Sweeps Ban Accelerates: Mississippi Committee Approves Amended Legislation

After a failed attempt to ban sweepstakes casino games in 2025, Mississippi’s lawmakers are it again, this time with Senate Bill 2104 (SB2104).  SB 2104, which was introduced by Senators, David Blount and Joey Fillingane, aims to amend sections 97-33-1  and 97-33-7 of the Mississipi Code of 1972. 

Unlike its predecessor, the new bill is off to a favorable start, with the Senate’s Judiciary, Division B Committee approved its progress to the next legislative step, with a slight amendment.

The committee inserted a “safe harbor” provision, for companies whose services may be used in the process of delivering sweepstakes casino services.

The bill’s next step wasn’t publicly shared, but SB2104’s legislative progress is on track.

What’s Inside Mississippi’s New Sweepstakes Ban Bill?

SB 2104  sponsored by Senators David Blount and Joey Fillingane redefines the state’s gambling laws, particularly the inclusion of “any online, interactive, or computerized version of games within the prohibition on betting, gaming or wagering and any online interactive or computerized version of any game”.

In short, the bill would classify the popular sweepstakes casino games as illegal, with corresponding criminal penalties on promoters and operators.

Here are the highlights of SB 2104:

• Adds specific languge to define and classify online sweepstakes casinos as “illegal gambling”

• The promotion and operation of these gaming platforms is a felony, with fines of up to $100k, 10 years imprisonment, and even asset forfeiture

• Exemptions for existing authorized gaming facilities, but targeting unlicensed sweepstakes gaming sites

• If approved,its full implementation will take effect July 1st, 2026

Unpacking the “Safe Harbor” Provision

In regulatory contexts, a safe harbor is a provision in the law that protects certain business or individuals from liability, provided that they meet certain pre-defined conditions or requirements. Within the context of SB 2104, the protections are for companies whose services may be used in the delivery of sweeps games.

Specifically, the bill’s amendment proposes protections for cable companies, internet service providers, and even app stores. The protections cover content created by third parties, showing betting lines or data as secondary feature, having a list of specific platforms in  the app store, and offering purely free-to-play games.

However, the same amendment also lists a few instances when the safe harbor condition is lost. For example, companies are no longer protected if they accept bets directly, knows and willingly promote an illegal gaming site, and they get a revenue share from the platform. 

Interestingly, the proposed amendment is silent on the possible protections for financial institutions and payment processors.

REFERENCES

• SB 2104