New bill in Louisiana would classify sweepstakes casino as racketeering
House Bill 53 aims to give prosecutors broader tools to pursue sweepstakes operators.
US.- Louisiana representative Bryan Fontenot has introduced a bill that would deem sweepstakes casinos as racketeering. Pre-filed ahead of the 2026 Regular Session, which convenes on March 9, House Bill 53 would allow prosecutors to pursue operators, affiliates and service providers under the state’s racketeering statutes, which carry fines of up to $1m and prison sentences of up to 50 years.
The bill follows governor Jeff Landry’s decision last year to veto Senate Bill 181, which would have banned sweepstake gaming in Louisiana. At the time, governor Landry said the initiative was unnecessary, too broad and could interfere with enforcement actions. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) has since issued cease-and-desist orders to multiple sweepstakes operators, prompting several brands to exit the market.
House Bill 53 proposes adding “gambling,” “gambling in public,” “gambling by computer,” “gambling or wagering at cockfights,” “gambling by electronic sweepstakes device,” “Unlawful wagering; prohibited player,” and “Bribery of sports participants” to the definition of racketeering under Louisiana law.
Racketeering is defined as committing, attempting to commit, conspiring to commit, or soliciting, coercing, or intimidating another person to commit any crime that is punishable under Title 14 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Law, or the Louisiana Securities Law.
