Louisiana and Mississippi acted against illegal online sweepstakes casinos in June 2025. More than 50 sweeps casinos received legal action earlier this month, setting the stage for reform in the iGaming industry.
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) sent over 40 cease-and-desist orders to unlicensed sweepstakes and offshore betting sites. Meanwhile, Mississippi’s Gaming Commission (MGC) issued 10 orders, with some overlap in the sites banned.
The respective gaming commissions believe these widespread actions will protect players and keep gaming markets fair, even if some of the brand-name operators are some of the most popular in the industry.
The LGCB, with the Attorney General’s Office and State Police, ordered 42 unregulated sites to stop operating. The list of sites accused of offering illegal gambling, comprising sweepstakes games and sports betting, featured Bovada, Golden Heart Games, Wow Vegas, BetUS, Fliff, Funzpoints, and Chanced Casino.
Each of these sites has become one of the most popular sweeps options in the United States, not just in Louisiana.
On June 17, 2025, LGCB Chairman Christopher Hebert said, “We won’t allow illegal operators to harm Louisiana residents.” The orders came after Governor Jeff Landry vetoed a bill to ban sweepstakes casinos, saying current laws were enough. Sites have 14 days to comply or face legal action.
The MGC targeted 10 offshore gambling sites and Chumba Casino, a sweepstakes platform. Named sites included America’s Cardroom, BetOnline, and Bovada.
In an official statement, MGC Executive Director Jay McDaniel said, “Online casino games and sports betting are illegal in Mississippi.” The MGC warned that these sites trick residents into thinking they’re legal. The commission is working with law enforcement to pursue legal action against these operators.
Earlier this legislative session, the Mississippi Senate became the first chamber in the US to pass a sweepstakes ban. However, Sen. Joey Fillingane’s SB 2510 required amendment after its first submission to include sports betting language.
Fillingane’s bill would have increased criminal penalties for offering illegal online gambling in the state while also banning online sweepstakes gambling. Violators would have been subject to felonies, punishable by up to $10,000 in fines and up to 10 years in prison.
Last week, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry vetoed a bill that would’ve outlawed online sweepstakes gaming in the Pelican State. Landry said after rejecting the bill that regulators did not need it to effectively enforce the rules.
Sen. Adam Bass’ SB 181 was unanimously approved by the House of Representatives earlier this month and passed in the Senate by a 39-0 vote at the end of April.
SB 181 would have banned sweepstakes casinos and social casinos that operate under a dual-currency system. It also would have prohibited online casino-style games, including slot machines, lottery games, and sports betting.
Unregulated gambling sites lack essential safety measures, exposing players to significant risks. Mississippi authorities have warned residents that using these sites could result in financial losses or legal penalties. The LGCB and MGC are focused on protecting consumers by ensuring only licensed operators offer gaming services.
By cracking down on illegal operators and their affiliates, both states aim to curb unlicensed gambling activities. Most importantly to legislators, these efforts bolster state economies by securing tax revenue from licensed operators.
The actions taken in June 2025 reflect a strong commitment to fostering safe, fair, and regulated gambling markets.
