Mississippi Lawmaker Proposes Sweepstakes Casino Ban
Some sweepstakes operators have already ceased operations in Mississippi, including Bovada. But recently, Mississippi Senator Joey Fillingane has proposed a ban on more sweepstakes casino platforms. He introduced a bill that seeks to prohibit computerized online sweepstakes casinos, and along with this, the bill also aims to ban online racebooks and online sports pools.
Online sweepstakes casino platforms are facing mounting scrutiny as State Senator Joey Fillingane of Mississippi initiates new legislation aimed at prohibiting these platforms across the state. Senator Fillingane has filed Senate Bill 2510 (SB 2510), a measure seeking to amend the Mississippi Code of 1972 in order to outlaw online, computerized, or interactive sweepstakes casinos. The proposed bill explicitly states that the operation or availability of these platforms within Mississippi will be deemed unlawful.
Crackdown on online gambling
In addition to banning sweepstakes casinos, SB 2510 also extends its prohibition to online racebooks as well as online sports pools, aiming for a comprehensive approach to digital gambling restrictions. "The offering for play or operating an online or interactive platform that offers for play such games within the State of Mississippi shall be deemed unlawful," the measure states.
The bill proposes stringent penalties for individuals and businesses that have been found to violate the provisions. Those convicted of offering or operating online sweepstakes casino-style games could face felony charges, fines of as much as $100,000 for every violation, and as much as 10 years in prison. Additionally, the legislation allows for the "forfeiture of assets, rights, and privileges used in connection with violations."
To ensure compliance, SB 2510 grants law enforcement the authority to dismantle and destroy any machines or devices associated with online sweepstakes operations. This ban extends to the riverboat gaming sector in Mississippi, further reinforcing the state's commitment to restricting these platforms.
Ambiguities in the bill
Despite the bill's aggressive stance, one of its main criticisms is its lack of clarity regarding the definition of 'online sweepstakes casino-style games.' The language within the measure fails to explicitly define what constitutes an online sweepstakes casino, leaving room for potential legal challenges. Mississippi Gaming Commission's Executive Director Jay McDaniel has voiced concerns, stating that while he believes sweepstakes casinos are unlawful, the bill does not provide a precise legal definition.
SB 2510 marks the only gaming-related legislation introduced by Fillingane during the 2025 legislative session. The bill has been transferred to the Judiciary, Division B Committee for a more thorough review and discussion.
Nationwide developments in sweepstakes regulation
Mississippi is not the only state examining its stance on sweepstakes casinos. Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese of New Jersey recently proposed Bill A5196, which recommends designating gaming sites and sweepstakes casinos and as regulated entities.
The New Jersey bill provides a clear definition of sweepstakes, outlining them as games that do not require an initial monetary investment to play but instead operate primarily with free currency. Players can also earn rewards either at random, through bundled purchases, or by completing specified tasks.
Under Calabrese's proposal, sweepstakes operators would need to apply for a 'casino service industry enterprise license,' bringing them under the regulatory oversight of the state's gambling authorities. The bill is currently under review by the Assembly, Tourism, Gaming, and the Arts Committee.
Future implications
With SB 2510 under review, Mississippi lawmakers must decide whether to advance the legislation and how to address its definitional gaps. If it is passed, the bill would impose some of the harshest penalties on online sweepstakes casinos in the United States.
As the debate moves on, stakeholders in the sweepstakes gaming industry as well gaming regulators will be closely tuned to how Mississippi proceeds with the proposed crackdown and whether other states will follow suit in tightening regulations on sweepstakes casinos.
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