Key Takeaways
- House Bill 53 in Louisiana seeks to reclassify illegal gambling ventures, including sweepstakes establishments, as racketeering offenses punishable by up to five decades imprisonment and seven-figure fines
- Both legislative chambers approved the measure—86–11 in the House and 27–9 in the Senate—sending it to Governor Jeff Landry for final approval
- In 2025, Gov. Landry rejected comparable anti-sweepstakes legislation, dismissing it as unnecessary overreach
- House Bill 883, a companion measure focused exclusively on digital sweepstakes platforms, received unanimous House approval at 99–0
- Under HB 883, individuals or entities enabling unlawful sweepstakes operations could incur penalties reaching $40,000 and five-year prison sentences for each infraction
Louisiana lawmakers have taken decisive action to combat illegal gambling by advancing legislation that would elevate such offenses to racketeering crimes, now awaiting the governor’s final determination.
Representative Bryan Fontenot’s House Bill 53 proposes incorporating multiple gambling violations into the state’s racketeering framework. This expansion would encompass sweepstakes gaming venues, unauthorized public wagering, digital betting platforms, and corruption involving athletic competitions.
The consequences are severe. Convicted individuals could receive sentences up to five decades of hard labor imprisonment alongside monetary penalties reaching $1 million.
When racketeering proceeds surpass $10,000, offenders must serve no less than five years before becoming eligible for any form of release, including probation or parole.
The House approved the legislation on March 30 by an 86–11 margin. The Senate subsequently endorsed it 27–9 on April 27.
With no modifications introduced during legislative review, the bill proceeded rapidly through enrollment procedures. House leadership endorsed it April 29, followed by Senate approval on May 4.
Governor Jeff Landry must now determine whether to enact or reject the proposed legislation.
Previous Veto Complicates Current Prospects
The governor’s decision remains uncertain. During 2025, Landry rejected comparable anti-sweepstakes legislation that reached his office.
He maintained that existing regulatory mechanisms—including the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, state law enforcement, and the Attorney General’s authority—provided sufficient enforcement capabilities.
In his June veto message, Landry characterized the rejected bill as addressing a nonexistent crisis and cautioned that its expansive terminology could disrupt active enforcement initiatives.
Following that veto, the Gaming Control Board verified it had delivered cease-and-desist notifications to sweepstakes businesses and international gambling websites.
Notwithstanding those regulatory measures, legislators renewed their efforts with fresh proposals during this session.
Chief Deputy Attorney General Larry Frieman advocated for HB 53 during committee proceedings, contending Louisiana requires enhanced legal instruments to combat unauthorized gambling activities.
Companion Legislation Targets Digital Sweepstakes Specifically
Beyond HB 53, another measure addressing sweepstakes gaming is progressing through the legislature. Representative Laurie Schlegel’s House Bill 883 represents a parallel effort.
The House unanimously endorsed that proposal on April 14 with a 99–0 tally. The Senate Judiciary B Committee subsequently issued a favorable recommendation on April 28.
While HB 53 employs comprehensive racketeering provisions, HB 883 specifically addresses dual-currency sweepstakes systems that replicate conventional gambling experiences.
The measure broadens illegal gambling definitions beyond operators to encompass anyone supplying technological platforms, gaming content, geographic verification services, marketing assistance, or promotional media for these activities.
Individuals or organizations consciously supporting illegal sweepstakes face maximum fines of $40,000 plus imprisonment up to five years. Significantly, each individual wager constitutes a distinct offense.
The legislation additionally authorizes Attorney General Liz Murrill’s office to pursue court injunctions against violators.
HB 883 currently awaits review by the Senate Legislative Bureau, the same entity that processed HB 53 in late April. Both measures maintain substantial regulatory pressure on sweepstakes operators as Louisiana’s legislative session progresses.
