• The state came close to passing a new blanket anti-sweepstakes bill that was blocked by Gov. Jeff Landry
• Nevertheless, the state has continued to attack gambling websites that operate without a license, and has challenged the legality of sweepstakes social casinos
• New York is another state that is actively going after the sweepstakes and illegal gambling sector

The Louisiana Gaming Control Board has issued a number of cease-and-desist letters to 40 companies that the state regulator has deemed to have been operating without the necessary license in the jurisdiction.

Louisiana targets gambling operators, including sweepstakes

All entities have 14 days from receiving the letters to comply with offshore betting sites, as well as sweepstakes operators targeted. Louisiana has recently attempted to pass legislation that would have criminalized sweepstakes anyway.

However, Gov. Jeff Landry intervened in that particular case and argued that the state regulator already had the means necessary to stop such operators in their tracks. The governor, however, agrees that sweepstakes are an illegal form of gambling, and he did not veto a bill to help the sector, but rather ensured that the law would not be abused in the future.

The regulator remains committed to ensuring that it upholds its rules and laws, with Louisiana Gaming Control Board chairman Christopher B. Hebert commenting on the most recent issuance of cease-and-desist letters and saying:

"These actions send a clear message. Louisiana will not tolerate illegal operators who put our citizens at risk and undermine the fairness and integrity of our gaming industry. We will continue to use every enforcement tool available to protect the public and uphold the law."

Gov. Landry agreed with B. Hebert, arguing that everyone with the power to do so will be going after illegal gambling businesses in Louisiana, including the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, and the LSP Gaming Division, as well as the regulator.

Regulators are cracking down on sweepstakes nationally

"We will continue to issue additional cease-and-desist letters to similar illegal offshore wagering and illegal online sweepstakes companies that intentionally design their business models to circumvent Louisiana gaming laws and regulations," Landry added.

Louisiana, as well as other states in the country, are set to continue pushing against the illegal gambling sector, which has been going on for a while now. What is new is the shift towards anti-sweepstakes sentiment.

Most recently, New York passed a new bill that is specifically targeting sweepstakes, with the governor’s signature now the last necessary detail to bring it home.

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