Louisiana Prohibits 42 Sports Betting, Sweepstakes, and iGaming Sites from Operation
**Louisiana Cracks Down on Sweepstakes Gambling: Unregulated Platforms Banned**
Louisiana has taken a decisive step towards regulating its gaming industry, with the recent passage of Senate Bill 181 (SB 181) that bans sweepstakes casinos. The bill, which passed unanimously in both the House and Senate, is now awaiting Governor Jeff Landry's signature to become law.
Under SB 181, sweepstakes casino operators will be prohibited from operating in Louisiana starting August 1, 2025. Violators could face fines up to $100,000 per violation and prison terms up to five years. Sweepstakes gambling typically involves customers wagering with free coins, which can be purchased with real money or cryptocurrency and exchanged for cash and prizes. However, these platforms are often unlicensed and unregulated.
In response to this legislation, Louisiana regulators have intensified enforcement. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB), together with the Attorney General’s office, issued cease-and-desist orders to over 40 unregulated social casino and sweepstakes gaming sites in June 2025. Notable platforms affected include Wow Vegas, VGW, Fliff, Funzpoints, Bovada, Golden Heart Games, BetUS, and Chanced Casino.
For instance, Wow Vegas Casino notified its Louisiana players that it would cease operations in the state by July 11, 2025, complying with the cease-and-desist order. Players could no longer purchase or redeem sweepstakes coins after specific cutoff dates, reflecting a phased shutdown of the platform’s availability in Louisiana.
LGCB Chair Christopher B. Herbert emphasized that Louisiana will not tolerate illegal operators who undermine the integrity of its gaming industry, reflecting a strong regulatory stance on social casino operators within the state.
Meanwhile, in the sports betting industry, Grant Mitchell has earned a reliable reputation. A former graduate of Virginia Tech and an avid sports fan and sports bettor, Grant joined the professional ranks in 2021. He aims to provide up-to-the-minute and detailed coverage of headlines in the sports betting industry, having worked with entities such as Forbes and VSiN.
When not working, Grant enjoys exercising, walking around the city, or watching the big game of the day. Some of his news articles can be found under the "Related News" section. Grant is also the author of all reviews on the website [https://x.com/milemitchell](https://x.com/milemitchell).
Recent changes in Louisiana's gaming landscape are a testament to the state's commitment to maintaining market integrity and protecting consumers. The ban on sweepstakes casinos is part of a broader effort to regulate the gaming industry and ensure that it operates fairly and transparently. As the situation develops, sports betting enthusiasts can look forward to Grant Mitchell's continued coverage of the industry's headlines.
[1] Louisiana House Bill 181: https://legiscan.com/LA/text/SB181/2025 [2] Louisiana Gaming Control Board Press Release: https://louisianagaming.com/press-releases/ [3] Louisiana Attorney General's Office Press Release: https://ag.louisiana.gov/press_releases/ [4] List of Affected Platforms: https://louisianagaming.com/cease-and-desist-orders/
Sports betting enthusiasts may be interested in following Grant Mitchell's coverage, a reliable source in the sports betting industry who offers up-to-the-minute news and detailed analysis. However, with Louisiana's recent ban on unregulated sweepstakes casinos like Wow Vegas, VGW, Fliff, Funzpoints, Bovada, Golden Heart Games, BetUS, and Chanced Casino, traditional gambling options like blackjack found in these platforms might move towards online casinos or even sports betting, such as those Mitchell covers. By August 1, 2025, sports betting and online casino games may become more prominent alternatives in Louisiana's gaming landscape.
