Published: 19/08/2026 | Updated: 19/08/2026
HB 883 and HB 53
The new framework is built around two bills signed by Gov. Jeff Landry earlier this year: House Bill 883 and House Bill 53.
HB 883 updates Louisiana’s gambling-by-computer law to explicitly include dual-currency gaming platforms where players can exchange virtual currency for cash, prizes or cash equivalents.
HB 53 adds several gambling-related offenses to Louisiana’s racketeering statute, exposing operators found to be breaking the law to steeper criminal penalties.
The Laws Also Cover Affiliates and Payment Providers
HB 883 extends beyond the companies operating sweepstakes casinos.
The law also applies to people and businesses that knowingly support or facilitate illegal gambling by computer. Depending on the circumstances, that can include promoters, endorsers, media affiliates, platform providers and merchant payment processors.
Louisiana’s attorney general also has broader enforcement powers under the new framework, including the ability to issue cease-and-desist notices, seek court orders blocking access to offending websites and pursue payment processors that continue handling prohibited transactions.
Major Sweepstakes Casino Brands Had Already Left Louisiana
Several large sweepstakes casino operators had already exited Louisiana or stopped offering sweepstakes play to residents before the laws took effect.
They include VGW’s Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Slots and Global Poker, along with WOW Vegas, Modo, McLuck, Hello Millions and Crown Coins.
Not every operator had withdrawn. Sportzino still appeared to be accessible in Louisiana at the time of writing.
The new laws follow more than a year of enforcement activity in the state, including dozens of cease-and-desist letters sent to sweepstakes operators.
Gov. Landry also vetoed an earlier sweepstakes proposal in 2025 before lawmakers returned with HB 53 and HB 883.
With both measures now in effect, Louisiana has moved from individual enforcement actions to a broader statutory framework targeting dual-currency sweepstakes gaming and businesses that knowingly support it.
