Mississippi Lawmakers Unleash Felony Crackdown on Online Sweepstakes Casinos

Mississippi has joined the sweepstakes casino debate this year with its Senate Bill 2104. Filed last January 9th, 2026 by Senator Blount Fillingane, SB 2104 aims to amend sections 97-33-1 and 97-33-7 of the state’s Code of 1972 re-classifying sweepstakes casino games as “illegal gambling”. 

In addition, the bill specifies strict penalties for violators: up to $100k in fines, imprisonment not exceeding ten (10) years or both, or even asset forfeiture. The bill has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Division B Committee, and awaiting scheduling for debates.

If it passes both chambers, SB 2104 could take effect as early as July 1st, 2026.

Here’s What SB 2104 Says on Sweepstakes Casinos

SB 2104 would amend some sections of the state’s criminal code, particularly:

• Online, interactive, and the computerized versions of gambling games shall be categorized as illegal

• The expanded definition now covers casino-style games fofered by sweepstakes casinos

The bill targets Sections 97-33-1, 97-33-7, and 97-33-8 of the state’s code to make sweeping changes to its gambling laws, and bring sweepstakes casino games under intense regulatory pressure.

A Look at the Penalties for Violators

Once passed, this bill will pack some of the harshest penalties for violators operating or promoting sweepstakes casino games:

• No longer misdemeanors—violators face felony charges

• Operators could face up to $100k as fines for each conviction

• Prison time of up to 10 years

• Forfeiture of rights, privileges, and assets linked to the illegal activities

Mississipi’s version of the sweepstakes ban represents an escalation from existing laws, which see these games as illegal, with lighter punishments.

Under the bill, prosecutors now have the authority to choose where they will try cases (in Hinds County or in an area where the offense occurred), and authorize the state’s Gaming Commission to draft agreements and pursue asset forfeiture.

Mississipi joins a growing list of states that’s entertaining a ban this early. Indiana, Maryland, and Maine have filed their respective bills. New Jersey, on the other hand, has a ban in place, but a new bill aims to regulate ‘instead of ban’ sweepstakes casino games.

REFERENCES

• SB 2104