Mississippi Senate Approves Bill Banning Sweepstakes Casinos

Mississippi’s bill banning sweepstakes casino games is on the fast track after the Senate voted unanimously (52-0), sending it to the House for the second straight year. SB2104, filed by Senators Joey Fillingane and David Blount, passed with full bipartisan support, with no opposition on record. 

The bill now moves to the House for consideration, awaiting a committee assignment. Mississippi’s SB2104 becomes the second bill just a month into the new year to pass out of its originating chamber, with Indiana’s HB1052 as the first.

SB2104 Overhauls the State’s Gambling Laws

Filed January 6th, SB2104 aims to amend sections 97-33-1 and 97-33-7 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, particularly the expansion of definitions for illegal gambling and specific penalties for violators. The bill targets these key goals:

• To include any online, interactive, or computerized version of games within the state’s list of prohibited gaming activities
• To amend the code and include sweepstakes casinos within the prohibitions
• Increase the criminal penalties for violating these amended rules, from misdemeanor to felony
• Authorize the state’s attorney general to hear and prosecute cases in the county where the violation happened, or in Hinds County
• Authorize the forfeiture of assets

But First, An Amendment for SB2104

Although the bill passed with no opposition, it came through with a few tweaks to its language.

One crucial change was made in Section 2, which now includes a sub-section that shields streaming platforms, internet providers, cable operators and other related service providers from possible culpability.

Also, the bill expanded the inclusion of legal protections, inserting a broad ruling for “safe harbor” for companies that may have been used for delivering or running sweepstakes casino games and services.

The insertion of this condition protects ISPs, cable operators, and even app stores from accidental or incidental use of their services in game delivery.

However, the bill’s “safe harbor” ruling becomes irrelevant if the site or company directly accepts wagers, willingly promotes a sweepstakes casino, or earns a share of the revenue.

SB2104 Is Now At the House

Mississippi’s Senate voted 52-0 to pass the bill on February 6th, and it’s now atthe House. This bill was immediately referred to the House Gaming Committee, and it’s awaiting hearing and debate schedules. 

Unlike the bill filed last year, commentators and analysts see this bill as having a better chance of passing, with a narrow anti-sweeps focus, the insertion of a “safe harbor ruling,” and bipartisan support.

REFERENCES

• SB2104