By State›Louisiana

Sweepstakes Casinos in Louisiana

BANNED in LA4.6M residentsStatus verified September 1, 2026

Banned since August 1, 2026 — HB 883 outlaws dual-currency sweepstakes casinos, and HB 53 attaches racketeering penalties that are the harshest in the country. Most major operators had already left after the 2025 cease-and-desist wave.

Legal Status in Louisiana

Sweepstakes casinos are banned in Louisiana. Effective August 1, 2026, HB 883 rewrites the state’s computer-wagering statute so that the mechanism every sweepstakes casino relies on — Gold Coins for fun play plus a second currency redeemable for cash or prizes — falls squarely inside the definition of illegal "gambling by computer". The definition covers slots, table games, bingo, and lottery-style titles, whether they run in a browser or an app.

A companion law, HB 53, goes further than any other state: it adds gambling by computer and gambling by electronic sweepstakes device to Louisiana’s racketeering statutes, exposing operators to penalties of up to 50 years and asset forfeiture. Both laws were signed by Gov. Jeff Landry in 2026 after he vetoed a broader ban (SB 181) in June 2025 as "overly broad" — the 2026 rewrite targeted the dual-currency model specifically.

In practice, little changed for players on August 1. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board had already sent cease-and-desist orders to dozens of sweepstakes platforms in 2025, and major operators — including Stake.us, Chumba, LuckyLand, and Global Poker — complied and exited the state well before the statute took effect. Our checks of current operator terms confirm the exits: Crown Coins and MegaBonanza, for example, both list Louisiana as an excluded jurisdiction (verified September 1, 2026). The penalties target companies, not players — but any platform still accepting Louisiana players today is operating illegally, which is exactly the kind of site to stay away from.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws change — verify current requirements with your state before playing.

How Louisiana Got Here: Bill Timeline

Jun 3, 2025
SB 181, the legislature’s first attempt at a sweepstakes ban, passes the Louisiana House 99-0 after clearing the Senate.
Jun 12, 2025
Gov. Jeff Landry vetoes SB 181, calling it "a solution in search of a problem that is already being solved" and warning the bill was overly broad.
Jun 2025
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board issues cease-and-desist orders to dozens of online sweepstakes casinos. Major operators including Stake.us, Chumba, LuckyLand, and Global Poker comply and exit Louisiana.
Spring 2026
Lawmakers return with a narrower two-bill package: HB 883 (dual-currency ban, passed the House in April) and HB 53 (racketeering penalties, sent to the governor in early May).
Mid-2026
Gov. Landry signs both bills. HB 883 redefines illegal "gambling by computer" to cover dual-currency casino-style games; HB 53 makes the offense a racketeering predicate.
Aug 1, 2026
Both laws take effect. Dual-currency sweepstakes casinos are illegal by statute in Louisiana, with operator penalties of up to 50 years under the racketeering law.

Louisiana FAQ

Are sweepstakes casinos legal in Louisiana?
No. As of August 1, 2026, HB 883 makes dual-currency sweepstakes casinos illegal by expanding Louisiana’s "gambling by computer" statute, and HB 53 makes operating one a racketeering predicate with penalties of up to 50 years for operators.
Can Louisiana players get in trouble for playing sweepstakes casinos?
The penalties in HB 883 and HB 53 are aimed at operators, platform providers, and payment processors — no new player penalties are described. But any site still serving Louisiana is operating illegally, with zero consumer protection if a redemption goes wrong. Don’t play or purchase on any platform that still accepts Louisiana.
What happens to my Sweeps Coins balance in Louisiana?
Contact the operator’s support directly and ask about redemption options — wind-down practices vary, and some operators honored redemption windows for departing states. Never buy coins on a site still serving Louisiana.
What gambling is still legal in Louisiana?
Commercial and tribal casinos, video poker, the state lottery, and licensed online sports betting in most parishes. Online casino play is not legal in Louisiana — and dual-currency sweepstakes casinos are now banned too.

Related Coverage

Louisiana's sweepstakes ban takes effect: full news coverage →Sweepstakes legality in all 50 states: our By State tracker →Casinos that publish clear state-eligibility terms: our reviews →

Check other states:

TexasFloridaNew JerseyIndianaPennsylvania