Summary
- A bill aimed at banning sweepstakes will not be signed into law in Louisiana.
- Governor Landry stated that he thought actions had already been taken against the "illegal sweepstakes" industry.
- The governor voiced concerns about the bill's overly broad language, warning that it could lead to future misinterpretations.
Louisiana was on the verge of becoming the next state, following Montana, to ban sweepstakes social casinos, much to the dismay of trade groups such as the SPGA and SGLA. However, sweepstakes operators can breathe a sigh of relief as Governor Jeff Landry vetoed Senate Bill 181, which had passed through both legislative houses with overwhelming support and almost no opposition. This bill seeks to criminalize certain secondary gambling activities on the internet that are already prohibited in Louisiana, Governor Landry explained in a written statement. He argued that the Louisiana Gaming Control Board is already addressing illegal gambling issues, including unauthorized offshore betting and online sweepstakes companies operating within the state, making the proposed measure unnecessary. He referenced recent incidents where several companies, notably Harp Media B.V., doing business as Bovada, received cease-and-desist orders to illustrate that the state is already taking action on these matters. Governor Landry praised the Board's firm approach and emphasized the importance of protecting consumers from unregulated gambling activities that violate state laws. The Board and its regulatory partners will take whatever further action is necessary to enforce state gaming laws, protect patrons and bettors, and uphold the integrity of Louisiana's gaming industry. The Board is committed to maintaining a safe and regulated gaming environment in Louisiana, he added.
Gov. Landry says there is no need to come up with new solutions
Governor Landry explained that he vetoed the bill because it addressed a non-existent issue that current rules and regulations in Louisiana were already managing. He expressed concerns that the bill's vague language could lead to unintended consequences, prompting his decision to reject it. Governor Landry shares the common view among lawmakers that sweepstakes social casinos are illegal and should be eliminated, a position contested by both the SPGA and SGLA. Meanwhile, both Maine and New York have intensified their positions against sweepstakes operators. New York's Attorney General has declared them illegal, and Maine's gambling regulator has advised residents to steer clear of such websites.
