With the development of industrial technology, the requirements of online detection instruments and detection technology in gas detection are becoming higher and higher. Due to the complex changes in gas composition during gas flow, common detection methods such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS), and Electrochemical sensors often cannot meet the detection requirements or only Local area detection. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), as an emerging atomic emission spectroscopy analysis technology, has received extensive attention and research from researchers in the field of spectral analysis. LIBS has been applied to detect solids, liquids and gases because of its advantages of simultaneous detection of multi-elements, non-invasive, real-time on-line and no special preparation of samples. LIBS technology can accurately detect in the fields of harsh environments and high interference gas manufacturing and detection. The present paper introduces the basic principle of LIBS technology and two parameters describing the physical properties of plasma. For the application of LIBS technology in the field of gas detection, This paper introduces the recent development of LIBS technology in the field of gas detection at home and abroad from the following six aspects: Fuel equivalent ratio, the gas composition of fuel mixture combustion products, nitrogen and a rare gas, greenhouse gas and new energy gas detection, as well as related LIBS experimental equipment and experimental methods improvement and optimization. Finally, the prospect of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy in the field of gas detection has prospected.