulf

6 Best Creole Queen and Steamboat Natchez River Cruises in New Orleans in 2024

If you are looking for the best Creole Queen and Steamboat Natchez River Cruises, we have listed the best cruises, recommendations, and tips so you will be prepared and pick the best Creole Queen or Natchez cruise for you.

We loved getting on the authentic paddle-wheeler for a beautiful and relaxing day on the Mississippi River. The live jazz music was the cherry on top!

🏆 Best New Orleans River Cruise

Don’t have time to read the whole article? The hands-down best choice for a great time is the Steamboat Natchez VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise .

The buffet-style dinner cruises are a great way to see New Orleans. While on the cruise you will learn about the river lore and many of the historical landmarks that line the river. Most of the cruises are right next to the French Quarter. This makes it really easy to enjoy the French Quarter before or after your cruise. We enjoyed the sights and shops in the French Quarter after our cruise. 

We loved our riverboat cruise and had a great time, even with our little kids. However, our cruise could have been a little better had we had a little more information. We have everything you will want to know to make sure you have a fun and successful time on your boat ride in New Orleans.

Quick Guide: Creole Queen and Steamboat Natchez River Cruises

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Steamboat Natchez VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise ✔️ Highest Rated ✔️ Great Atmosphere and Views

Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise ✔️ Great Creole Queen Reviews ✔️ Economical Option

Steamboat Natchez Jazz Brunch Cruise in New Orleans ✔️ Great Sunday Brunch Cruise ✔️ Great Sightseeing Cruise

6 Best Creole Queen River Cruises 

1. paddlewheeler creole queen jazz cruise  .

⭐ Rating : 4 out of 5 Stars ⎸🕑 Tour Length : 2.5 hours ⎸ Check Rates and Availability  

The Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Cruise is an amazing river cruise based in New Orleans, Louisiana. Enjoy a unique experience aboard the historic steamboat as it takes you through the mighty Mississippi River while you listen to jazz music from the onboard band.

You can soak up the atmosphere as you take in the views of New Orleans and its iconic sights. If possible, we would recommend you select the lavish Creole Buffet option as part of your cruise. You will enjoy the buffet in the plush Victorian-style seating and romantic lighting.

Food was fabulous. Watching the sunset while listening to great music was terrific. Wonderful experience. – Patricia (read more reviews )

The Creole Queen buffet menu will include popular local dishes like Jambalaya, Cajun Seafood Pasta, Cajun Braised Beef Brisket, Chicken & Sausage Gumbo, and their signature White Chocolate Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce.

You will start boarding the Creole Queen jazz cruise at 6:30 p.m., and then the boat leaves at 7:00 pm. This New Orleans boat ride lasts approximately 2 hours, and children are allowed on the cruise. Children 5 years old and younger are free.

▶ BOOK Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Cruise

2. Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise  

⭐ Rating : 4.5 out of 5 Stars ⎸🕑 Tour Length : 3 hours ⎸ Check Rates and Availability  

The Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise is a unique and unforgettable experience for those looking to explore the Mississippi River.

This cruise takes passengers on an entertaining journey through the Mississippi River, giving them the opportunity to take in some of the most iconic sights while also having the chance to listen to live music from the onboard band.

As one of the most popular river cruises in New Orleans, it offers guests a plethora of amenities and sightseeing opportunities that will ensure they have a memorable time. 

Enjoy illuminating narration from a licensed historian narrator and stop part-way through the trip to learn about the Battle of New Orleans. Then, get back aboard the vessel and enjoy a cash bar while admiring the views.

Great experience, history about the battles was amazing great to hear all of the facts about the ownership of New Orleans, coming back listening to the sorrowing story about Hurricane Katana. Great experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life. – Richard (Read more reviews )

Guests will be able to indulge their taste buds with a delicious Creole Buffet. The cruise lasts two hours, and It is suitable for all ages, as children aged 5 years old and younger can board for free.

From breathtaking views of traditional architecture to stunning scenery along the Mississippi River, this is an experience we enjoyed. Overall, the Creole Queen in New Orleans historic cruise reviews are very positive. 

▶ BOOK Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Riverboat Cruise

3. Steamboat Natchez Harbor Cruise 

⭐ Rating : 4 out of 5 Stars ⎸🕑 Tour Length : 2 hours ⎸ Check Rates and Availability  

The Steamboat Natchez Harbor Cruise is a unique experience in the city of New Orleans that allows visitors to explore the Mississippi River in style. This two-hour cruise provides an unforgettable journey, taking passengers past some of the most iconic and vibrant scenes along this famous waterway.

During the cruise, guests are treated to live jazz music, narrated tours of many local landmarks, and spectacular views of the surrounding area. The Steamboat Natchez is a steam paddle boat in New Orleans, and its deck provides plenty of space for sightseeing and soaking up the beauty of New Orleans from an entirely new perspective.

We had a blast. The food was good and the staff was awesome ! We are already planning to go back with more friends. – Nina (read more reviews )

Passengers can enjoy learning about the culture and history of the region while also savoring delicious southern cuisine, cocktails, and great conversation with their fellow travelers. The harbor cruise brings together music, fun, food, and culture for one truly memorable experience.

▶ BOOK Steamboat Natchez Harbor Cruise

4. Steamboat Natchez Jazz Brunch Cruise

The Steamboat Natchez Jazz Brunch Cruise is very similar to the other Natchez and Creole Queen cruises. The main difference is going to be the time of day you leave and a slight variation in the food that is going to be served during your time on the cruise.

Brunch was awesome Everyone was so nice Boat was very clean Narrator was very knowledgeable Our pictures were great – Michelle (Read more reviews )

Your cruise will still be two hours long, and the whole family is still welcome on board, but you will be leaving earlier in the morning for your cruise. You will get a very similar narration, and you will get to see and hear about the same great sights as you would from the other Natchez boat cruise experiences. 

If you’re looking for another opportunity in New Orleans, be sure to check out the New Orleans food tours !

▶ BOOK Steamboat Natchez Jazz Brunch Cruise

5. Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option

⭐ Rating : 4 out of 5 Stars ⎸🕑 Tour Length : 3 hours ⎸ Check Rates and Availability  

The Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option is a great experience. Being able to tour the steam engine room, dine on a delicious dinner and paddle down the Mississippi at sunset is a fantastic experience. Many people really enjoy this cruise at night, often bringing a little more dancing and a little more excitement to the cruise. 

We spent five days in New Orleans, and this cruise was our absolute highlight! The entire evening with multiple dinner seatings on various decks was handled seamlessly. Then ending the night with jazz on the top deck was the icing on the cake. The food and drinks were delicious! – Andrew (read more reviews )

One thing to understand is that many people really enjoy eating dinner on the cruise. We are big fans of the dinner option not only because the food is decent but because it is so nice to relax on a historic boat floating down the Mississippi on a full stomach.

▶ BOOK Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise

6. Steamboat Natchez VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise with Private Tour and Open Bar Option  

⭐ Rating : 5 out of 5 Stars ⎸🕑 Tour Length : 3 hours ⎸ Check Rates and Availability  

The Steamboat Natchez VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise with Private Tour and Open Bar Option is going to be your best cruise option. The skyline at night is such a great experience, and the atmosphere and live jazz band are fantastic on this cruise. This dinner cruise is the highest-rated cruise with 500 reviews and the majority giving the cruise a 5-star rating. 

We opted for the VIP experience since it was our anniversary and could not be happier with the experience. Gina was fun, attentive and made sure we had an incredible cruise. The captain tour was a blast! Highly recommend for any special occasion! – sal (Read more reviews )

The cruise is a go for all types of weather, which means it will not be canceled for rain. Make sure you come prepared for the rain if there is rain in the forecast. If there is extremely severe weather or the river is closed will be the only time the cruise is canceled. 

▶ BOOK Steamboat Natchez VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise

Creole Queen vs Steamboat Natchez 

There are a few small differences between the Steamboat Natchez and the Creole Queen. From an outside look, you might think they are the same, but they are not. Both are great boat rides in New Orleans with dinner options, but the boats themselves are different.

The Creole Queen is powered by a diesel-electric motor and made its maiden voyage in 1983. This motor is used to operate the paddle wheel at the back of the boat. The Natchez is a steamboat. This means that a steam engine powers the paddle wheel at the rear of the boat.

The Nanchez is one of only a few boats that is still powered by steam. The Nanchez was built in 1975 and has transported famous musicians and important political figures. You can even find a small museum aboard the Natchez. 

Both the Creole Queen and the Steamboat Natchez are boats with great history and insight. The two boats have much more in common than they do in differences. You will learn a lot and can eat great food on either boat.

The differences between the two should not cause any disappointment if you happen to ride on one and not the other. No matter what New Orleans river cruise you find yourself on, you will have a blast.

Creole Queen Parking 

There is no designated parking for any of the Riverboats in New Orleans. This does not mean there is no parking; it means you will have to pay for parking at some of the paid parking or street parking options at or near the French Quarter.

We parked in the parking lot that is next to the aquarium, and it is only a short walk from there. The parking lot by the aquarium is also a great place to park if you are going to spend time after your short Mississippi River cruise.

Tips for Your Creole Queen Boat Tours in New Orleans 

1. Get in Line Early: We were there about 35 minutes early for our tour, and it was not early enough. There was a huge line. It is recommended to be in line 30 minutes before the scheduled boarding time. This means you should be at the boat 1 hour before departure. 

2. Be in Line First: There is not enough outdoor seating for everyone. If you are at the front of the line for boarding, you will have more options for outdoor seating. If you want to hear the jazz music, you will want to grab some chairs on the top deck. There is only one band on the top deck. Some people had expectations of a band on each deck, and this is not an option. The band plays on the top deck, and the music can be heard on the lower decks from the speakers. 

3. There is no outside food or drink allowed on the boat, even if you don’t have a reservation for the Creole Queen brunch, lunch, or dinner. Get the Creole Queen dinner Cruise option if it is available. It is worth it. 

4. If you are going on the tour with kids, bring a couple of little toys to entertain them while on the river boat tour. The tour can feel a little long if you do not eat on the boat. It is a relaxing cruise, and kids don’t often like to just relax.

5. The upper deck is where most of the action is if you want to relax less. It can also be a bit more crowded. This is because the live band is on the upper deck, and they have an upper deck bar close by. 

FAQ: Creole Queen 

How old is the creole queen .

The Creole Queen had its first voyage in 1983. This means at the time of writing, the Creole Queen is almost 40 years old. 

How Much Does It Cost to Ride the Steamboat in New Orleans? 

If you are taking the steamboat cruise and not adding on any of the dining or VIP options, it will cost $39 dollars. Most of the cruises are this ticket price. Evening cruises are more expensive. Adult tickets are $55 with no dinner. 

Where Does Creole Queen Leave From? 

The Creole Queen leaves from the Gray Line Lighthouse Ticket Office, and the address is 400 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA.

Who Owns the Creole Queen? 

The Creole Queen is owned by Jean Pierre Pigeon and New Orleans Paddlewheels, Inc.

Conclusion: Creole Queen Boat Tour 

You are going to have a great time on your traditional riverboat ride. The boats are amazing and very fun to experience. The United States and New Orleans are full of great sights and experiences.

If you are also interested in another great boating experience in New Orleans in September , make sure you check out a nearby plantation tour . It was another great experience and one of our favorite things to do with kids in New Orleans .

New Orleans cemetery tours and airboat tours in New Orleans are other fun ways to explore the city too! Happy exploring the port of New Orleans.

Candice Steele is the owner of Exploring the Gulf, a blog that helps travelers explore the Gulf Coast Region in the United States. Since 2015, she and her family have been providing valuable insider tips about travel experiences suitable for families traveling to the Gulf Coast. They love exploring the beaches and small coastal towns in this area.

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Mississippi River Dinner Jazz Cruise

Step on board and cruise with us into the night where the sleepless activity of America's busiest port buzzes. The sounds of a lively jazz band fill the air as you enjoy a lavish Creole buffet in elegantly appointed dining rooms. See details

Historical River Cruise

View the French Quarter, the Port of New Orleans, and Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve and be entertained by a historian narrator with a detailed description of New Orleans landmarks, history, vessel information, and river lore. See details

Weekend Jazz Brunch

Enjoy delicious brunch delicacies as you cruise down the Mighty Mississippi River while listening to the lively sounds of a traditional New Orleans Jazz band See details

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New Orleans Visitors Guide

Riverboat City of New Orleans

Welcome Aboard

The Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS will be taking some time off for renovations – check back soon for updates as to her return.

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Please enable javascript in your browser to book The newest addition to the New Orleans Riverfront & sister vessel of the Steamboat NATCHEZ, the CITY OF NEW ORLEANS operates sightseeing, lunch, Sunday Brunch, and Dinner Jazz cruises down the Mississippi River.

Experience a spirit of adventure aboard the newest vessel to the French Quarter riverfront, the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS as she takes you on a journey down the mighty Mississippi.  See captivating views of the French Quarter fade into the distance as the joyful tunes of traditional jazz carries you down the river.  Stroll the multiple decks, explore the beautiful refinished interiors and savor the leisurely two-hour cruise that will give you panoramic views of the Mississippi River and the many unique sites along the way, with live narration.

JAZZ LUNCH & SUNDAY BRUNCH CRUISES The Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS is home to the “Best” Lunch/Brunch cruises on the Mississippi River.  Fun and scenic, our cruises feature live jazz music, New Orleans style cuisine, and a cash bar for cocktails.  

DINNER JAZZ CRUISES In a city full of great places to dine, dinner aboard the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS is truly a unique dining experience.  Our dinner features a buffet of New Orleans classics in a relaxing atmosphere for enjoying a memorable evening on the Mississippi River.  Sip a refreshing cocktail while live Jazz brings refined sophistication to our onboard entertainment. 

WEDDINGS The Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS is a perfect venue for your special occasion.  – Did you know our Captains can officiate your wedding?  Check out our wedding page for more details!

SPECIAL OCCASIONS Celebrating something special?  Let us know – we specialize in proposals, anniversaries, and birthday parties.

The Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS is uniquely New Orleans – WELCOME ABOARD!

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Steamboat NATCHEZ

• Toulouse Street and the Mississippi River, New Orleans, LA 70130 ( Directions ) | P: (504) 569-1401 | F: (504) 587-0708
• Toulouse Street and the Mississippi River, New Orleans, LA 70130 ( Directions ) P: (504) 569-1401 F: (504) 587-0708
• Toulouse Street and the Mississippi River New Orleans, LA 70130 ( Directions ) P: (504) 569-1401 F: (504) 587-0708
• Neighborhood: French Quarter

11am - 1:30pm, 2pm - 4:30pm, 6pm - 9pm cruise times. check schedule

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The Steamboat NATCHEZ, owned by The New Orleans Steamboat Company, is the last authentic Steamboat on the Mighty Mississippi River.  

The Steamboat NATCHEZ Dinner Jazz and Daytime Jazz cruises run daily, year-round, in the style of authentic steamboats on the Mississippi River in New Orleans for centuries!  Cruising on the Steamboat NATCHEZ includes Steam Engine Room visitation, calliope, live jazz, and optional Creole food and local beverages.

Come aboard and enjoy New Orleans hospitality… Steamboat Style!

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Which New Orleans Dinner Cruise is Best?

This post covers the New Orleans riverboat dinner buffet and jazz cruises.

We include tickets, ways to save, menu items, music, reviews, and information about various lunch cruises.

• Dinner Cruises
• Lunch Cruises
• Other Cruises
• Ways to Save
• Tips from Locals and Travelers

There are two main companies in New Orleans that offer cruise services on the Mississippi River: The Steamboat Natchez and the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen.

Each riverboat provides a dinner buffet-style cruise, lunch cruise, and other services.

At least one of these cruise companies offers cheaper tickets or even free admission through various attraction tourist passes available in the city.

If you’re looking to save money on dinner cruises, lunch cruises, and more, make sure to check our post about New Orleans tourist passes for the best deals. 

You do not need to purchase a dinner (or a lunch) to board these vessels.

Alternatively, you can also just buy a small snack on the ship or bring your own snacks onboard.

If you’re much more interested in either a boat tour or a jazz cruise, you can find more details about these less expensive options on our post covering New Orleans Riverboat Cruises .

Taking a riverboat dinner cruise is one of our top 10 things to do at night in NOLA.

What do you wear on a dinner cruise in New Orleans?

On a casual buffet-style dinner cruise, you may dress formally in evening gowns, jewelry, heels, or black suits.

It's recommended not to wear tops, swimwear, or skirts.

What do you wear on a riverboat lunch cruise?

For a riverboat lunch casual dressing is appropriate. You can wear short T-shirts, tops, sneakers, or scandals.

Bright dresses blouses, skirts, and hats go well with a riverboat with a jazz band.

BUFFET-STYLE DINNER CRUISES IN NEW ORLEANS

This section will give a detailed breakdown of the buffet-style dinner cruises offered by Steamboat Natchez (directly below) and the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen .

The Steamboat Natchez

Take a memorable trip down the Mighty Mississippi River while a live jazz band performs onboard.

The Steamboat Natchez is associated with GrayLine Tours. This company offers at least two dinner cruises per night as well as a lunch cruise .

Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise

Dinner menu.

• $55/Adults | $27.50/Kids (6-12) | Free/Kids (2-5)
• $102.50/Adults | $51.00/Kids (6-12) | $25.25/Kids (2-5)
• Availability: Monday-Sunday
• Boarding Time: 6:00 pm
• Seating Times: 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm (2 seatings on 1 boat)
• Cruising: 2 hours
• Ticket upgrades can be made
• Purchase tickets or learn more .
• Natchez Tossed Salad
• Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
• Baked Chicken
• Bayou Seafood Pasta
• Creole Vegetarian Jambalaya
• Herb-Garlic Fingerling Potatoes
• Green Beans Almondine
• Paddlewheel Primavera
• White Chocolate Bread Pudding
• Bananas Foster
• Dinner Rolls
• Coffee and Iced Tea

TIP: Sometimes this cruise is available at a savings .

If you want to learn more about food in New Orleans, check out our list of the 13 must-eat foods of New Orleans  and our pay-what-you-like food tour .

The Steamboat Natchez cannot currently accommodate requests for gluten-free or Kosher meals.

Most of their food also has some form of dairy in it – whether that be cheese, butter or milk – so vegan customers might have some trouble finding something they are comfortable eating on the menu.

Because of this, the Steamboat Natchez allows passengers to bring their own snacks aboard. 

Otherwise, vegetarians might want to stick to the Natchez Tossed Salad and the Green Beans Almondine. 

Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise Reviews

Overall ratings for this excursion are pretty good . The majority of guests enjoyed their dining and most customers were very impressed with the live jazz band.

Given how romantic this cruise can be, it’s not too surprising that couples were most likely to leave a positive review.

All cruises begin and end at the Gray Line “Lighthouse” ticket office at 400 Toulouse St. and the Mighty Mississippi River (at the Steamboat Natchez Dock), just one block from Jackson Square in the French Quarter.

There is no changing room.

The Paddlewheeler Creole Queen

This company also provides a buffet-style dinner cruise with live jazz music.

Ticket prices are a bit more affordable across the board and this cruise is about as long as the service offered by their competitor.

To top it all off, the Creole Queen is included for free or for less money with most New Orleans tourist passes .

Creole Queen Dinner Jazz Cruise

• $55/Adults | $26/Kids (6-12) | Free/Kids (3-5)
• $95/Adults | $40/Kids (6-12) | $15/Kids (3-5)
• Boarding Time: 6:15 pm
• Seating Time: after 6:45 pm
• Purchase tickets or learn more
• Cajun Caesar Salad (D,W,S,E)
• Chicken & Andouille Sausage Gumbo (D,S,W)
• Fish of the Day (F)
• Louisiana Creole Jambalaya (S,W,D)
• Cajun Baked Chicken (W,D)
• Beef Brisket
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes (D)
• Cajun Seafood Pasta (D,S,W,F)
• Red Beans & Rice (S)
• Fresh Roasted Vegetables
• Paddlewheeler White Chocolate Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce (D,E,S,W)

TIP: The Creole Queen is included for free or at savings with most NOLA tourist passes.

Allergens: Diary(D), Wheat (W), Soy (S), Eggs (E), Fish/Shellfish (F)

Most of the food included on this menu are not gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian.

If you are a vegetarian, you may want to stick with the fresh roasted vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes..

All three options may include some form of dairy such as butter, cheese, or milk.

If you want to learn more about dining in this city, check out our list of the 13 must-eat foods of New Orleans  and our pay-what-you-like food tour .

Creole Queen Reviews

The evening cruise offered by this company is also highly rated. There are a few negative reviews, but positive comments overshadow them.

Several reviewers felt that the music was wonderful . Quite a few guests were also happy with the food quality, indicating that their dining was very tasty.

Couples were far more likely than any other group to enjoy their trip.

Creole Queen Age

Creole Queen was built in 1983 by Halter Marine at Moss Point. She was consecrated in September 1983. 2024 makes her 41.

LUNCH CRUISES WITH BRUNCH OPTION

The following section will focus on New Orleans lunch cruises from the Steamboat Natchez (directly below) and the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen .

We will also provide details about a brunch cruise alternative you may want to consider.

Using a tourist pass , you can save money on at least one of these activities.

In addition to its dinner cruise, this company also offers a Daytime Jazz Cruize.

You can either ride along for just the Jazz or purchase the option that adds a buffet-style lunch meal.

Traveling along the Mississippi River, a tour guide will provide several historical facts about NOLA.

In addition to this daily option, you might also want to consider their Sunday Jazz Brunch Cruise .

Steamboat Natchez Daytime Jazz Cruise

• $42/Adults | $20/Kids (6-12) | Free/Kids (2-5)
• $60/Adults | $30/Kids (6-12) | $14.00/Kids (2-5)
• Availability: Monday - Saturday
• Boarding Time - Morning: 11:00 pm
• Seating Times Lunch - Morning: 11:00 am & 12:15 pm
• Board Time - Afternoon: 2:00 pm
• Seating Times Lunch - Afternoon: 2:00 & 3:15
• Southern Fried Fish
• Red Beans & Rice
• Salad Du Jour

Steamboat Natchez Sunday Jazz Cruise

Brunch menu.

• $75/Adults | $37.50/Kids (6-12) | $21.50/Kids
• Availability: Sunday
• Boarding Time: 11:00 am
• Seating Times:
• Grillades and Grits
• Crescent City Eggs
• Turkey Sausage
• O'Brien Potatoes
• Creole Creamed Spinich
• Mini Croissants
• Fruit Salad

As you can see, there are many more options for Sunday brunch than for lunch.

It’s also worth noting that vegans and vegetarians will have the option of Salad du Jour in the lunch cruise and the Natchez tossed salad on the Sunday brunch cruise.

Sadly, there are no foods specifically made to be gluten-free, most of their food is prepared with dairy products like milk, cheese, and butter.

Steamboat Natchez Jazz Lunch and Jazz Brunch Reviews

Most guests leave excellent feedback stating that they loved this musical trip on the Natchez.

Some reviewers have even described their band as “magnificent,” suggesting that the onboard music was absolutely wonderful.

There are some visitors who don’t enjoy the tour portion of this cruise, but most people don’t have any complaints.

NOTE: There are two different ways to save money on this cruise. For more information, please read the Ways to Save section .

Much like its competitors, this company also offers a historic cruise with an optional dinner buffet meal.

This trip is available as either a brunch or lunch cruise, with the first departure at 10:00 am.

Although there isn’t any live jazz on this excursion, they do have bottomless mimosas for only $20 during the morning outing.

Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Brunch

• Availability: Saturday and Sunday
• Seasonal Fresh Fruit
• Homemade Biscuits
• Chieck and Andouille Gumbo
• Scrambled Eggs
• French Toast & Powered Sugar
• New Orleans Barbecued Shrimps & Creamy Grits
• Home-Style Potatoes
• Spinach Madeline
• Breakfast Sausage
• Crisp Barcon
• Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce

Although they can’t guarantee any gluten-free meals, vegetarian and vegan diners may find that the vegetable of the day is a perfect option.

Even so, it’s important to note that many of the items prepared for this cruise will be made either with or alongside dairy products such as cheese, milk, and butter.

Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Brunch Reviews

Most customers very well receive this trip.

Guests loved their experience, describing it as informative and humorous. An overwhelming majority of positive reviews came from couples.

There are a few negative reviews, but an overwhelming majority of guests enjoy this cruise on the Mississippi River.

TIP: This lunch cruise is offered by both the New Orleans Sightseeing Pass and the New Orleans Pass . The dinner buffet is not included, but it can be added on.

LIVE RIVERBOAT JAZZ MUSIC

Both the Steamboat Natchez and the Creole Queen offer live jazz performances on their cruises.

Each company has at least one house band that will perform onboard throughout the trip. 

Steamboat Natchez

You can expect to hear the performance of Duke Heitger’s Steamboat Stompers during the cruise length.

The members of this band are noted for their work on various movie soundtracks, television shows, and albums.

At night, the Dukes of Dixieland will also play a variety of wonderful jazz music.

Much like the Steamboat Stompers, this band is also noted for their performances on television shows, most notably the hit HBO series Treme .

While boarding, calliope music will also be performed for approximately 15 minutes.

This music can be heard from the docks.

Creole Queen Paddlewheeler

This company only offers live jazz music on their dinner cruises, but they’ve also got a great band on hand.

The Sullivan Dabney Jr. and the Muzik Jazz Band is known for performing all over NOLA during events such as the French Quarter Festival and the Jazz & Heritage Festival.

This group has become something of a local legend, as they can frequently be seen and heard at various locations throughout the city.

One of the best ways to hear their music is simply to take a dinner cruise on the Paddlwwheeler Creole Queen!

OTHER CRUISES

If you’re not too concerned about getting something to eat while you’re taking a NOLA cruise, there are several dining options to consider.

First and foremost, it’s important to note that each of the lunch and dinner cruises listed above is also available without a meal.

In fact, at least with the Steamboat Natchez, you can bring your own food onboard or purchase small snacks and sandwiches in lieu of the organized meal.

You can also see the city from the water by taking the Algiers Point Ferry across the Mighty Mississippi River.

Alternatively, there are kayak tours through the swamps of Louisiana where you can get a close look at all of the beautiful wildlife in the area.

For more details on all of these opportunities, make sure to read our post about New Orleans Riverboats, Paddleboats and Cruises .

Swamp Tours

If you’re interested in seeing the swamps of Louisiana, there are a few different types of boat tours to consider.

The typical swamp boat tour will take you on a leisurely trip through the swamplands, but there are also airboat tours that are much faster and more exciting. 

To learn more about all of these services, read our post about New Orleans Swamp Tours .

WAYS TO SAVE

If you’re looking for a great deal on tickets for either the Steamboat Natchez or the Creole Queen, there are a few options to consider.

In this section, we will provide all the information you need to save money on this activity.

Both their Historic River Cruise and the Dinner Jazz Cruise are included for free with the New Orleans Sightseeing Pass .

You can also take the Historic River Cruise with the New Orleans Pass .

Unfortunately, the tickets offered with these services are only for admission onto the boat and they do not include either lunch or dinner buffet.

Other Ways to Save

If you’re looking for another way to save money on a New Orleans dinner cruise, make sure to check both Living Social and Groupon .

As of the time of this post, each service offers cheaper tickets to both the Creole Queen Paddlewheeler and the Steamboat Natchez.

While other savings and tourist passes are only good for admission, you can actually save money on full dinner/lunch/brunch cruises with either of these services.

TIPS FROM LOCALS AND TRAVELERS

While we've done our best to provide all the information you'll need to decide which riverboat cruise you'd like to take, you might have specific questions of your own you need help with.

Thankfully, our New Orleans Travel Tips group on Facebook is the perfect place to look for those answers. With more than 40,000 members, there's always someone willing to provide help.

Here are a few examples of interesting and helpful tips provided by members of our group:

• This reader wanted to know if there were jazz tours with no need to pay for dinner. There are, and we've talked about them above. Here's what others had to say.

2. This member sent in some general tips for visiting New Orleans. She enjoyed the evening riverboat cruise she went on. Note that if you want to do a walking tour, you can find one here .

3. This reader was looking for some family-friendly places to visit in New Orleans. This post is quite long and has a number of suggestions of things to do. Here are just a few of them:

For even more information about dinner cruises, or about anything at all in the New Orleans area, please feel free to ask for advice on the Free Tours By Foot New Orleans Travel Tips Facebook page.

We hope you enjoy your visit!

RELATED POSTS:

• Help Choosing a Swamp Tour
• Which Plantation Tours are Best?
• Things to Do in New Orleans

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New Orleans River Cruises

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New Orleans Steamboat Company

Steamboat NATCHEZ Jazz Dinner Cruise

Savor the beauty and romance of the new orleans skyline aboard the last authentic steamboat on the mississippi river as smooth jazz fills your ears by the world-acclaimed dukes of dixieland..

Step aboard one of last authentic steam-powered sternwheelers for a memorable cruise around New Orleans on the Mississippi River. Hear stories of the Big Easy's rich history, sit back, relax and enjoy the New Orleans atmosphere as the smooth jazz of the world-acclaimed Dukes of Dixieland fills your ears. This 2-hour cruise from the heart of the French Quarter will take you along the graceful Mississippi River. Optional dinner is available for advance sale. 

Tour departs nightly at 7:00pm. Boarding begins at 6:00pm. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to boarding.

Please note: there are two seating times for dinner. The first dinner seating is from 6-7:15pm and the second dinner seating is from 7:45-9pm. Check with the hostess upon boarding for dining assistance.

Dinner Jazz Cruise - Served Buffet Style

NATCHEZ Tossed Salad Mixed greens, tomato, cucumber, red onions & croutons with sugar cane vinaigrette & served family style. 

Chicken and Sausage Gumbo Made with a traditional Louisiana roux, served with rice

Top Round Certified Angus beef, carved to order. Served with complimentary sauces.

Louisiana Fried Chicken Thighs

Bayou Seafood Pasta Crawfish tails & Shrimp tossed in a white wine & garlic parmesan cream sauce with penne

Crawfish Etouffee A rich crawfish stew atop a bed of rice

Herb Roasted Sweet Potatoes 

Corn Maque Choux

Southern Stewed Okra

New Orleans Bread Pudding A soufflé of local Leidenheimer French bread in rich custard with Chef's Choice of decadent sauce

Dinner Rolls -- Community Coffee & Iced Tea included

Menus are subject to change by season & availability. We proudly serve primarily Louisiana & domestic seafood items. Some menu items may, at times, contain imported crawfish & fish.

If desired, please ask a line server for our VEGETARIAN PLATE. Includes Salad Du Jour, Vegetarian Red Beans, Rice, Herb Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Creole Creamed Spinach, New Orleans Bread Pudding, Dinner Rolls.

Due to our open air kitchen, we cannot guarantee a gluten free environment. They are prepared in the same kitchen and ovens as other non gluten free menu items and there is always a possibility of cross contamination from trace amounts crossing over through the air from the other kitchen areas.

Vegan Options: Rice, Herb Roasted Sweet Potatoes

What's included?

• 2-hour Paddle-wheel Boat Cruise
• Calliope Concert
• Entertainment by the Grammy Nominated Dukes of Dixieland
• Optional Dinner (if selected)
• Engine Room is Open for Self Guided Tour
• Local taxes
• Gratuities (optional)
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Drinks (available for purchase)

Please note

• The Steamboat NATCHEZ is taking some time off, but her sister vessel will be taking her place.  You'll get the same authentic experience of a grand paddlewheeler on a leisurely, two-hour cruise on the mighty Mississippi!
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• The Steamboat NATCHEZ cruises rain or shine.
• Owner reserve the right to substitute a similar vessel should the NATCHEZ become unavailable.
• Please Note: Should the Steamboat NATCHEZ become unavailable for her yearly Coast Guard inspections and/or general maintenance, all cruises during this time will take place on her sister vessel - the newly renovated Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS.  
• In order to help preserve the French Quarter from vehicular traffic, it is requested that you please walk, if possible, to the convenient tour departure point - just a short stroll from most downtown hotels.
• The Steamboat NATCHEZ is handicap accessible. However, access to the top & bottom decks are by stairs only. Please call us with any questions before finalizing your plans if you have questions on access or personal equipment. 
• Cruise is suitable for wheelchairs, but restrooms stalls are not wide enough to accommodate and there are no elevators on board.
• Infant rates apply provided they do not occupy a seat.
•  You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity at our Lighthouse Ticket Office for your boarding ticket.   

What to bring

  contact info, (504) 569-1401, [email protected], gray line new orleans, 400 toulouse st new orleans, la 70130 usa, useful links, let's connect.

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This Alabama River Cottage Beckons You to Slow Down and Savor Every Minute

Featuring an earthy assortment of breezy blues, warm clays, and rich aubergines, this early-1900s Alabama family home proves a house on the water can embrace color without the kitsch.

You know you’re in the country when the local grocery store has a section dedicated to bait. At least that’s true for Greer’s Market in Theodore, Alabama, the small river community that New Orleans residents Rebecca and Simon Finger call their home away from home. More specifically, that “home” is an early-1900s clapboard river cottage that Simon suspects was once a fish camp. “We fell in love with the house [which had been renovated by the previous owners],” says Rebecca, “but it was a little cramped for our family.”

When they decided it was time to add more space for getaways with their children, Jack (23), Ana (21), and Charlie (17), and guests, they called in their friend Jennifer Zurik of MZ. Architecture to help with a thoughtful addition. Reclaimed wood and salvaged architectural finds added instant age, and, thanks to designer Jensen Killen of Logan Killen Interiors — who also co-owns Sunday Shop in New Orleans—both the old and new spaces are perfectly united with a warm, earthy palette.

That sense of warmth was a priority for the couple. “I’m from the Bayou, and Simon grew up in the Pacific Palisades in California when it was still full of hiking trails and wild areas. We’re not fancy,” says Rebecca. Sometimes, Simon, an orthopedic surgeon, heads down to the cottage a day or two ahead of the family with Yoffi, their 3-year-old Shih Tzu, and feels his blood pressure drops during the two-hour journey to their gravel driveway. Says Rebecca: “There’s something about the setting that makes us want to turn off our devices, put on some good music, and deepen our connections by spending quality time together.”

Meet the Homeowners

Rebecca and Simon often enjoy catching up on the front swing that is perfectly positioned to overlook the Fowl River. Most days, you can catch Simon down at the dock or in his boat, fishing out on the river where speckled trout, redfish, and flounder are plentiful. “Our favorite communal meal is boiled seafood,” says Rebecca. “We’ve had great times boiling crawfish on the boat dock and having everyone gathered around our rickety old picnic table by the river.”

New-Meets-Old Exterior

Rebecca and Simon’s 1900s cottage seamlessly blends the new with the old thanks to custom-milled wood clapboard siding and trim that was paint to match the existing house.

Rich Dark Walls

Painted a rich earthy brown that pairs well with the greenish-blue front door, the petite front entryway offers a handy spot to drop keys and hang hats on the new bamboo hall tree.

A salvaged wall-mount sink (found on Etsy) maximizes space in the nearby postage stamp-size powder room. To keep the focus on nature outside, the mirror hangs on a side wall. “I had the idea of what a ‘River House’ should look like, and I knew it would be muted earth tones and warm wood surfaces with some quirky moments,” says Rebecca. “I kept thinking of summer camp and the Wes Anderson movie, Moonrise Kingdom .”

Get the Look: Entryway Wall Paint: London Clay by Farrow & Ball Powder Room Sink: Recycled Relics on Etsy

RELATED: 14 Foolproof Ways to Decorate With Color

Piled-On Pattern

An assortment of plaids, block prints, ticking stripes, and botanicals adds a mix-match of muddy color and nostalgic patterns against the keeping room’s creamy shiplap walls. “Checks, florals, ticking, and block prints—patterns that feel cozy and nostalgic—would be authentic to the types of homes from this era,” says Jensen. Woven window shades, wood accent tables, and a sisal rug bring in warm, natural texture.

RELATED: Living Room Ideas You’ll Love for Classic, Rustic, Traditional, and Modern Family Spaces

An Airy Cookspace

The kitchen’s floor-to-ceiling cabinets and marble-topped island are painted a warm white so they don’t overpower the small space. “We wanted to keep the this area light and airy,” says Jensen. An aged brass light with porcelain shades radiates a warm glow, while above-the-door artwork lends a splash of color.

RELATED: The Best Kitchen Paint Colors Ideas to Update Your Space

Hardworking Hallways

The new gray-green scullery (carved out from an unused hallway and a reconfigured powder room) houses an industrial-size sink, the refrigerator, and other hard-working appliances to allow the mess of kitchen prep to remain out of sight. “Everything we did to the house was done with the intention of making it easy for large groups of people to enjoy being here together,” says Rebecca.

Get the Look: Scullery Wall Paint Color: French Gray by Farrow & Ball

RELATED: The Best Pantry Organization Ideas to Keep Your Kitchen in Order

Bold-Fashioned Antiques

Painted a striking green, the dining space’s primitive hutch shows off copper pieces that belonged to Simon’s grandmother. Block-print fabric brings cottage charm to the chandelier and vintage ladder-back chairs tucked around the weathered farmhouse table.

Get the Look: Chandelier and Chair Fabric: “Devonshire” by Jasper Textiles

RELATED: 80+ Ideas to Make Your Dining Room More Inviting

Pass-Through Bar

An airy floating glass shelf on brass brackets balances the bar’s reclaimed cypress paneling and cabinetry. A hammered copper sink and a hidden wine cooler and ice maker below pack in function.

A Case of the Blues

The color-drenched living room—the walls, mantel, and trim are all painted the same blue-green hue—is as immersive as the home’s waterfront surroundings. A massive handmade coffee table anchors the main seating area where a pair of sofas, including a custom curved one covered in greenish-gold performance velvet, is layered with textiles in spice-toned block prints and stripes.

Get the Look: Wall and Trim Paint Color: Pigeon by Farrow & Ball

RELATED: The Top 100 Paint Colors For Every Room in Your House

In one corner of the living room, an English roll-arm chair upholstered in a hand-blocked linen print proves a perfect perch for reading secondhand books about Southern Alabama culture and wildlife sourced from Latter Library and Blue Cypress Books , both in New Orleans.

In another corner, a built-in banquet (paneled to match the walls) has pull-out drawers for stowing board games. Above the game table, a wicker pendant loops on a hook. “We wanted the electrical to be centered, but that little seating arrangement isn’t centered, and it wouldn’t have had the same effect if the light was dropped straight from the ceiling,” Jensen says. “It’s just a little quirky moment.”

Get the Look: Chair Upholstery: Susan Deliss

Kicks of Cayenne

In the primary suite, a quirky art piece by New Orleans-based poet and painter Christian Davenport merges Rebecca’s love of old landscapes and local artists. The handmade oak bed features a cayenne-colored duvet and a botanical-print lumbar pillow . Pleated lampshades bring an extra hit of the rich color.

Get the Look: Wall Paint Color: Elephant’s Breath by Farrow & Ball Bed: Greg Arceneaux Duvet and Lumbar Pillows: Sunday Shop Lampshades: Penny Morrison

Calming Neutrals

The bedroom’s warm gray wall color was carried onto the bathroom’s doors and trim, a subtle contrast to the white-painted walls and ceiling. A picture rail, café curtains, and an antique milk glass light above the freestanding tub add cozy touches.

The hand-crafted oak double vanity features a marble countertop and unlacquered brass faucets. Mirrored medicine cabinets above the sinks provide more storage.

Get the Look: Trim Paint Color: Elephant’s Breath by Farrow & Ball Wall Paint Color: School House White by Farrow & Ball

The gracious screened-in porch, which wraps around half of the house, is perfect for pickup Ping-Pong matches between Charlie and Simon.

RELATED: Screened-In Porch Ideas to Inspire You Any Time of Year

Creative Quarters

The renovated barn now houses a guest suite up top, and Simon’s woodworking shop below, where he recently crafted salvaged floorboards into new countertops for the boathouse.

Colorful Characters

Nothing adds character like literal characters. Rebecca commissioned New Orleans portrait artist Hayley Gaberlavag to paint “June,” who now hangs above one of the renovated barn’s guest room’s queen beds, paired with another of Hayley’s pieces. “We decided that’s June’s dad, and June is always getting in trouble,” Rebecca says. “I love how you bring in a little something unexpected like that, and all of a sudden, this isn’t your grandmother’s house; this is 2024.” Patterned quilts at the ends of the beds repeat the warm red color thread found in the vintage rug.

RELATED: Best Bedroom Ideas for Every Decorating Style

Stephanie Gibson Lepore is the Copy/Research Editor of Country Living. She enjoys writing about a range of topics and making sure the facts are accurate. When she's not checking out the latest Instagram post from Merriam-Webster, you can find her hunting home decor at an antiques shop, reading WWII fiction in a sunny spot, cheering (loudly) for her football team, or planning her daughter's next birthday party (themes forever!). 

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Louisiana Online Casinos 2024 – Top 10 Gambling Sites for Real Money in LA

Louisiana online casinos allow players to enjoy slots, table games, and more without visiting one of the Pelican State’s land-based or riverboat venues.

$5,000 Welcome Bonus + 125 Free Spins

• Many deposit options including Visa, Mastercard and 15+ cryptocurrencies
• Over 600 slots from the likes of Betsoft, Nucleus, Rival, and more
• Ultimate slots tournament rewards $5,000 cash every week

Get up to $3,750 in Welcome Bonuses

• Hot Drop Jackpot slots give up to $500,000+ in prizes
• Reward points can be earned and exchanged for real money
• 24/7 live dealer options for blackjack, baccarat, and roulette

250% on top of your deposit

• Multiple cryptos & altcoins accepted
• Fast online payouts with no fees
• New slot games every week

300% Match Bonus up to $6,000 + 35 Free Spins

• Rival, Betsoft, and Saucify among top game providers
• Casino leaderboard with up to $20,000 cash prizes
• Live dealer lounge with HD video and unique bonuses

150% Deposit Bonus Up To $2,000

• 33% rakeback every Monday
• Instant withdrawal crypto betting, completely anonymous
• No deposit and withdrawal fees

250% Match Bonus up to $5,000 + 60 Free Spins

• 50 free spins every day during 6am to 10am happy hour
• Credit and debit cards accepted, as well as prepaid cards and Bitcoin
• Win a brand new car in regular prize draws

450% Up To $4,500 +$75 FREE chip when using Crypto

• Extensive selection of progressive jackpot games
• Great variety of banking methods to fund your account and cash out your winnings
• Mobile, tablet, PC & Mac compatible platform

Welcome Bonus up to $3,000

• Payments made 24/7 in crypto or USD
• 300% poker and casino combo bonus for one deposit
• Additional bonuses with every crypto deposit

200% up to 10 ETH + 50 Free Spins

• The first licensed Telegram casino in the world, fully anonymous
• Trusted by Web3 influencers and powered by $TGC token
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200% Match Bonus up to $5,000

• Slots and blackjack tournaments with $5 buy-ins every week
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• Shared membership promo codes boost monthly bonuses

$6,000 Welcome Package + 100 Free Spins

• More than 50 live dealer games from ViG, Fresh Deck, and BetGames
• Cryptocurrency deposits accepted up to $500,000
• Cash tournaments on selected slots, roulette, and blackjack games

600% Welcome Bonus up to $6,000

• Visa, Mastercard, Amex and Bitcoin all accepted
• Earn comp points by playing and exchange them for bonuses
• Wide range of RTG games with new slots added every month

200% Welcome Bonus up to $25,000 + 50 Free Spins

• Daily 100 free spin missions & VIP welcome bonus
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• Deposit with over 20 cryptocurrencies & Wallet Connect

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• Deposit with Pepe, Dogecoin, Shiba Inu & Bonk meme coins
• More than 5,000 games including Crash, Plinko & Gates of Olympus

Johanna Gullberg has a solid background in gambling content creation and editorial processes, with almost 20 years in the “game”. As a dedicated gambling editor here at SportsCasting, she brings a wealth of expertise and a keen analytical eye. Her commitment to impartial, factual accuracy ensures that readers receive reliable, clear, and up-to-date information. Johanna is always on the players’ side and her passion for gambling, combined with her professional experience, makes her a trusted voice in the field.

While the state regulator prohibits LA-based operators, residents have numerous top-quality offshore online casinos in Louisiana. These are safe and perfectly legal, often unique selling points like crypto support (which is banned at all US-based platforms).

Keep reading for a deep dive into the best Louisiana online casinos and more. Our experts lift the lid on everything from the largest bonuses to payment methods and mobile gambling. Afterwards, follow our Louisiana online casino registration guide, claim the welcome bonus, and get started.

Top 10 Louisiana Online Casinos for 2024

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Identifying the best Louisiana online casino sites requires in-depth analysis of key factors like welcome bonuses, game libraries, and platform reputation. We’ve identified the ten leading platforms through research and first-hand experience below:

• Wild Casino – No.1 Overall Casino for North Carolina Players
• Bovada – Best NC Online Casino for Exclusive Slots and Live Dealer Games
• BetWhale – Best Integrated Casino and Sportsbook Site
• Lucky Creek – Most Generous North Carolina Casino Online Welcome Bonus
• CoinPoker Casino – Best Telegram Casino for North Carolina Players
• Black Lotus – Top North Carolina Casino Online for VIP/Loyalty Scheme
• Ignition – Best North Carolina Online Gambling Site for Online Poker
• TG Casino – Pioneering Telegram and Cryptocurrency NC Online Casino
• Lucky Red – Best NC Casino Site for Progressive Jackpots
• EveryGame – Best North Carolina Online Casino for Niche & Rare Games Like Fish

The Best Real Money Louisiana Online Casinos Reviewed

Finding the best online casinos Louisiana players can enjoy is central to our mission statement. We’ve closely investigated the top real money offshore online casinos , identifying the top selling points and negatives for each one.

See below for comprehensive mini-reviews to help you choose the most relevant platform to your preferences:

Headquartered in Panama and licensed by the Panama Gaming Commission, Wild Casino has steadily emerged as the Louisiana online casino market leader. Its crowning feature is its multifaceted, high-quality, and sizable gaming library. Wild Casino is one of the best live dealer casinos , offering over 1,000 casino games and at least 900 online slot titles. Esteemed software providers like Betsoft and QuickSpin supply the games, a significant perk compared to less prestigious offshore operators.

Wild Casino also beats the competition with the latest exclusive online slots, with Super Nova, Midnight Mustang Hold&Win, and Warhogs Hellaways being just a few examples. The platform is also the best Louisiana online casino for live dealer fans, offering over 60 different options. These include rarities like T-Basket and War of Bets.

Elsewhere, Wild Casino offers a diverse range of payment methods, notably supporting over a dozen cryptocurrencies. With crypto payments, deposits and withdrawals can be near-instant. The sign-up process is quick and noninvasive, requiring only a few pieces of personal information.

Wild Casino is also king of the LA online casinos regarding bonuses. Players get a slightly smaller welcome bonus (albeit with more favorable wagering requirements), but the ongoing Wild Casino promotions are the real selling points. A few examples include the 10% weekly rebate and weekly free spins.

Wild Casino Bonus:

What Wild Casino does well

• Superb online slot selection
• The best live dealer suite in Louisiana
• Over a dozen

What Wild Casino could do better

• Lacks eWallet support

2. Bovada Casino – Best for Exclusive Slots and Live Dealer Games

Bovada Casino is owned by a Costa Rica-based company and licensed by the Anjouan Gaming Board. The platform is one of the best-known offshore brands, and it also includes closely integrated sportsbook, poker, and horse racing capabilities. This Louisiana online casino has a slightly smaller game selection than Wild Casino, although the slots library beats all competitors for quality.

The “Exclusives” category has over 30 unique titles, including Aztec Gold Bonanza and Mystery Bar Multi Dice. Bovada also makes trying slots in demo mode extremely easy – you don’t even need to register to sample their games.

The platform is also one of the best Louisiana online casino sites for payment methods, offering players several cryptocurrencies alongside conventional options like debit cards and bank wire. The streamlined Bovada sign-up process means you can get playing with minimal fuss, especially with just one sole registration form.

New customers benefit from one of the most attractive welcome bonus packages, particularly for crypto deposits. The Bovada Rewards scheme also beats most alternatives, but players won’t find quite as many ongoing promos as Wild Casino.

Bovada Bonus:

What Bovada does well

• Top-quality slots library with numerous exclusives
• Versatile site with sportsbook, horse racing, and poker
• Very good welcome bonuses

What Bovada could do better

• Needs more deposit methods

BetWhale is one of the newest Louisiana online casinos on the market, also offering integrated sportsbook, racebook, and esports betting platforms. Headquartered in Curacao and licensed by the Anjouan Gaming Board, the operator’s versatility is its greatest strength. Gamblers looking for a seamless blend of casino and sports betting will benefit the most.

The operator also has one of the top casino selections available in the Pelican State. Take the unique slots library, with dozens of titles you won’t find easily at alternative offshore sites. Additionally, BetWhale has 70+ specialty games spanning fish, video bingo, crash titles, and other niche mini-games.

The platform is also one of the best real money online casinos Louisiana players can enjoy regarding payment methods. The platform has several cryptos, but PayPal support is the most eye-catching selling point compared to other operators.

We had no trouble registering for a BetWhale account. The process is slightly more multi-layered compared to Bovada, but nothing worth complaining about. Once signed up, new players can access one of the most generous Louisiana online casino welcome bonuses before taking advantage of various ongoing BetWhale promotions .

BetWhale Bonus:

What BetWhale does well

• Offers PayPal
• Vast array of specialty games
• Fairly unique online slot selection

What BetWhale could do better

• More easily accessible information on the website

Lucky Creek Casino is based in Cyprus and is overseen by the Curacao Gaming Control Board. The operator is notable for being one of the only Louisiana online casino sites with a dedicated iOS mobile app, which also points to its highly regarded reputation. Aside from this, Lucky Creek Casino’s main selling point is the huge welcome bonus.

The mobile app and smartphone-optimized browser website are both perfect for mobile slots fans, and the platform delivers 300+ options to choose from. Lucky Creek Casino also includes the best Louisiana casino online game filters, allowing you to search via things like the number of pay lines and free spins bonus rounds.

Lucky Creek Casino players can deposit and withdraw using Bitcoin, although no other cryptos are currently available. It’s also worth noting that the operator only processes withdrawals on Mondays and Thursdays.

Registering with Lucky Creek Casino is straightforward, with just one registration page to complete. Afterward, you’ll get access to the best Louisiana real money online casino welcome bonus and various other ongoing Lucky Creek promos .

Lucky Creek Casino Bonus:

What Lucky Creek does well

• Native iOS app with strong App Store ratings
• Sophisticated online slot search filters
• Massive welcome bonus

What Lucky Creek could do better

• Withdrawals are only processed on Mondays and Thursdays

CoinPoker began as a crypto poker site in 2017 and has remained so until recently. That’s when the site launched a casino and sportsbook, making it one of the top gambling sites for Louisiana bettors. The brand new casino has over 400 games, a number which certainly will grow in the coming months.

The game catalog already is quite good. It has over 300 slot games from a dozen providers, including stalwarts like NetEnt, Novomatic, Pragmatic Play, and Hacksaw Games. CoinPoker Casino also has slots from lesser known fan favorites like Evoplay, NoLimit Cityh, RedTiger, and Booming Games.

Because it use dealers from Pragmatic Live, Evolution Live, and Bombay Live, the live dealer games selection is huge. CoinPoker boast dozens of Crash games and other specialty games, like Plinko, Mine, and Bingo. Several Bingo games are branded games based on popular slots like Tiger Express, Light of Horus, and Judgment of Anubis.

Of course, when you’re talking about crypto casinos , a lot depends on the support cryptocurrencies. CoinPoker supports payments with Bitcoin and five altcoins. Use Ethereum, Binance Coin, or Polygon if you prefer the safety and volatility of traditional altcoins. Use Coinpoker’s own token, CHP, if you want special bonuses. Louisiana players who want the safety and speed of a crypto without volatility should use Tether (USDT). One USDT token is always the value of one US dollar.

CoinPoker Casino Bonus:

What CoinPoker Casino does well

• More than a dozen slot game providers for slots
• Uses three live dealer providers, including Evolution Live
• Tether (USDT) crypto payouts, which are tied to the US dollar
• Many Crash games and quite a few Bingo games

What CoinPoker Casino could do better

• CoinPoker’s 400 games are below the average of the top competitors
• Needs a dedicated casino welcome bonus.

Weigh up the best Louisiana online casinos below:

Choosing the best Louisiana online casinos is fundamental to garnering the most enjoyment. Our review process takes several important factors into consideration to deliver the most well-rounded and useful recommendations. Hit the link to read how we rank gambling sites in more detail or get a quick summary below:

• Game Selection – Searching for a varied and top-quality casino game selection is a key concern.
• Software – The best Louisiana online casino platforms stock games from esteemed software providers. We also check for smooth and responsive software on operator websites.
• Bonuses and Promotions – It is vital to investigate welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions. Industry-leading platforms combine generous offers with realistic wagering requirements and other terms.
• Mobile Site – Most Louisiana online gambling fans almost exclusively use smartphones. As such, checking the mobile site is crucial. A native mobile app is even better.
• Payment Options – Offshore Louisiana online casinos typically offer various payment methods, with cryptos being a unique option compared to US-based brands. We scrutinize deposits and withdrawals to find the most flexible platforms.
• Safety and Security – We only recommend verifiably safe gambling sites , checking for valid licensing and key security features like SSL encryption.
• Customer Support – Having a helpful customer support section is an underrated part of reviewing Louisiana online casino sites we focus on strongly.
• Responsible Gambling Tools – The top online casinos Louisiana players can enjoy must also have responsible gambling tools like self-exclusion and deposit limits.

Online gambling in Louisiana is enhanced by various bonuses, both for new players and existing customers. Understanding these is essential to taking maximum advantage. Additionally, ensure you scrutinize T&Cs like wagering requirements and minimum deposits before pressing ahead.

Check below for the most common online casino bonuses :

• Welcome Bonuses – An online casino in Louisiana should provide new customers with welcome bonuses, typically a deposit match.
• Ongoing Promotions – Regular offers spanning everything from free spins to weekly rebates. The best Louisiana online casinos use these ongoing or reload promos to keep customers happy.
• Deposit Match Bonuses – These promotions match player deposits by a certain amount, typically between 100% and 400%. Deposit match offers are most common as welcome bonuses but can also be ongoing promos.
• No Deposit Bonuses – The best Louisiana online casino sites may offer no-deposit bonuses, granting free spins or bonus funds with no payment necessary.
• Free Spin Bonuses – Most platforms have regular free spin bonuses, awarding a set number of free spins with a predetermined value on specific games.
• Loyalty Programs/VIP Rewards – Louisiana real money online casino platforms may also have loyalty programs with benefits for those depositing and playing regularly.
• Refer-a-Friend Bonuses – Some operators offer an incentive for players to refer friends.
• Betting Competitions – Louisiana online casino players can compete against each other in slots tournaments and other betting competitions, with the winners securing a prize.
• Cashback Bonuses – These promotions offer a certain percentage of cashback on casino losses or general play.
• Risk-Free Days – When looking for the best online casino in Louisiana, special offers like risk-free days are important. With this promo, all losing wagers are refunded up to a certain amount.

Popular Payment Methods at the Top Louisiana Online Gambling Sites

The top real money online casino in Louisiana should provide various potential payment methods. You can find a banking method comparison below:

We’ve listed the available deposit options at our recommended Louisiana casino online platforms below:

Knowing how to withdraw funds from Louisiana online casino sites is crucial. Here are your options:

The best online casinos for Louisiana players offer optimized mobile interfaces and games. These allow gamblers to enjoy slots, live dealer titles, and more while on the move. Mobile browsers don’t even require a dedicated casino app installation, although industry-leading operators can offer native iOS and Android apps with additional features like push notifications.

Appreciating the pros and cons of online gambling in Louisiana will help you make the most out of casinos in the Pelican State. Here are a few of the main ones:

• Huge number of land-based and riverboat casinos
• Burgeoning legal online sports betting industry
• Various accessible offshore Louisiana online casino sites
• Gambling tax revenue goes towards state infrastructure
• No state-regulated online casinos
• Offshore online casinos for Louisiana players don’t typically have games from the most esteemed software providers
• Lawmakers still against a state-regulated online casino industry

Are Online Casinos Legal in Louisiana?

Online gambling for Louisiana casino players is more complicated than states like New Jersey with fully-fledged state-regulated industries. While the Pelican State doesn’t authorize LA-based operators, residents can access numerous offshore sites. We’ll go into more detail below:

The Louisiana Gaming Control Board is the state’s primary gambling authority. It licenses land-based and online sportsbooks alongside riverboat and commercial casinos but doesn’t currently offer licensing for online casinos. Elsewhere, the Louisiana Lottery Corporation regulates the state lottery, and the Louisiana Racing Commission deals with horse racing.

Online gambling for Louisiana players will continue expanding, with more online and land-based sportsbooks expected to open shortly. The Pelican State’s historic riverboat casinos will also likely evolve into fully-fledged land-based casinos after the recent Approval of Tribal-State Class III Gaming Compact Amendment .

As for state-regulated Louisiana online gambling sites (especially casinos), this remains far off. The fallout from the gaming compact mentioned above and the focus on updating legacy riverboat casinos take precedence. Using an offshore Louisiana online casino site is currently the only way forward.

Other Forms of Online Gambling in Louisiana

Louisiana online gambling laws allow for other options. Check below for a round-up:

Louisiana legalized sports betting in 2021, when Governor Jon Bel Edwards signed HB 697 and SB 247 . Online sportsbooks launched in January 2022 and quickly gained popularity.

While online poker isn’t explicitly legalized in Louisiana, residents can play the game via offshore poker sites .

DFS is legal in 47 out of 64 parishes after a 2018 referendum. Lawmakers subsequently passed HB 64 in 2020, establishing an 8% tax on net revenue and authorizing the Louisiana Gaming Control Board to regulate the industry.

Louisiana has a rich horse racing betting history, with land-based and online wagering completely legal.

Social and sweepstake online casinos in Louisiana offer players a way to play casino games with no purchase necessary.

Most land-based casinos in the Pelican State are stationary riverboat establishments, although these are increasingly being converted to fully-fledged land-based establishments. Here are the top examples:

Louisiana is one of the most open states in the Gulf of Mexico regarding land-based casino gambling. Check below for comparisons with neighboring states:

• Arkansas – The Natural State has limited casino gambling options, with four state-licensed establishments.
• Texas – The Lone Star State, while home to a few tribal casinos, has historically maintained a strict anti-gambling stance. Despite this, many residents are turning to Texas online casinos as an alternative, allowing them to enjoy a wide range of games without the restrictions imposed by local laws.
• Mississippi – The Magnolia State boasts over two dozen state-regulated land-based casinos, reflecting its openness to traditional gambling. In addition to these physical establishments, Mississippi online casinos are gaining popularity, providing players with the flexibility to enjoy their favorite games from anywhere in the state.

Gambling fans looking to play casino games in Louisiana have various options to choose from:

• Online Slots – Pioneering digitalized slot machines with RNG-based gameplay and various innovative bonuses.
• Poker – Legendary card game pitting players against each other to form the best hand (or bluff their way to victory).
• Video Poker – Combines slots and poker, providing players with a way to enjoy poker against a computer.
• Blackjack – Classic card game where players attempt to make a hand closer to 21 than the dealer without going over.
• Roulette – Iconic casino entertainment featuring a spinning wheel with numbered pockets. Players must guess where the ball will land.
• Baccarat – A card game where players bet on whether the player’s hand or the banker’s hand will have a higher total.
• Craps – A dice game where players bet on the outcome of a roll of two dice.
• Live Casino – Online table games with real-life live-streamed dealers. These include live blackjack, live baccarat, live roulette, and other options.
• Other Games – Casinos can also offer alternatives like keno, bingo, Sic Bo, scratch cards, Andar Nights, and Slingo.

Check below for a quick look at the evolution of Louisiana land-based and online gambling laws.

• August 16, 2024 – Fanatics Sportsbook becomes the tenth online sportsbook to launch in Louisiana.
• January 1, 2022 – Legal online sports betting launches in 55 of Louisiana’s 64 parishes.
• October 31, 2021 – Retail sports betting launches with Harrah’s New Orleans and Horseshoe Bossier City Hotel & Casino, quickly followed by other land-based sportsbooks.
• June 21, 2021 – Governor John Bel Edwards signs HB 697 and SB 247 into law. State Senator Patrick Page Cortez introduces the Louisiana Sports Wagering Act, formally legalizing sports betting in the Pelican State.
• May 23, 2018 – Governor John Bel Edwards signs SB 316 into law, allowing Louisiana’s 15 riverboat casinos to operate on land.
• May 14, 2018 – The U.S. Supreme Court overturns PASPA during Murphy v. NCAA , finally allowing individual states to formulate their own sports betting laws.
• February 1, 1992 – The Louisiana Lottery Corporation holds the first-ever Louisiana Lotto drawing.
• July 8, 1991 – Louisiana lawmakers legalize riverboat casinos, authorizing the Louisiana Gaming Control Board to license 15 establishments. The Belle of Baton Rouge is the first to commence operations.

Anyone over 21 can enjoy Louisiana online gambling at sportsbooks and offshore casinos, as well as land-based casinos and sportsbooks. Bingo, lottery, and pari-mutuel horse racing betting are available at 18.

Louisiana online gambling laws on taxation state that operators must withhold 6% of all winnings to be paid as taxes. Income tax between 1.85% (first $12,500), 3.50% (next $37,500), and 4.25% (over $50,000) must also be paid after the following thresholds:

• Sports Betting – $600
• Slots and Bingo – $1,200
• Keno – $1,500
• Poker – $5,000
• Lottery – $600
• Racing – $600

Sign Up With Real Money Online Gambling Sites in Louisiana

We’ll walk you through how to register at a Louisiana online casino site below:

Read our mini-reviews and choose a recommended platform. We’ll use Wild Casino as an example.

Head to the Wild Casino website and press “Join Now”. Fill the registration form and press “Create Account”.

Look out for an email with a verification link. Click this to verify your account.

Choose your preferred deposit method and amount. Wild Casino also requires further information, such as your address, as part of the KYC procedure. Ensure you hit the minimum $20 amount to activate the welcome bonus and use the WILD250 bonus code.

Wait a few seconds for your deposit and bonus to clear before enjoying your favorite casino games.

Staying responsible while enjoying Louisiana online casinos is critical. Set firm budgets and allot strict time slots for gambling. Additionally, take advantage of responsible gambling tools like deposit limits and time-outs. The following resources can help:

• 24/7 Confidential Problem Gambling Hotline – Call or Text 1-800-GAMBLER
• Gamblers Anonymous Hotline – 1-855-2-CALLGA (1-855-222-5542)
• National Council on Problem Gambling
• Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling

Wild Casino is currently the best Louisiana online casino. It mixes favorable bonus wagering requirements with over a dozen ongoing promotions, exclusive online slots, and over one-thousand casino games in all. Wild Casino Live has over 100 live dealer tables, while the welcome bonus offers up to $5,000 in cash.

Louisiana Online Casino FAQs

Yes. The Pelican State has various legal gambling options. They include riverboat casinos, lottery betting, and charitable gambling. Online betting happens at offshore sites.

Online sports and horse racing betting is legal, but state-regulated online casinos do not exist. When one discusses legality, the question isn’t as simple as, “Does Louisiana allow online gambling?” It does not license and regulate online casinos, but it does not charge, fine, or prosecute individuals who gamble at offshore casino sites. Only people who operate online casinos with servers inside Louisiana would be prosecuted.

State-regulated online casinos aren’t don’t exist, although players can use offshore sites.

Some of the best online casinos in Louisiana include Wild Casino, Bovada, and BetWhale.

Yes. Online sportsbooks are state-regulated, while offshore casinos also hold internationally-recognized licenses.

The legal Louisiana gambling age is 21 for most options. Horse racing, bingo, and lottery have an 18 minimum.

LA residents can use offshore online poker platforms.

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