The bill that would ban online sweepstakes casinos in Louisiana is slated for debate on the House floor on Monday. If passed by the House, Senate Bill 181 would officially clear both chambers of the state legislature and be sent to Gov. Jeff Landry to be signed into law. (Or vetoed.)
Landry has not come out opposed to such a law, and it’s anticipated he would sign the bill if it remains how it is currently worded. If he signs, Louisiana would become the second state to oust sweeps casinos during the 2025 legislative session, joining Montana.
On April 29, SB 181 passed by a vote of 39-0 in the Senate chamber. It was submitted by Sen. Adam Bass, a Republican representing District 36.
‘Dual-currency’ payment structure
Louisiana currently permits online gaming, but this bill would add language that targets sweepstakes casino games. SB 181 says any game which relies on a “dual-currency” payment structure would be prohibited. In sweepstakes casino platforms, consumers do not wager with real money. Instead, they play with one of two forms of digital currency. Gold Coins have no redeemable value. Sweeps Coins, on the other hand, can be redeemed for cash — but they, themselves, have no real-world value. That loophole has allowed sweepstakes operators to argue their products are not banned under laws in most states, like Louisiana.
However, the sweepstakes industry has come under scrutiny in the U.S. in 2025, with 12 states introducing bills targeting sweeps operators in some way, and some states sending cease and desist letters to the operators.
Louisiana currently allows sweepstakes programs that do not offer casino-style games. Under SB 181, those types of legal sweepstakes would still be permitted.
The Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA) has thus far led the opposition to such legal measures to ban sweepstakes casinos. It argues that these applications, typically played on mobile devices and not requiring money to play, are legitimate entertainment that fall within the boundaries of sweepstakes gaming and giveaway programs.
If SB 181 is passed, it sets up penalties for violators of the law. Any sweepstakes casino or vendor violating the ban in Louisiana could face a fine as large as $100,000, as well as five years in prison.
