- Joined
- Mar 31, 2005
Lawmakers in Mississippi and Maryland are progressing with legislation aimed at banning sweepstakes gaming, a controversial sector that has faced increasing scrutiny from regulators, tribal leaders, and industry bodies.
Mississippi Tightens Regulations
Mississippi legislators are swiftly moving to prohibit online sweepstakes gaming, expanding on existing laws that already ban physical sweepstakes cafes.
On 12 March, the House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 2510 (SB 2510) with a decisive 83-19 vote. The bill, introduced by Senator Joey Fillingane, updates the Mississippi Code of 1972 to explicitly outlaw online sweepstakes casino games.
Unlike Maryland’s approach, Mississippi proposes stricter penalties. Those found operating illegal online sweepstakes could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000, elevating the offence from a misdemeanour to a felony.
Before passing the House, Representative Casey Eure, chair of the House Gaming Committee, added a provision to legalise online sports betting in Mississippi. However, this amendment has complicated the bill’s progress.
The Senate has previously rejected similar sports betting proposals, casting doubt over whether it will approve the revised SB 2510. Lawmakers must reach a decision before 21 March, the deadline for state budget and tax-related bills.
Maryland Follows Suit
On the same day, 12 March, the Maryland Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 860 (SB 860) with a 47-0 vote. The bill, introduced by Senator Paul Corderman, is now under review by the House of Representatives’ Ways and Means Committee.
SB 860 would prohibit the operation, promotion, and facilitation of online sweepstakes games. If passed, the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency would be barred from licensing such businesses and could revoke existing licences for illegal sweepstakes operators.
A parallel bill in the House, House Bill 1140 (HB 1140), contains identical wording but has faced committee delays and is yet to be voted on. SB 860 is expected to be discussed in the House on 20 March.
The bill defines sweepstakes games as mobile contests that allow players to use two types of currency, with one being convertible into cash or prizes. It seeks to ban online casino-style games, including slots, table games, poker, sports betting, lottery games, keno, and bingo. However, online games that do not offer real-money rewards would be exempt.
Violators could face misdemeanour charges, with penalties including up to three years in prison and fines between $10,000 and $100,000.
A Growing Crackdown on Sweepstakes Gaming
The move to ban sweepstakes gaming is part of a wider nationwide trend. Lawmakers and regulators argue that these platforms operate as unregulated online casinos, competing unfairly with licensed operators while avoiding tax obligations and consumer protections.
Opponents claim that sweepstakes models provide a legal alternative to traditional gambling, particularly in states where online casinos are not yet permitted. However, increasing legislative pressure suggests states are seeking to either regulate or eliminate these businesses.
New York Joins the Fight
New York is also advancing legislation to outlaw online sweepstakes games. A recently proposed strict ban would impose heavy penalties on operators, further signalling the growing push to clamp down on unregulated gaming. The full details of New York’s proposal can be found here.
As more states move to restrict sweepstakes gaming, the future of this industry remains uncertain.
Mississippi Tightens Regulations
Mississippi legislators are swiftly moving to prohibit online sweepstakes gaming, expanding on existing laws that already ban physical sweepstakes cafes.
On 12 March, the House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 2510 (SB 2510) with a decisive 83-19 vote. The bill, introduced by Senator Joey Fillingane, updates the Mississippi Code of 1972 to explicitly outlaw online sweepstakes casino games.
Unlike Maryland’s approach, Mississippi proposes stricter penalties. Those found operating illegal online sweepstakes could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000, elevating the offence from a misdemeanour to a felony.
Before passing the House, Representative Casey Eure, chair of the House Gaming Committee, added a provision to legalise online sports betting in Mississippi. However, this amendment has complicated the bill’s progress.
The Senate has previously rejected similar sports betting proposals, casting doubt over whether it will approve the revised SB 2510. Lawmakers must reach a decision before 21 March, the deadline for state budget and tax-related bills.
Maryland Follows Suit
On the same day, 12 March, the Maryland Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 860 (SB 860) with a 47-0 vote. The bill, introduced by Senator Paul Corderman, is now under review by the House of Representatives’ Ways and Means Committee.
SB 860 would prohibit the operation, promotion, and facilitation of online sweepstakes games. If passed, the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency would be barred from licensing such businesses and could revoke existing licences for illegal sweepstakes operators.
A parallel bill in the House, House Bill 1140 (HB 1140), contains identical wording but has faced committee delays and is yet to be voted on. SB 860 is expected to be discussed in the House on 20 March.
The bill defines sweepstakes games as mobile contests that allow players to use two types of currency, with one being convertible into cash or prizes. It seeks to ban online casino-style games, including slots, table games, poker, sports betting, lottery games, keno, and bingo. However, online games that do not offer real-money rewards would be exempt.
Violators could face misdemeanour charges, with penalties including up to three years in prison and fines between $10,000 and $100,000.
A Growing Crackdown on Sweepstakes Gaming
The move to ban sweepstakes gaming is part of a wider nationwide trend. Lawmakers and regulators argue that these platforms operate as unregulated online casinos, competing unfairly with licensed operators while avoiding tax obligations and consumer protections.
Opponents claim that sweepstakes models provide a legal alternative to traditional gambling, particularly in states where online casinos are not yet permitted. However, increasing legislative pressure suggests states are seeking to either regulate or eliminate these businesses.
New York Joins the Fight
New York is also advancing legislation to outlaw online sweepstakes games. A recently proposed strict ban would impose heavy penalties on operators, further signalling the growing push to clamp down on unregulated gaming. The full details of New York’s proposal can be found here.
As more states move to restrict sweepstakes gaming, the future of this industry remains uncertain.
