Louisiana is getting closer to a ban on sweepstakes casinos after Senate Bill 181 (SB181) was unanimously approved (99-to-0) by the House a week ago. If SB181 is signed into law, sweepstakes casinos would be banned on August 1, 2025.

This would make Louisiana the fourth state with an explicit ban on sweepstakes casinos.

The bill defines illegal sweepstakes gaming as “any game, contest, or promotion that is available on the internet or accessible on a mobile phone, computer terminal, or similar access device that utilizes a dual-currency system of payment allowing the player to exchange the currency for any prize or award or cash or cash equivalents.”

The forms of gambling included in this sweepstakes ban include casino-style gaming, lottery games, and sports wagering. Operators that violate this bill could get fined up to $100,000.

This bill in Louisiana highlights a recent sweepstakes crackdown that has been widespread across the United States.

The next step involves the bill going back to the Senate to see if there should be any amendments. After that, Gov. Jeff Landry will have to sign the bill to put it into law.