Louisiana Backs Off from Sweepstakes Ban
Governor vetoes Louisiana bill aimed at prohibiting high-interest loan practices
It seems that Louisiana residents can keep their online gambling activities intact, at least for the time being. The governor, Jeff Landry, has nixed a bill, Senate Bill 181 (SB181), that aimed to put an end to sweepstakes social casinos. This move comes as a relief to organizations such as the SPGA and SGLA, trade groups that are staunch supporters of these online gaming platforms.
"This bill attempts to criminalize certain secondary gambling activities on the internet that are already prohibited in Louisiana."
These were the words of Gov. Landry, as he shed light on his decision. He argued that the Louisiana Gaming Control Board is already taking measures to combat illegal gambling, including illegal offshore wagering and online sweepstakes companies operating in-state.
Gov. Landry mentioned specific instances, like the case of Harp Media B.V. d/b/a Bovada, to highlight the actions already being taken by the Board. He believed that consumers should be protected from unregulated gambling activities that breach state laws, and that the state is already acting in the right direction.
Unwarranted Measures or Already Taken Care Of?
The bill, which passed with an overwhelming majority and little to no dissent, was vetoed by Gov. Landry because he saw it as a solution in search of a problem. He critiqued the overly broad language of the bill, expressing concern that it might be misinterpreted in the future. With ongoing efforts to combat illegal gambling, he felt there was no need to introduce new measures.
Gov. Landry's stance mirrors the general opinion among lawmakers, who believe that sweepstakes social casinos are illegal and should be uprooted. However, this position has been met with criticism from both the SPGA and SGLA.
Meanwhile, other states such as Maine and New York have taken a harder line on sweepstakes operators, with the attorney general of the Empire State labeling them as illegal. In Maine, gambling regulators have cautioned locals against playing at such websites.
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The proposed ban on sweepstakes gambling in Louisiana, embodied in Senate Bill 181 (SB181), has been vetoed by Governor Jeff Landry. SB181 was unanimously approved by both the Louisiana House and Senate, aiming to ban sweepstakes casinos by defining illegal sweepstakes gaming as any game using a dual-currency system where players can exchange currency for prizes or cash[3][4]. Despite its legislative approval, the bill was vetoed by Governor Landry on June 13, 2025[1][2].
Reason for Veto:
Governor Landry vetoed the bill, citing ongoing efforts by regulators to combat illegal gambling in Louisiana. This decision suggests that the state is exploring other avenues to address concerns related to sweepstakes, possibly preferring regulatory measures over a blanket ban[1][2].
Impact of Veto:
With the veto, sweepstakes casinos will remain legal in Louisiana for now. The veto does not necessarily indicate a permanent halt to the ban efforts, as the state may continue to explore other legislative or regulatory options to manage sweepstakes gambling[5]. This decision reflects the broader national trend of states grappling with how to regulate or ban sweepstakes casinos, with Louisiana being part of a larger conversation about the future of these types of gaming platforms[4].
- The Louisiana Governor, Jeff Landry, has vetoed Senate Bill 181 (SB181), a bill that aimed to ban sweepstakes casinos, arguing that ongoing regulations in the gaming industry are sufficient to combat illegal gambling activities.
- The veto of SB181 has been met with critique from some lawmakers who perceived the bill as a necessary measure to eradicate illegal sweepstakes gambling. However, organizations such as the SPGA and SGLA, staunch supporters of online gaming platforms, celebrate the veto as a win for the gambling industry.
- While Louisiana has taken a more cautious approach to sweepstakes casinos, some states like Maine and New York have taken a harder line, labeling them as illegal, with their attorney general and gambling regulators advising locals against participating in sweeps games.
