Louisiana is taking a tougher stance on sweepstakes gambling with the introduction of House Bill 53 (HB 53). Filed by Representative Bryan Fontenot in January 2026, the legislation does not ban sweepstakes casinos outright. Instead, it proposes adding a range of gambling offenses—including electronic sweepstakes wagering and unlawful betting—to the state’s racketeering statute. The goal is to provide law enforcement and prosecutors with broader tools to pursue not only operators but also affiliates, vendors, and any parties facilitating illegal gambling activity.
Expanding Legal Enforcement
HB 53 represents a shift in strategy for Louisiana regulators. Rather than creating new prohibitions, the bill leverages existing racketeering laws to address sweepstakes gambling at an enterprise level. Once these offenses are classified as racketeering, prosecutors could pursue large-scale cases involving multiple actors, with potential consequences including conspiracy charges, asset forfeiture, and extended investigations.
This approach builds on previous enforcement actions. In 2025, Governor Jeff Landry vetoed legislation that would have prohibited sweepstakes casinos, maintaining that current laws were sufficient. Regulators, however, have acted independently. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board, together with state police, issued more than 40 cease-and-desist orders against sweepstakes operators last year, reinforcing the state’s position that these operations violate existing gambling laws. Attorney General Liz Murrill labeled the sweepstakes model illegal, signaling strong enforcement priorities.
Possible Effects on Operators
For operators, HB 53 could dramatically increase risk. Racketeering charges carry far heavier penalties than standard gambling violations, including decades-long prison sentences and substantial fines. Legal analysts suggest the bill could discourage both large and small sweepstakes operators from continuing activities in Louisiana. However, some observers caution that the broad definitions included in HB 53 could inadvertently capture smaller operators or affiliates who lack the resources to navigate complex legal challenges.
The legislation also reflects wider trends in state gambling policy. Instead of banning certain games outright, lawmakers are increasingly modifying existing statutes to give authorities more robust enforcement capabilities. Louisiana’s focus is on holding operators accountable while using proven legal frameworks to address gray-market gambling, such as sweepstakes casinos, without the need to craft entirely new prohibitions.
Legislative Path Forward
HB 53 is currently in its early stages and has been referred to the House Administration of Criminal Justice Committee. As it progresses, lawmakers will debate critical details, including the definition of gambling offenses covered and whether any exemptions should be included to prevent unintended consequences for minor operators. Stakeholders will likely weigh the need for strong enforcement against the risk of overly broad application.
This move underscores Louisiana’s broader policy direction: strengthening enforcement of existing laws, particularly at the enterprise level, to combat unlicensed and gray-market gambling. By framing sweepstakes activities as racketeering offenses, HB 53 aims to provide authorities with enhanced legal tools to target operators, affiliates, and networks, reflecting a strategic shift toward comprehensive regulation rather than piecemeal bans.
Source:
“Louisiana’s New Bill Aims to Strengthen Enforcement Against Sweepstakes Gambling”, news.worldcasinodirectory.com, February 3, 2026
The post Louisiana HB 53 Targets Sweepstakes Through Racketeering Laws first appeared on RealMoneyAction.com.