Three States Send Sweepstakes Casino Bans to Governors

Sweepstakes casino bans hit three states at once

Lawmakers in Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Tennessee have all passed bills that aim to restrict or outright ban sweepstakes casinos. Each bill now sits on its governor's desk for final action.

Louisiana's HB 53 would reclassify sweepstakes casino operations as racketeering. The bill adds illegal gambling - including sweepstakes platforms - to the definition of racketeering, carrying penalties of up to 50 years and fines up to $1 million.

Oklahoma's SB 1589 targets both operators and suppliers. Under the bill, running a sweepstakes casino becomes a Class C felony punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.

Tennessee took a broader approach. HB 1885/SB 2136 bans any platform that uses virtual, dual-currency, or multi-currency systems to mimic lottery, slot machines, sports betting, table games, and video poker. The bill gives state regulators expanded investigation and enforcement powers.

Governors hold the final word in 10 days (or 5)

Each state gives its governor different timeframes to act before a bill becomes law without a signature. In Louisiana and Tennessee, governors have 10 days (excluding Sundays). Oklahoma's governor gets 5 days, also excluding Sundays.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry previously vetoed a sweepstakes casino ban. But back in January 2024, his administration sent 40 cease-and-desist letters to sweepstakes casinos, indicating enforcement priority. It's unclear whether he'll sign HB 53 or veto again.

Oklahoma's bill came after input from tribal nations. The state's tribes previously pushed a sports betting bill, but the measure failed amid tensions between lawmakers and Gov. Kevin Stitt over tribal compacts.

Growing list of states acting against sweepstakes casinos

If all three governors sign, Oklahoma would join Maine and Indiana as states that banned sweepstakes casinos in 2026. States like California, New Jersey, and New York passed similar bans in 2025.

That's six states in roughly a year - and it reflects a clear national trend. Since 2025, legislators across the country have moved to prohibit sweepstakes casino models, with more than a dozen states introducing legislation to restrict or ban dual-currency platforms entirely. Expect more states to introduce similar legislation.

Penalties vary widely across the three bills

The three bills take noticeably different approaches. Louisiana's racketeering framework is the harshest by far. If a district attorney pursues racketeering charges, an operator could face decades in prison - on par with charges for violent crime. The million-dollar fine also stands out.

Oklahoma takes a lighter approach: a Class C felony brings up to 30 days in jail and relatively small fines. That's minimal compared to Louisiana's penalties. But this bill also targets suppliers, meaning software makers and distribution partners could face prosecution.

Tennessee deliberately went broad. Rather than tie enforcement to specific penalties, the law hands the state investigative power to pursue different models as they emerge.

What this means for players

If you're on an operator like Legendz, Fortune Wins, or American Luck, these bills target the sites you probably use. If they're signed into law, the operators can't accept Louisiana, Oklahoma, or Tennessee players. They'll likely restrict access just like states enact sports betting laws.

Operators have shown in other states that geoblocking kicks in the day a ban law takes effect.

Next steps and timeline

All three governors will take action by mid-to-late May 2026. News sites should track each decision as they come. Once signed, effective dates vary - but bans usually take effect within 30 to 90 days.

Watch for state regulators announced guidance too.