Louisiana Confirms Sweeps Casinos Illegal

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has issued a formal legal opinion that sweepstakes casinos are illegal under the existing state laws.

In a letter requested by Senator Rick Edmonds, Murrill confirms what Governor Jeff Landry claimed last month when he vetoed SB181: sweepstakes casinos are already illegal.

Now, it’s official. And the message is loud and clear: sweepstakes operators are no longer welcome in Louisiana.

No More Loopholes

Murrill’s opinion doesn’t leave room for debate. It cites La. R.S. 14:90 and La. R.S. 14:90.3, which outlaw both illegal gambling and gambling by computer—sweeps casinos hit both. The letter also calls out the dual-currency model used by brands like Chumba, Stake.us, and Fortune Coins, where Gold Coins are for play and Sweepstakes Coins can be redeemed for real cash.

“An attempt to alter or disguise consideration does not circumvent illegality,” Murrill writes.

Sweepstakes? Not Really

According to the AG, these sites don’t meet Louisiana’s legal definition of a sweepstakes. Real sweepstakes must disclose winners through printed lists, scratch-off cards, or other regulated means—not through animated slot reels or blackjack hands.

Murrill points out that many sweeps platforms fail to geolocate players, don’t verify age, and lack proper KYC checks. She warns that her office has the authority to pursue civil penalties, injunctions, and even asset seizures.

And it’s not just the casino brands at risk. Affiliates, marketers, and influencers promoting these platforms could face enforcement action too.

A Statewide Crackdown

This comes just weeks after the Louisiana Gaming Control Board issued cease and desist letters to dozens of sweepstakes and social casino operators. It also mirrors similar action from New York AG Letitia James, who’s making her own push against the vertical.

With this legal opinion now on record, Louisiana becomes one of the most hostile states for sweepstakes casinos. And unless operators want a legal fight, the smart move is to pull out immediately.