Three More States on Deck to Ban Sweepstakes Casinos

In Connecticut, Nevada, and Louisiana, anti-sweepstakes casino bills have nearly passed. Assuming the respective Governors don't veto them, there will be four states that have effectively banned the dual-currency model online casino platforms. 

The first to do so was Montana with SB555. That ban goes into effect on October 1. 

Assessing Each Bill

Starting with Nevada, SB256 has been sent to Governor Joe Lombardo. The bill was introduced in February and passed easily in both the House and Senate. This comes as sweepstakes casinos tend to avoid Nevada anyway due to existing laws, but SB256 will enhance penalties for all illegal platforms. 

In Connecticut, the state was up against a deadline, but it managed to pass through the House expeditiously and will now land on Governor Ned Lamont's desk. 

This comes after Connecticut and High 5 agreed to a $1.5 million settlement. 

The bill in Connecticut, SB1235, will ban lottery ticket couriers, allow the state to enter into gaming pacts with other states, clarify gambling advertisement laws, and ban any unlicensed company that “facilitates participation in any real or simulated online casino gaming or sports wagering.” That last bit is what mostly pertains to sweepstakes casinos. 

Finally, SB181 in Louisiana has passed and is on its way to Governor Jeff Landry. Filed in April, this bill is quite strong on its enforcement. It'll give the Louisiana Gaming Control Board and the State Police full civil enforcement power. This is something typically reserved for the Attorney General. Fines can be up to $100,000 and/or up to five years in prison. 

Other States With Ban Potential

In addition to these upcoming bans, Ohio is considering legalizing real-money online casinos while banning sweepstakes casinos. HB298 is currently on its way to the appropriate committee. It was introduced by Reps. Brian Stewart and Marilyn John. 

Other Bills Introduced That Are Anti-Sweeps

In addition to Nevada, Connecticut, Louisiana, Montana, and Ohio, there were seven other bills introduced to eliminate sweepstakes casinos. 

These bills were filed in New Jersey, New York, Illinois, Arkansas, Maryland, Mississippi, and Florida. 

Currently, the only bills still in progress are those in New Jersey and New York. The current New York legislative session ends on June 12. 

Other than that, the bills in Illinois, Arkansas, Maryland, Mississippi, and Florida have failed.