Louisiana Moves to Strengthen Gambling Enforcement with HB 53

Louisiana legislators have introduced House Bill 53 (HB 53), a new piece of legislation aimed at bolstering the state’s enforcement against sweepstakes gambling. Pre-filed in January 2026 by Representative Bryan Fontenot, the bill proposes to expand the state’s racketeering laws to include a range of gambling-related offenses, particularly those associated with sweepstakes casinos. The goal is to increase penalties for operators, affiliates, and anyone involved in facilitating these operations, while offering prosecutors greater power to pursue extensive investigations.

Unlike other states that have sought outright bans, HB 53 does not eliminate sweepstakes gambling but rather seeks to regulate it more severely under the existing racketeering statutes. By labeling activities such as gambling by computer, electronic sweepstakes wagering, and unlawful betting as racketeering offenses, the bill enables prosecutors to take a more aggressive approach toward offenders. This would allow for enterprise-level investigations, the possibility of asset forfeiture, and the pursuit of conspiracy charges against larger networks involved in illegal gambling activities.

Strengthening Legal Enforcement Against Illegal Gambling

The proposal builds upon prior efforts to control the spread of sweepstakes gambling in the state. In 2025, Governor Jeff Landry vetoed a bill that would have banned sweepstakes casinos outright, instead asserting that current laws were sufficient to manage the issue. Following this veto, the Louisiana Gaming Control Board and state police issued a significant number of cease-and-desist orders, with Attorney General Liz Murrill declaring the sweepstakes model illegal in the state. By the end of the year, over 40 cease-and-desist orders were issued, forcing many large operators out of Louisiana and reducing access to these games for consumers.

With HB 53, the intention is to build on these efforts by directly applying racketeering laws to sweepstakes gambling operations. This method strengthens the state’s enforcement capabilities, enabling authorities to pursue larger, organized criminal networks that facilitate these games. The bill also targets affiliates and related businesses, adding a layer of accountability throughout the gambling ecosystem.

Potential Impact on Sweepstakes Operators

If passed, HB 53 could significantly affect both large-scale and smaller sweepstakes operators across Louisiana. By categorizing sweepstakes-related activities as racketeering, the bill allows for more severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines. Legal experts anticipate that the legislation may create a chilling effect, deterring operators from running sweepstakes games in Louisiana due to the heightened risks involved. However, critics argue that the law’s broad definitions may inadvertently harm minor operators, especially those who are not involved in large-scale illegal activities but still fall under the expanded racketeering definitions.

This legislation also has the potential to influence other states grappling with similar issues surrounding sweepstakes or gray-market gambling models. By focusing on expanding the scope of existing racketeering laws instead of creating new regulations, Louisiana’s approach offers a potential blueprint for other jurisdictions looking to address illegal gambling. This method emphasizes the use of already established legal tools, such as consumer protection and racketeering statutes, to combat unlicensed gambling activities more effectively.

Legislative Process and Outlook

As of February 2026, HB 53 is still in the early stages of the legislative process. It has been referred to the House Administration of Criminal Justice Committee for further review. If the bill advances, it will likely face additional scrutiny as lawmakers debate the specifics of the legislation. Key areas of focus will include which gambling offenses are covered under the bill, as well as whether any safeguards or exemptions need to be added to prevent overreach and ensure fairness for smaller operators who may unintentionally fall under the law’s broad definitions.

The outcome of HB 53 will depend on ongoing discussions between legislators, regulators, and industry stakeholders. While the bill aims to improve enforcement against illegal gambling operations, there will likely be a balancing act between robust legal measures and fair treatment for smaller businesses in the gambling sector.

Source:

Louisiana Introduces HB 53 to Expand Gambling Enforcement, lcb.org, February 4, 2026