Mississippi Begins New Sweepstakes Casino Ban Push with SB2104

SB2104 was referred to the Senate Judiciary, Division B Committee, and currently sits awaiting committee action

Core Provisions of SB2104

SB2104 seeks to amend multiple sections of the Mississippi Code of 1972 by broadening the definition of prohibited gambling and enhancing enforcement mechanisms.

Online Gambling Included in ‘Illegal Gaming’

The measure adds language to Sections 97-33-1 and 97-33-7, clarifying that:

“Any online, interactive, or computerized version of any game … 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.”

Elevated Penalties and Enforcement Tools

Under the proposed changes:

• Operating an online platform that facilitates illegal wagering would be classified as a felony.
• Convictions could result in fines of up to $100,000, prison time for up to 10 years, or both.
• The bill authorizes forfeiture of assets, rights, and privileges used to facilitate illegal gaming.
• Prosecutors would have discretion to try cases either in the county where the offense occurred or in Hinds County.
• The Mississippi Gaming Commission would be empowered to enter into contingency-fee agreements for prosecuting forfeitures tied to illegal gaming.

This structure mirrors civil-asset-forfeiture models more commonly associated with financial crime and narcotics enforcement rather than traditional casino regulation, significantly increasing the financial risk for operators targeted under the statute.

Clarified Scope and Statutory Exemptions

SB2104 includes statutory exceptions for legal gaming activities, including:

• Betting on cruise vessels as currently permitted by law.
• Structures on shore authorized for certain gaming.
• Gaming is already legal under existing Mississippi law.

This carve-out ensures the preservation of riverboat and licensed brick-and-mortar casinos, something that Blount and other Senate members have prioritized.

Legislative Context: Last Year’s Defeat and Intra-Chamber Conflict

SB2104 represents a renewed attempt after a similar 2025 measure succumbed to legislative gridlock. Notably, last year, the Mississippi Senate became the first legislative chamber in the country to pass a ban bill targeting sweepstakes casinos.

However, when the measure crossed over to the House, House Gaming Committee Chairman Rep. Casey Eure added provisions that would have legalized sports betting. Eure’s provisions were part of his previously failed sports betting bill, which passed in the House but died in the Senate Gaming Committee, chaired by Blount.

The House approved the amended version, but the Senate rejected it. That led to calls for a conference committee to negotiate a compromise. The two chambers remained divided on the sports betting issue, resulting in the bill’s failure.

National Legislative Trends: Sweepstakes Casinos Become a Target in 2026

SB 2104 is part of a wave of legislative efforts targeting sweepstakes casinos. Last year, after Mississippi failed to pass a ban bill, six other states successfully enacted bans.

This year, multiple states have introduced or pre-filed bills aimed at outlawing unregulated online platforms.

Indiana Bill Receives a Hearing

In Indiana, HB 1052 has already received a hearing before the House Public Policy Committee.

Notably, representatives from the Indiana Gaming Commission testified in support of prohibiting sweepstakes casinos. However, at the same time, they acknowledged that the platforms may not be violating Indiana’s current gambling statutes.

Committee members questioned whether the correct approach would be to regulate the platforms, instead of a straight ban. Discussions remain open, as the committee has not yet voted on the bill.

Florida, Maine, Iowa, and Virginia Activity

Other states that are preparing to begin discussions on banning sweepstakes casinos include Florida, Maine, Virginia, and Iowa.

In Maine, which recently became the eighth state to legalize online casinos, lawmakers will have their first discussions on the ban bill on January 14.

In Florida, support is growing for closing loopholes and targeting illegal gambling activity, including sweepstakes casinos. Not one, but two pre-filed bills for the 2026, which convene on January 13, have included prohibition language. In addition, the state’s Attorney General, James Uthmeier, is also stepping up his efforts to combat illegal and gray-area gaming.

Virginia lawmakers convene on January 14 with a bill already prefiled. The measure, HB 161, primarily focuses on legalizing online casinos. Still, it includes a provision to prohibit sweepstakes casinos.

Elsewhere, according to local reporting, the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing has pre-filed a bill that will give the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission the power to issue cease-and-desist orders to illegal gambling operators. Lawmakers there convene on January 12.

Outlook and Legislative Calendar

SB2104 now awaits committee scheduling. Based on last year, the Senate will likely advance the measure. However, it’s yet to be seen whether the House will take a different approach.

Notably, the legislative landscape regarding sweepstakes casinos has undergone significant changes nationwide since the 2025 bill failed. Multiple states have moved to restrict or ban sweepstakes casinos — a shift that may make it politically easier for House members to support a clean prohibition bill without linking it to sports betting.