Louisiana lawmakers filed a bill that would explicitly ban the operation and promotion of online sweepstakes casinos and target the supply chain, making it the 10th state to propose a ban.
Sponsored by Senator Adam Bass, Senate Bill 181 aims to amend Louisiana’s laws governing gambling by computer to address what lawmakers describe as a proliferation of unregulated, casino-style games accessible via websites and mobile applications.
Key provisions of Senate Bill 181
Under the proposed legislation, individuals or entities that design, manage, or promote these types of games could face fines ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 per occurrence and up to five years in prison.
The bill would also categorize such conduct as an unfair or deceptive trade practice under Louisiana’s Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, allowing for additional civil penalties.
The bill further prohibits licensed gaming operators, employees, and associated vendors in Louisiana from being involved with any aspect of illegal online gambling, including sweepstakes casinos.
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board and the Department of Public Safety and Corrections would be authorized to investigate violations and initiate enforcement actions, including cease-and-desist orders and the shutdown of illegal websites.
Bill takes aim at the supply chain
Daniel Wallach highlighted several important provisions in the legislation. Wallach pointed out that SB 181 would provide the Louisiana Gaming Control Board with the standing to bring civil enforcement actions against unlawful conduct.
Specifically, the bill would allow the Board to seek orders “requiring the taking down of illegal gambling websites and illegal gaming mobile applications,” a remedy often seen in the federal Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (IGBA).
“This is an important addition because many state gaming regulatory agencies do not have standing to seek redress through the courts (in many cases, that’s the prerogative of the state attorney general), and are typically limited to issuing cease-and-desist letters, which (all too typical) often go unheeded by offshore operators.”
Wallach also emphasized that the bill’s provisions would apply not only to operators but to everyone in the supply chain. This includes licensees, employees, geolocation providers, gaming manufacturers, platform providers, investors, promoters, and media affiliates.
National anti-sweeps trend evolving
Louisiana is not alone in addressing these concerns. As of April 2025, 10 states have introduced similar legislation targeting sweepstakes casinos and other forms of unregulated online gambling.
In Maryland, Senate Bill 860 mirrors Louisiana’s approach by criminalizing the promotion and operation of online sweepstakes games, imposing penalties up to $100,000 and potential jail time.
Similarly, Maryland’s bill grants regulatory authorities the power to block noncompliant entities from operating in the state. These efforts reflect a growing trend to close loopholes that allow sweeps casinos to operate under promotional contests.