Lawmakers in Mississippi and Maryland are pushing forward with legislation to ban sweepstakes gaming, a sector facing growingLawmakers in Mississippi and Maryland advance bills to ban online sweepstakes gaming, citing regulatory concerns and unlicensed competition scrutiny from regulators, tribal leaders, and industry groups.
In Mississippi, legislators are moving swiftly to outlaw sweepstakes gaming. On March 12, the House of Representatives approved Senate Bill 2510 (SB 2510) with an 83-19 vote. Introduced by Sen. Joey Fillingane, the bill aims to extend the existing ban on brick-and-mortar sweepstakes cafes to include online sweepstakes casino games. Unlike Maryland’s proposal, SB 2510 includes stricter penalties, making violations a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.
An amendment introduced by Rep. Casey Eure to legalize online sports betting has complicated the bill’s progress. The Mississippi Senate, which previously rejected a similar House-led proposal, must now decide on the revised measure before the 21 March deadline for bills related to state budgets and taxation.
Meanwhile, Maryland’s Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 860 (SB 860) on the same day with a 47-0 vote. Sponsored by Sen. Paul Corderman, the bill now moves to the House of Representatives’ Ways and Means Committee for further review. A similar House measure, HB 1140, has yet to progress due to delays.
SB 860 seeks to prohibit the operation, promotion, and facilitation of online sweepstakes gaming, restricting the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency from licensing such operators. The bill defines sweepstakes games as mobile contests that use two types of currency, allowing players to exchange one for monetary rewards or tangible prizes. Exemptions apply to games without real-money rewards.
Violators in Maryland would face misdemeanor charges, with penalties of up to three years in prison and fines ranging from $10,000 to $100,000.
The move to ban sweepstakes gaming reflects a broader nationwide trend as lawmakers and regulators seek to clarify the legal status of these platforms. While proponents argue that sweepstakes offer a legal alternative in states without online casino legalization, increasing legislative scrutiny suggests a push to either regulate or eliminate them entirely.
