Louisiana’s sweepstakes casino landscape has undergone rapid changes. As of May 2025, roughly 90 sweepstakes casinos remain available to Louisiana players, but a sweeping legislative crackdown is about to change everything. The state Senate passed SB 181 unanimously, and the House is moving quickly to make sweepstakes casinos, dual-currency games, and their affiliates illegal statewide.
104 sweepstakes casinos
Stakester's Take
Louisiana's sweepstakes casino landscape sits on unstable ground. With SB 181 advancing through the House after unanimous Senate approval, operators face potential criminalization within months.
The remaining accessible platforms focus heavily on slots and table games. Here are some of them:
| 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
SB 181 is clear: all online sweepstakes casinos and any digital product simulating casino, lottery, or sports betting using a dual-currency system are banned after August 1, 2025.
Key Implications:
- All sweepstakes casino operations, promotions, and redemptions will be illegal after August 1, 2025.
- The law targets operators, suppliers (including geolocation and platform providers), affiliates, advertisers, and media partners.
- Penalties: Fines up to $100,000 per violation and up to five years in prison.
Traditional Online Casino Restrictions
Louisiana prohibits real-money online casinos entirely. The state maintains strict anti-gambling statutes with fines reaching $20,000 for online poker operations alone. There are over 20, including riverboats and racinos.
Other Restrictions
- Online sports betting: Legal in 55 of 64 parishes since 2022, only via licensed operators tethered 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.
Recent enforcement actions demonstrate the state's aggressive stance toward unlicensed gambling activities, suggesting similar treatment awaits sweepstakes casinos if SB 181 becomes law.
Responsible Gambling
Louisiana requires self-exclusion programs across all licensed gambling venues. The state maintains a centralized exclusion database managed by the Gaming Control Board.
Problem gambling resources include the Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling helpline and treatment referral services. Most sweepstakes casinos operating in Louisiana voluntarily provide similar tools.
Current platforms offer deposit limits, session timers, and self-exclusion options despite operating outside traditional regulatory frameworks.
Sweepstakes Casino Tax Requirements
Sweepstakes winnings above $600 require federal tax reporting on Form 1099-MISC. Louisiana follows federal guidelines for gambling income taxation.
| Tax | Details | Threshold |
| Federal Income Tax | All winnings are subject to federal taxation | $600+ |
| Louisiana State Tax | 2% - 6% based on income bracket | All winnings |
| Form 1099-MISC | Required reporting by casino operator | $600+ |
| Quarterly Payments | Estimated tax payments to IRS | $1,000+ |
| Record Keeping | Mandatory documentation for filing | All amounts |
| Annual Reporting | Must report all prize redemptions | 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
Senate Bill 181 represents the most significant regulatory threat to sweepstakes gaming in Louisiana's history.
- April 2025: SB 181 passes Senate unanimously with zero opposition votes
- May 2025: Bill advances through House, expected to take effect August 1, 2025.
- LGCB enforcement: New powers to shut down illegal sites and pursue civil/criminal action
- Industry opposition: Social and Promotional Games Association challenges legislation as overreaching
Several operators have already restricted Louisiana access, anticipating legal changes. Major platforms such as Clubs Casino exclude Louisiana residents from their services. For more sweepstakes casinos in Louisiana, check out our full directory.
FAQs about Louisiana's Sweepstakes Casinos
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in Louisiana?
Currently yes, but Senate Bill 181 threatens to criminalize all sweepstakes casino operations by summer 2025.
Can I win real money at Louisiana sweepstakes casinos?
Yes, through Sweeps Coins that convert to cash prizes. Gold Coins remain for gameplay only.
What happens if SB 181 passes?
All sweepstakes casino operations become illegal with criminal penalties including fines and imprisonment.
Do I pay taxes on sweepstakes winnings in Louisiana?
Yes, winnings over $600 require federal tax reporting and Louisiana state income tax applies.
Which sweepstakes casinos work in Louisiana?
Dara Casino, Pulsz, and Fortune Coins currently accept Louisiana players, though availability may change rapidly.
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