Louisiana Pulls the Trigger Against Sweepstakes Casinos

The state has finally passed and enacted a law that now officially bans sweepstakes casinos in Louisiana. Following a signature by Gov. Jeff Landry, the state will no longer allow the operation of sweepstakes casinos. 

Louisiana has led a long-winding campaign against the sector, with HB 883 and companion bill HB 53 finally landing on Gov. Landry’s desk and receiving the nod from the elected official, while the ban took effect on August 1, 2026.

New Bills Now Prohibit Sweepstakes in Louisiana with Governor’s Blessing

What this means is that sweepstakes casinos, betting and gaming websites will no longer be allowed to do business in the state. 

The bills specifically argue that activities that simulate “any form of gambling” and use dual-currency systems of payments that allow players to exchange them for prizes, awards, cash, or cash equivalents are prohibited in the state. 

Gov. Landry has not been heavy-handed in the matter. A previous proposal pitched to him in 2025 did not make it through after the governor argued that the original bill was too broad and risked inadvertently impacting a wider selection of activities or being misinterpreted for purposes outside of sweepstakes casinos. 

Even if the 2025 legal effort failed, the state still sent cease-and-desist letters to Global Poker, LuckyLand, Stake, Chumba, Modo and others. 

Louisiana to Now Mete Out Criminal Charges Against Offenders 

Some smaller brands were also served these notices and continued to operate despite the state’s demands, but the passage of HB 883 will now make it harder for them to do so, as Louisiana would have the legal recourse to pursue offenders much more harshly than before. 

Moving forward, operators and individuals who may be involved in any way in facilitating sweepstakes gambling would face harsh penalties as outlined by the new regulatory framework, with potential cases brought against such offending parties involving criminal offenses and prison sentences of up to 50 years.