Mississippi Lawmaker Moves to Ban Sweepstakes Casinos

Mississippi is ramping up efforts to address the growing presence of online sweepstakes casinos through Senate Bill 2510, introduced by State Senator Joey Fillingane. The proposed legislation aims to ban online sweepstakes casino-style platforms statewide, reflecting concerns about their legality and societal impact. Alongside sweepstakes casinos, the bill also seeks to outlaw online sports pools and racebooks, making their operation illegal in Mississippi.

The measure amends the Mississippi Code of 1972 and sets out severe penalties for violators. Any individual or entity caught operating these platforms could face felony charges, with fines of up to $100,000 and prison sentences of up to ten years for each violation. In addition, violators risk the forfeiture of assets tied to the illegal activities. Legal proceedings against offenders would take place either in the county of the violation or in Hinds County. The bill also authorizes law enforcement to seize and destroy any devices used in connection with sweepstakes casinos, extending the ban to Mississippi’s riverboat gaming sector.

Key challenges and concerns:

• The bill lacks a clear definition for "online sweepstakes casino-style games," raising questions about enforcement.

• Mississippi Gaming Commissioner Jay McDaniel has argued these games are already unlawful under current state rules.

This push is part of a broader trend across the US as states grapple with sweepstakes casinos. While Mississippi is pursuing an outright ban, other states like New Jersey are exploring regulation. Recently, New Jersey introduced legislation requiring sweepstakes casinos to apply for licenses as regulated entities, highlighting the divide between states choosing oversight and those favoring prohibition.

Criticism of sweepstakes casinos:

• These platforms blur the line between legal gaming and gambling, creating confusion for consumers.

• Many claim to be free or use virtual currency but mimic traditional gambling closely, raising addiction and financial harm concerns.

• A lack of unified state policies leaves each jurisdiction to interpret legality independently.

Conclusion
Mississippi’s move to ban sweepstakes casinos underscores the growing national concern over unregulated platforms and their impact on communities. Whether Senate Bill 2510 passes or not, the broader debate on how to address sweepstakes casinos is likely to intensify across the United States.