Mississippi lawmakers have again taken up the issue of sweepstakes casinos, introducing legislation that seeks to prohibit the platforms under state law. Senate Bill 2104 was filed on January 9, 2026, by Sen. Joey Fillingane, a Republican, and Sen. David Blount, a Democrat. The bill proposes updates to Mississippi’s criminal gambling statutes by expanding what constitutes illegal gaming and by increasing penalties for violations. It has been referred to the Senate Judiciary, Division B Committee, where it currently awaits consideration.
Online Sweepstakes Explicitly Labeled as Illegal
A central element of SB2104 is its effort to clarify that online gambling platforms fall within the scope of illegal gaming devices. The proposal amends multiple sections of the Mississippi Code of 1972 to cover internet-based games. The bill states:
“Any online, interactive, or computerized version of any game … including, but not limited to, online race books, online sports pools, and online sweepstakes casino-style games, is hereby declared to be a gambling device, and the offering for play or operating an online or interactive platform that offers for play such games within the State of Mississippi shall be deemed unlawful under the provisions of this section.”
Elsewhere, the legislation explicitly provides that “online sweepstakes casinos” are illegal gambling activities under Mississippi law. The bill also extends liability to those who promote such platforms, not just operators.
Harsher Penalties and Enforcement Authority
SB2104 would elevate consequences for violations by classifying the operation of an online platform facilitating illegal wagering as a felony offense. Convictions could carry fines reaching $100,000, prison sentences of up to 10 years, or both. The bill also authorizes the forfeiture of assets, rights, and privileges connected to illegal gaming activity.
Under the proposal, prosecutors would have flexibility in choosing whether to bring cases in the county where the alleged offense occurred or in Hinds County. The Mississippi Gaming Commission would gain authority to enter contingency-fee arrangements for pursuing forfeiture actions tied to illegal gambling. While the bill broadens enforcement powers, it does not reference the “dual-currency” model used by many sweepstakes casinos, which some other states have addressed explicitly.
Legislative History And National Context
The proposal follows a failed 2025 attempt in which the Senate approved a sweepstakes casino ban that later collapsed after the House added provisions to legalize sports betting. That disagreement between chambers prevented final passage. Even so, regulators showed a tougher posture last year when the Mississippi Gaming Commission issued a cease-and-desist order to Chumba Casino in June.
Mississippi’s renewed effort comes as more states focus on sweepstakes casinos. Maine, Indiana, and Florida have already filed or pre-filed similar bills for the 2026 session. Indiana has held an initial hearing, Maine is scheduled to begin discussion on January 14, and Florida’s session opens January 13. Virginia and Iowa are also preparing legislation addressing unregulated online gaming.
As SB2104 awaits committee scheduling, its prospects may hinge on whether lawmakers can avoid the internal conflicts that derailed the previous attempt, particularly as other states continue moving toward outright bans.
Source:
“Mississippi Begins New Sweepstakes Casino Ban Push with SB2104”, gamblinginsider.com, January 12, 2026
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