- Mississippi lawmakers have introduced a bill to outlaw sweepstakes games in the state
- If approved, those found hosting sweepstakes games could face felony charges
- Sweepstakes games could lead to hefty fines, jail time
One Mississippi lawmaker is hoping to bring the hammer down on online sweepstakes games and casinos in the Magnolia State.
Sen. Joey Fillingane (R-41) recently introduced SB 2510, a bill to include online sweepstakes games and sweepstakes casinos on the state’s prohibited games list. Brick-and-mortar sweepstakes cafes are already prohibited in Mississippi.
If approved, the legislation would raise the penalty for offering online sweepstakes games from a misdemeanor to a felony.
Increased Fines, Increased Penalties for Sweepstakes
Fillingane’s bill amends a state law to include “any online, interactive, or computerized version of any game as defined in section 75-76-5 or any other game of chance or digital simulation thereof, including, but not limited to, online race books, online sports pools, and online sweepstakes casino-style games, is hereby declared to be a gambling device, and 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 under the provisions of this section.”
The legislation will raise the potential penalty for sweepstakes operators from a misdemeanor to a felony, with each violation potentially resulting in a fine of no more than $100,000 or imprisonment for up to 10 years.
Operators could also face forfeiture to the state of “assets, rights, and privileges” in connection with the violation.
The bill currently resides in the senate judiciary committee.
Sweepstakes Facing State Criticism
Fillingane’s bill against sweepstakes gaming is the latest state action against sweepstakes gaming.
This week, the New York State Gaming Commission turned its attention to sweepstakes gaming. Commission Chair Brian O’Dwyer noted during a public meeting on Jan. 27 that the state has seen an uptick in “social gaming,” which is not a legal gaming option in New York. O’Dwyer noted that the commission will likely take action against these offerings in the near future.
“There are operators conducting business inside our State that are running afoul of New York’s penal restrictions on unlawful gambling. Staff have made several referrals to law enforcement and is assisting in case development,” he said, according to a post on X.
The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency also announced it sent a batch of cease-and-desist letters to 11 illegally operating gaming companies in Maryland, which included a number of sweepstakes operators.
The MLGCA sent Sports Betting Dime a list of the 11 companies that received cease-and-desist letters. The operators were a mix of illegally operating sportsbooks and sweepstakes companies in the state.
“This is an issue that we’re continuing to monitor and discuss in ongoing communications with gaming regulators in other states,” an MLGCA spokesperson told Sports Betting Dime.
The following six operators responded to the MLGCA letters, but refused to block access to Maryland residents, claiming their services were compliant with state law:
• Golden Hearts
• Zula
• MC Luck
• REBET
• Fortune Coins
• StakeUS
Letters were also sent to these five, who have not responded:
• BETUS
• BETNOW
• SlotsAndCasino
• Everygame Sportsbook
• BetAnySports
Martin said the MLGCA will continue to do follow up with with the Attorney General’s Office, stay in communication with other state gaming regulators, and potentially even receive federal assistance to block services from the illegal companies.
“Their business is not wanted or appreciated here in the state of Maryland.”
Mississippi lawmakers are currently considering a ban on online sweepstakes, which could potentially result in felony charges for those who continue to operate such businesses. The proposed legislation aims to crack down on what some officials see as a form of illegal gambling that has been operating under the guise of sweepstakes.
Online sweepstakes have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many businesses offering cash prizes and other incentives to customers who participate in their online games. However, critics argue that these sweepstakes are essentially a form of gambling, as participants are required to pay money in order to enter and have the chance to win prizes.
Supporters of the ban argue that online sweepstakes are exploiting a legal loophole in Mississippi’s gambling laws, which prohibit traditional forms of gambling such as casinos and sports betting. By banning online sweepstakes, lawmakers hope to close this loophole and prevent businesses from taking advantage of unsuspecting customers.
If the ban is passed, those who continue to operate online sweepstakes could face felony charges. This could have serious consequences for individuals who are found to be in violation of the law, including hefty fines and potential jail time.
Opponents of the ban argue that online sweepstakes provide a harmless form of entertainment for customers and should not be subject to the same regulations as traditional forms of gambling. They also point out that many businesses rely on online sweepstakes as a source of revenue, and a ban could have negative economic consequences for these companies.
Ultimately, the decision on whether to ban online sweepstakes in Mississippi will come down to lawmakers and their interpretation of the state’s gambling laws. Regardless of the outcome, it is clear that this issue has sparked a heated debate among residents and officials alike.
