- The Mississippi Senate is the first legislative body in the country to ban online sweepstakes casinos
- The Senate approved the bill by a 44-1 vote
- The legislation now heads to the Mississippi House of Representatives
Online sweepstakes casinos may not have much time left in Mississippi.
The Mississippi Senate became the first legislative body in the country to approve a bill to ban online sweepstakes casinos, forwarding SB 2510 by a 44-1 vote.
Sen. Joey Fillingane’s (R-41) legislation, which places online sweepstakes games and sweepstakes casinos on the state’s prohibited games list, now heads to the House of Representatives.
Bill Heads to House of Representatives
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.”
“Many Mississippians have no idea when they’re on their device that they’re even breaking the law because it looks completely legitimate, they look just like legal online betting sites,” Fillingane said during the Senate hearing on the bill.
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.
Fillingane also said the legislation will affect illegally operating online sportsbooks and casinos, such as Bovada, that have operated in the state.
Cease-and-Desist Letters Do Not Work
Fillingane noted that the Mississippi Gaming Commission has sent two rounds of cease-and-desist letters to five of the largest illegal gaming operators in the state, yet none have responded.
This bill, he said, will give the state more power to enforce its gaming laws.
“That is in fact the need for this legislation. Again, the legislation does not target people who are on their devices mistakenly playing an illegal game. We’re only targeting online operators, the people who put the platforms up, not the end user,” he said.
The Mississippi Senate recently passed legislation that aims to crack down on online sweepstakes casinos operating within the state. The bill, known as Senate Bill 2838, prohibits these types of establishments from offering gambling services to residents of Mississippi.
Online sweepstakes casinos have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering players the chance to win cash prizes through various games and activities. However, many lawmakers and officials have raised concerns about the legality and regulation of these online casinos, as they often operate in a gray area of the law.
The new legislation passed by the Mississippi Senate seeks to clarify the state’s stance on online sweepstakes casinos and ensure that they are not able to operate within the state. Under the bill, any establishment found to be offering online gambling services will face hefty fines and potential criminal charges.
Supporters of the legislation argue that online sweepstakes casinos pose a threat to the state’s regulated gambling industry, which includes casinos and sports betting. By prohibiting these unregulated online establishments, lawmakers hope to protect consumers and ensure that all gambling activities in Mississippi are conducted in a safe and legal manner.
Opponents of the bill, however, argue that it infringes on individual freedoms and limits consumer choice. They believe that adults should have the right to participate in online sweepstakes casinos if they choose to do so, as long as they are aware of the risks involved.
Overall, the passage of Senate Bill 2838 represents a significant step towards regulating the online gambling industry in Mississippi. It remains to be seen how the bill will be enforced and what impact it will have on the state’s gaming landscape. In the meantime, residents are advised to be cautious when participating in online sweepstakes casinos and to ensure that they are operating within the bounds of the law.
