A proposed legislative bill in Louisiana is set to potentially overhaul the prosecution of specific gambling and bribery offenses, as lawmakers are exploring a measure that would classify these offenses as racketeering under state law.
Rep. Bryan Fontenot introduced House Bill 53, which aims to broaden the definition of racketeering activities in the state to encompass electronic sweepstakes gambling, online betting, and gambling conducted in public venues.
In addition, the bill addresses bribery associated with athletes and other people involved in sports, as well as wagering by those prohibited from doing so. This move comes in response to an increase in sports betting scandals that affect collegiate and professional leagues across the United States. Currently, the bill awaits discussion by the House Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice.
In Louisiana, racketeering laws carry significantly tougher penalties than traditional gambling statutes. Convicted individuals may face maximum fines reaching $1 million and prison sentences up to 50 years, including hard labor. For offenses exceeding $10,000, the law mandates a minimum five-year sentence without the possibility of parole, probation, or any suspended sentence.
This initiative follows recent regulatory actions aimed at combatting the proliferation of unauthorized online gambling sites within the state. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) has initiated cease-and-desist orders against operators providing sweepstakes-style gambling to Louisiana residents.
These enforcement measures came after Governor Jeff Landry vetoed a bill proposing a formal ban on these online operations, arguing that existing regulatory powers were sufficient for action.
In July 2025, Attorney General Liz Murrill issued a legal opinion categorizing dual-currency sweepstakes platforms as illegal based on current Louisiana laws. The opinion was sought by Senator Rick Edmonds and released following the governor’s veto of the ban.
States like New York and Connecticut have also started implementing penalties against sweepstakes operations, which may involve fines, revoked licenses, and misdemeanor charges. In New York, fines can range from $10,000 to $100,000 per infraction, whereas Connecticut regards these offenses as unfair or deceptive trade practices, classifying them as Class A misdemeanors.
Further legislative measures are seen across various states. In New Jersey, sweepstakes operators could incur fines of up to $25,000 for each violation and may be obligated to return illegally obtained funds. California permits jail terms of up to one year alongside similar fines of $25,000.
Montana, the first state to introduce a direct ban, categorizes violations as felonies, resulting in possible prison sentences of up to 10 years. In Nevada, unlicensed sweepstakes are also classified as felonies, with fines reaching $50,000 and similar prison terms.