The ruling came after state Sen. Rick Edmonds asked for clarity following Gov. Jeff Landry’s veto of SB 181, a bill that would have specifically banned these sites. Under this opinion, operators could face criminal charges, civil penalties, or be forced to cease operations immediately.
This move places Louisiana alongside other states cracking down on sweepstakes gambling platforms.
AG’s Legal Opinion and Findings
In her detailed letter, Murrill reviewed multiple Louisiana statutes and court precedents to conclude that sweepstakes casinos offering casino-style games—including slots, blackjack, and poker—violate the state’s definition of illegal gambling.
These platforms typically sell “Gold Coins” and award “Sweeps Coins” as a bonus in the same dollar amount, which players can redeem for cash prizes. According to the AG’s office, this setup is not a harmless promotion but a form of unauthorized gaming that bypasses regulatory safeguards.
Murrill also criticized the so-called sweepstakes model as misleading, noting that these sites operate year-round and do not function like legitimate promotional contests run by established businesses. They lack essential protections such as age verification, geolocation checks, and know-your-customer controls.
By offering immediate access to wagering and prize redemption, sweepstakes casinos essentially perform the same functions as licensed gaming facilities—but without oversight or consumer protections.
Possible Consequences and Next Steps
With the opinion now public, operators of sweepstakes casinos in Louisiana may receive cease-and-desist notices from the Attorney General’s office and the Louisiana Gaming Control Board.
Those who continue operations could face up to five years’ imprisonment, fines of up to $20,000, and additional civil actions under consumer protection laws. The Department of Justice, in coordination with state police, is empowered to shut down non-compliant platforms and seize assets related to illegal gambling.
For players, the ruling means any remaining sweepstakes sites will likely block Louisiana residents or halt cash redemptions in the coming days. Industry observers expect some operators to withdraw voluntarily to avoid legal exposure.
Meanwhile, lawmakers may revisit legislative approaches to reinforce the AG’s opinion, potentially drafting new bills that codify these prohibitions and clarify enforcement authority.
As Louisiana takes a firm stance, sweepstakes casinos nationwide are watching closely. This decision may influence other states still evaluating their approaches to dual-currency gaming. In the Pelican State, however, the message is clear: online sweepstakes casinos have crossed the legal line—and they must shut down or face serious penalties.
