*As of 2025, sweepstakes casinos are no longer legal or available for players in Louisiana. Following a July 2025 opinion from Attorney General Liz Murrill and enforcement by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, all dual-currency sweepstakes sites have been ordered to shut down or exit the state. While traditional online casinos remain restricted, this guide explains Louisiana’s updated legal stance, recent enforcement actions, tax implications, and FAQs.
Stakester's Take
Louisiana’s sweepstakes casino landscape has collapsed in 2025. Following a July 2, 2025 opinion from Attorney General Liz Murrill, all sweepstakes casinos operating with dual-currency systems have been ruled illegal under state law. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) issued over 40 cease-and-desist orders in June 2025 and is actively enforcing the ban with the support of the State Police.
Operators and affiliates now face criminal prosecution, fines, and civil penalties.
The remaining accessible platforms listed below are expected to withdraw from Louisiana entirely following enforcement:
| Casino | Bonus | Feature |
| Stake.us | $5 Stake Cash + 20K Gold Coins | Fast payout |
| Bingoport | 2 Free Access Tokens, 500 Port Points | Pure bingo |
| Funrize | 2.5 SC + 85K Gold Coins | Tournaments |
| High 5 Casino | 5 SC + 600 Diamonds + 250 Gold Coins | Slots |
| Dara Casino | 100K Gold Coins + 2 Sweeps Coins | New Players |
Louisiana’s Sweepstakes Casino Laws: Legal Status Explained (2025)
As of August 2025, sweepstakes casinos are illegal in Louisiana.
-
The AG opinion confirmed that all sweepstakes casinos and any digital products simulating casino, lottery, or sports betting with dual currencies violate existing gambling laws.
-
SB 181 was vetoed by Governor Landry, but the veto did not stop enforcement. The AG ruling carries binding weight, and operators remain subject to prosecution.
-
Cease-and-desist letters (40+) have already been issued.
Key Implications:
- All sweepstakes casino operations, promotions, and redemptions are unlawful as of July 2025.
- The ban covers operators, suppliers, affiliates, advertisers, and media partners.
- Penalties: Up to five years in prison and fines up to $20,000 per violation.
Traditional Online Casino Restrictions
Louisiana continues to prohibit real-money online casinos entirely. The state maintains strict anti-gambling statutes, with fines reaching $20,000 for online poker operations alone.
Land-based gambling remains legal at 20+ licensed venues including riverboats and racinos.
Other Restrictions
- Online sports betting: Legal in 55 of 64 parishes since 2022, but only through licensed operators tied to land-based casinos.
-
DFS: Legal except in nine restricted parishes.
Louisiana's Gambling Regulator
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board oversees all gambling activities since 1996. The board maintains jurisdiction over casino licensing, compliance monitoring, and enforcement actions.
The Gaming Control Board works alongside Louisiana State Police Gaming Enforcement Division for investigations and arrests. Both agencies have consistently levied fines and sanctions against illegal gambling operations.
In June 2025, the LGCB demonstrated its authority by issuing cease-and-desist orders to sweepstakes casinos, signaling active enforcement against unlicensed operators.
Responsible Gambling
Louisiana law requires self-exclusion programs across all licensed gambling venues. The state maintains a centralized exclusion database via the LGCB.
Problem gambling resources include:
-
Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling helpline
-
State-funded treatment and referral services
Sweepstakes casinos formerly operating in Louisiana were not licensed, but many offered voluntary responsible play tools such as session timers and deposit limits. These are now irrelevant following the July 2025 enforcement ruling.
Sweepstakes Casino Tax Requirements
Players should note that with sweepstakes casinos now illegal in Louisiana, tax obligations apply only to winnings earned before July 2025.
| Tax |
Details |
Threshold |
|---|---|---|
|
Federal Tax |
All winnings reportable |
$600+ |
|
Louisiana Tax |
2–6% depending on bracket |
All winnings |
|
1099-MISC |
Required reporting by operator |
$600+ |
|
Quarterly Payments |
Estimated tax if liability > $1,000 |
|
|
Record Keeping |
Mandatory for federal & state filing |
All amounts |
Winners must report all prize redemptions, regardless of amount, on annual tax returns. Louisiana does not impose additional sweepstakes-specific tax requirements beyond standard gambling income rules.
| Winner Obligations | Federal | State |
| Tax Rate | Standard income tax rates | 2% - 6% |
| Reporting | Form 1040 required | Louisiana tax return |
| Documentation | Win/loss statements are recommended | Same records as federal |
| Payment Timing | Quarterly if over $1,000 | Annual filing |
Latest Louisiana Regulatory Changes Affecting Sweepstakes Gaming
-
July 2, 2025: AG Liz Murrill declares sweepstakes casinos illegal.
-
June 17, 2025: LGCB issues 40+ cease-and-desist letters to operators.
-
July 2025: Governor Landry vetoes SB 181, calling it redundant, but enforcement remains.
-
August 2025: Enforcement underway, with operators withdrawing from the state.
Sweepstakes casinos are no longer legally accessible in Louisiana as of 2025.
FAQs about Louisiana's Sweepstakes Casinos
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in Louisiana?
No. As of July 2025, sweepstakes casinos are illegal under state law following an Attorney General ruling.
Can I win real money at Louisiana sweepstakes casinos?
Not legally. Any winnings claimed after July 2025 risk forfeiture and may not be honored due to enforcement.
What happens if SB 181 passes?
The bill was vetoed, but enforcement is already in effect due to the AG ruling and LGCB actions.
Do I pay taxes on sweepstakes winnings in Louisiana?
Yes — but only winnings earned before July 2025 are taxable. Current sweepstakes play is prohibited.
Which sweepstakes casinos work in Louisiana?
None. All operators have been ordered to withdraw or shut down access in Louisiana.
Stakester Newsletter
Be the first to find out when a sweepstakes casino launches and receive exclusive offers directly in your mailbox.