- Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry vetoed SB 181 on June 12, 2025, which unanimously passed to ban sweepstakes casinos, calling it “not necessary” and “overly broad.”
- SB 181 targeted dual-currency systems, with fines up to $100,000; the SPGA praised the veto, saying sweepstakes are legal, free-to-play entertainment.
- The veto preserves sweepstakes in Louisiana’s $2.7B gambling market, but the LGCB will keep targeting illegal operators; a veto override is unlikely.
Why Landry Vetoed the Bill
Landry rejected SB 181, deeming it “not necessary” and “overly broad,” as the Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) already combats illegal gambling, including offshore and sweepstakes sites. The bill, passed 99-0 in the House and 39-0 in the Senate, aimed to outlaw dual-currency systems used by sweepstakes platforms, which critics argue skirt gambling laws.
Landry’s June 12 veto letter noted that the LGCB’s cease-and-desist actions, like against Bovada, show current laws work. You can see his logic: why add new rules when regulators are handling it?
See also:
- Oklahoma Tribal Nations Drive $23.4B Economic Boom, Led by Gaming
- Illegal Operators Dominate US Online Gambling with 74% of Revenue
- DraftKings’ 50-Cent Fee in Illinois Sparks Debate Over Sports Betting Costs
Details of the Vetoed Bill
SB 181, proposed by Sen. Adam Bass, sought to ban online games using dual-currency systems—where players use free or purchased virtual coins, like Gold or Sweepstakes Coins, to win prizes or cash.
Violators faced $10,000–$100,000 fines and up to five years in prison. The bill also targeted suppliers, promoters, and affiliates supporting such platforms. The Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA) praised the veto, arguing sweepstakes aren’t gambling but legal, free-to-play entertainment used by brands like Starbucks.
You might notice the stakes: the bill’s scope could’ve disrupted legitimate businesses.
Impact on Louisiana’s Gambling Industry
Louisiana’s $2.7 billion gambling market, including tribal casinos and sports betting, remains a battleground for regulation. The veto keeps sweepstakes platforms like Chumba Casino operational, delighting players but frustrating brick-and-mortar casinos, like those in Bossier City, which backers like Rep. Debbie Villio said SB 181 would protect. For you, this means continued access to sweepstakes games, but X posts warn of risks on unlicensed sites lacking consumer protections.
Other states like Montana and Connecticut banned sweepstakes in 2025, showing a national split. You might ask: will Louisiana stay a safe haven for these games?
What’s Next for Sweepstakes in Louisiana
The legislature could override Landry’s veto with a two-thirds majority, but Louisiana hasn’t overridden a veto outside special sessions since 1974, making it unlikely. The LGCB will continue issuing cease-and-desist letters to non-compliant operators, per Landry’s letter.
You might be curious about safe play: stick to reputable sweepstakes platforms complying with Louisiana’s laws, verified via the LGCB’s site. With the SPGA hailing the veto as a win for innovation, Louisiana’s sweepstakes market stays alive, but ongoing enforcement will shape its $2.7 billion gambling future.
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