Louisiana governor vetoes sweepstakes ban
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has vetoed a bill that would have banned the operation of online sweepstakes sites.
SB181 sought to impose enforcement rules that included fines of up to US$100,000 and jail terms of up to five years for operators who breached the ban.
The bill received unanimous bipartisan support in the House and Senate. Still, in a letter explaining his veto, Gov. Landry stated that the current enforcement regime was sufficient to tackle illegal or harmful operators.
“This bill attempts to criminalize certain secondary gambling activities on the internet that are already prohibited in Louisiana. Our current Louisiana Gaming Control Board has the regulatory authority, control, and jurisdiction over all aspects of gaming activities and operations pursuant to the Louisiana Gaming Control Law,” the letter read.
Sweepstakes platforms allow people to play casino-style games, including slots and table games like roulette and blackjack, using virtual currencies, which can be exchanged for cash or prizes.
Sweepstakes businesses are not covered by state gaming laws, and don’t pay the taxes usually levied on gambling companies. Other states, including New York, have also taken action to curb the activities of sweepstakes operators.
Gov. Landry’s veto letter does not express support for sweepstakes casinos but raises concerns that the bill’s language was too vague and could impact existing enforcement actions.
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Charlotte Capewell brings her passion for storytelling and expertise in writing, researching, and the gambling industry to every article she writes. Her specialties include the US gambling industry, regulator legislation, igaming, and more.
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