Mississippi Moves to Outlaw Online Sweepstakes Under New Bill
Mississippi lawmakers are considering a statewide ban on online sweepstakes casinos under Senate Bill 2510 (SB 2510), introduced by Senator Joey Fillingane (R-41). The proposed legislation aims to amend the Mississippi Code of 1972, explicitly prohibiting online and interactive sweepstakes-style gambling platforms.
The bill’s language states: “The offering for play or operating an online or interactive platform that offers for play such games within the State of Mississippi shall be deemed unlawful.”
If passed, SB 2510 would also ban online racebooks and online sports pools, expanding the list of prohibited gaming activities in the state.
Felony Charges and Severe Financial Penalties
SB 2510 introduces strict penalties for those operating or offering online sweepstakes casinos. Violations would be classified as felonies, carrying fines of up to $100,000 and prison sentences of up to 10 years.
Additionally, assets used in connection with the violation would be subject to forfeiture, meaning that gaming operators could lose property, resources, and funds linked to sweepstakes activities.
If an individual or entity is prosecuted under this law, trials would be held in the county where the violation took place or, by default, in Hinds County. Law enforcement would also be empowered to seize and destroy devices used in online sweepstakes gaming, including those found on Mississippi’s riverboats.
Despite its firm stance, SB 2510 lacks clarity in defining sweepstakes casino-style games, which could lead to challenges in enforcing the ban if it becomes law. Mississippi Gaming Commission Executive Director Jay McDaniel acknowledged this issue, stating that while he considers these games unlawful, the bill’s vague wording may complicate future legal proceedings.
Protecting Retail Casinos and Limiting Online Competition
By outlawing online sweepstakes platforms, SB 2510 could indirectly benefit Mississippi’s retail casino industry by eliminating unregulated online alternatives. Traditional casino operators have long argued that unlicensed sweepstakes casinos divert customers away from state-regulated establishments without contributing tax revenue or complying with gaming regulations.
The bill has been sent to the Judiciary Division B Committee for further review.
How Other States Are Handling Sweepstakes Casinos
Mississippi is not the only state targeting online sweepstakes gaming. New Jersey has taken a different approach, with Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese introducing Bill A5196 to formally regulate sweepstakes casinos rather than ban them.
The New Jersey proposal defines sweepstakes casinos as platforms where players use free virtual currency to participate in games with prize payouts. The bill would require sweepstakes operators to obtain a casino service industry enterprise license, placing them under direct regulatory oversight.
Elsewhere, states like New York and Maryland have also increased enforcement efforts against unlicensed online gaming. New York State Gaming Commission Chair Brian O’Dwyer recently noted an uptick in illegal social gaming, prompting action against operators violating the state’s gambling laws. Meanwhile, Maryland's Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA) has issued cease-and-desist letters to 11 gaming operators, including several sweepstakes platforms.
As SB 2510 moves through the Mississippi legislature, it remains to be seen whether the state will push forward with a full ban or explore regulatory measures like those in New Jersey.
Source: Mississippi Considers Statewide Ban on Online Sweepstakes Casinos, Real Money Action, January 29, 2025.