If reports are true that Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry plans to veto SB 181, the bill targeting sweepstakes-based games, operators may get a crucial second chance to make their case in Baton Rouge. Given that SB 181 passed unanimously in both chambers of the Louisiana legislature, reintroduction in 2026 seems likely, though.
Landry’s veto might afford opportunities to adjust the bill’s language in the lead-up to the 2026 legislative session to garner Landry’s support. Meeting Landry’s preferences could provide a more favorable landscape for the operators of websites offering these games.
Landry’s decision could maintain status quo in Louisiana
According to Howard Glaser, Global Head of Government Affairs and Legislative Counsel at Light & Wonder, Louisiana statehouse insiders believe that the anticipated veto “won’t impact the state’s power to conduct investigations and enforcement activity.” Glaser noted that despite the veto, the sweeps bill will be reintroduced, signaling that the issue remains far from resolved.
SB 181 only needs Landry’s signature to become law in Louisiana after the Louisiana Senate voted unanimously to advance the bill on June 2, and the Louisiana House of Representatives also unanimously concurred with the Senate on June 4.
That would most likely mean a failure for proponents of the bill for 2025, as there is no veto session scheduled in Louisiana for the year. The regular session ends on June 12, probably leaving legislators no time to organize an override vote.
Landry’s office has not responded to requests for comment as of the time of this article. For members of trade organizations for sweepstakes gaming companies, the rumored veto would be welcome news.
Trade associations denounced SB 181
Organizations like the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) and the Social & Promotional Games Association both released statements criticizing SB 181 as it moved through the process in Baton Rouge. These groups called the bill a misclassification of sweepstakes games and claimed that the bill’s enactment would lead to regrets for leaders in Louisiana.
In a formal statement, the Social & Promotional Games Association (SPGA) wrote:
“This misguided legislation endangers lawful businesses and sends a chilling message to investors, jeopardizing Louisiana’s burgeoning tech sector. These games operate under strict ‘no purchase necessary’ rules, and the vast majority of users never spend a dime. Lumping these games in with gambling is not just legally inaccurate—it’s economically and culturally tone-deaf.”
The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) echoed that sentiment in a June statement:
“We regret the passage of legislation that will deprive the state’s residents of popular, free-to-play entertainment enjoyed by millions nationwide. Lawmakers have fallen for a campaign of deliberate misinformation designed to eliminate legitimate competition and silence innovative platforms.”
Because of the strong support it received in the Louisiana legislature, some social casino operators preemptively stopped accepting paid entries to their games from people in Louisiana. Given the bill’s tenets, it’s not difficult to understand why.
SB 181 creates broad restrictions for sweepstakes games
As forwarded to Landry by the legislature, SB 181 makes many facets of the games offered by sweepstakes casino sites explicitly illegal. The bill’s language targets any websites offering casino-style games that utilize a dual-currency system wherein those currencies may be redeemed for anything of value, for example.
Additionally, the bill criminalizes game developers and other vendors providing services to websites that offer such games. Penalties for violations of the potential statute include thousands of dollars in fines and prison time.
With a potential reprieve coming from Landry, operators and their service partners could have an opportunity to discuss terms with legislators who sponsored SB 181. The votes suggest changing minds on the subject could be an uphill climb, though.
Operators could have second chance to plead case
One of the criticisms from sweepstakes gaming trade groups is that the Louisiana legislature took little action to garner feedback from them on the effects of SB 181 and the need to enact such legislation. The rest of 2025, going into the 2026 session in Baton Rouge, might afford opportunities to have those conversations.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that SB 181 sponsors will reintroduce the bill in 2026, likely expecting a similar outcome in the legislature. They might have to make significant adjustments to get Landry’s signature, however.
Landry might be about to give social casinos the time they need to try to have some input on those adjustments. At the very least, SB 181’s enactment is not a sure thing at this moment.
