Louisiana House Votes To Ban Sweepstakes Casinos

On Monday, the Louisiana House of Representatives approved a ban on sweepstakes casinos. 

With very little discussion, the House, on a 99-0 vote, approved Senate Bill 181 by Sen. Adam Bass, R-Bossier City. Rep. Debbie Villio, R-Kenner, presented the bill in the House. She said the bill's purpose is to protect licensed Louisiana gaming operators and ban illegal iGaming.

On May 29, the Senate approved SB181 on a 39-0 vote. For a bill to become law, it must win approval in the full House and Senate before going to Gov. Jeff Landry for consideration. The 2025 legislative session ends June 12 at the Capitol in Baton Rouge, pictured.

Opponents contend sweepstakes casinos don't face the same state oversight and taxation requirements as the legal gaming industry. According to The New York Times, sweepstakes casinos operate in most states. Nationwide, other states, including Louisiana, are attempting to ban sweepstakes casinos. 

According to the Times, sweepstakes casino participants buy coins with “no monetary value." Players can use those coins to play digital slot machines and redeem sweepstakes cash for real money.

“Sweepstakes casinos pay no gambling tax — thanks to the loophole they use to avoid being classified as gambling,” the Times reported.

Previously, the Social and Promotional Games Association issued a statement criticizing the effort in Louisiana to ban sweepstakes casinos.

“These games operate under strict 'no purchase necessary' rules, ensuring they remain free to play for everyone,” the association said. “In fact, the vast majority of users never spend a dime—they play for entertainment and the excitement of winning real prizes at no cost. Lumping these games in with gambling is not just legally inaccurate—it’s economically and culturally tone-deaf.”

Legal iGaming Limited to a Handful of States

According to the American Gaming Association, iGaming is legal in only seven states, from Michigan to Rhode Island. It is not legal in the South or West.

Online casino gambling allows participants to use a cellphone or computer to play slots, craps and other traditional casino games legally for real money.

In Louisiana, the Senate Committees on Judiciary B and Revenue and Fiscal Affairs met on Dec. 11, 2024, to study iGaming as required by Senate Resolution 149 of the 2024 Regular Session. The Legislature has not considered any bills to legalize iGaming this session.

Though Louisiana does not allow iGaming, it is one of 38 states, plus Washington, D.C., where online sports betting is legal and live. Mobile sports betting also is legal in a 39th state, Missouri, but will not go live there until Dec. 1. 

Gaming, Sports-Related Measures Requiring Final Action

Below is the outstanding gaming and sports-related legislation under consideration in Louisiana:

• House Bill 639: This bill by Rep. Neil Riser, R-Columbia, would increase the tax on online sports betting from 15% to 21.5%. The amended bill was approved on May 21 in the House with a 74-16 vote. On Tuesday, May 27, it was referred to the Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs. 
• For the sports-betting tax increase to take effect, House Bill 594 by Rep. Chance Henry, R-Crowley, creating a flat insurance premium tax rate, also must be approved. On May 21, the full House approved HB594 on a 93-0 vote. It has also been referred to the Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs. 
• House Bill 547: This bill, by Rep. Chad Boyer, R-Breaux Bridge, would authorize fixed-odds wagering on horse racing. On May 29, it was voted off the Louisiana House floor on a 93-0 vote and referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary B.
• HCR 13: This measure by Rep. John Illg Jr., R-Harahan, requests that the Southeastern Conference schedule LSU football games after 6 p.m. in September “for health and safety reasons related to the heat during day games.” It was approved on May 22 in the House with an 86-0 vote. On June 1, it was reported as read by title in the Senate and concurred by a 36-0 vote. It was ordered returned to the House. 
• HR 30:  This resolution by Rep. Rhonda Butler, R-Ville Platte, would designate Opelousas as the horse capital of Louisiana. It is awaiting action in the House.
• SB90, by Sen. Rick Edmonds, R-Baton Rouge, prohibits betting or wagering on elections. It was approved in the House on June 2 on a 90-0 vote. It was previously approved in the Senate.

Meanwhile, in related national news, the Legislature in Illinois has passed a budget that includes a tax of 25 cents per wager on the first 20 million online sports bets made each fiscal year, rising to 50 cents per bet after, CNBC reported. Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued a statement saying he would sign the budget.

Get information on the Best Louisiana Sportsbooks from Gambling.com.