Sweepstakes casinos Louisiana players used for Sweeps Coin prizes are now banned: Act 182 of 2026 (HB 883) made dual-currency casino-style games illegal gambling by computer from August 1, 2026. This page explains what the law says, how the 2025 attempt was vetoed, which brands list Louisiana as excluded, and what options remain.
Act 182 (HB 883), signed May 15, 2026, bans dual-currency sweepstakes casino games in Louisiana from August 1, 2026.
The digest says the maximum fine rises to $100,000 with up to five years, and payment processors and platforms are barred from facilitating.
A 2025 ban, SB 181, passed but was vetoed by Gov. Jeff Landry.
Most major sweeps brands, including Chumba, Stake.us, McLuck, High 5 and Zula, list Louisiana as excluded.
None of our partner casinos is a sweepstakes casino; they are offshore real-money sites not licensed by any US state.
Sweepstakes casinos
Banned from August 1, 2026
Law
Act 182 of 2026 (HB 883)
Statutes
Amends R.S. 14:90.3; adds R.S. 27:19.1–19.2
Signed
May 15, 2026
Regulator
Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB)
Earlier attempt
SB 181 (2025), vetoed
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in Louisiana?
Not since August 1, 2026. That's the effective date of Act 182 of 2026 (HB 883) (opens in a new tab), which defines dual-currency casino-style games as illegal gambling by computer under La. R.S. 14:90.3. Before the act, sweepstakes casinos operated in a gray area in Louisiana; now the statute names them.
The ban fits a wider stance. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board licenses no online casinos, and in June 2025 it announced action (opens in a new tab) against what it called unauthorized online sweepstakes operations alongside illegal offshore wagering. For the bigger picture, our Louisiana online casinos hub covers every form of gambling in the state, and the Louisiana gambling laws page walks through each statute.
This page reports the law as recorded. We don't give legal advice, and we don't predict how prosecutors will apply the act to individual players.
What Louisiana's sweepstakes casino ban, Act 182, actually does
Dual-currency casino-style games, defined as illegal gambling by computer
Statutes
Amends R.S. 14:90.3; adds R.S. 27:19.1 and 27:19.2
Penalties
Maximum fine raised to $100,000, plus up to five years
Payments and platforms
Payment processors and platform providers barred from facilitating these games
Attorney General
May issue cease-and-desist notices and must keep a public list
Signed / effective
May 15, 2026 / August 1, 2026
The payment and platform clause matters most in practice. Even where an operator ignores the ban, the companies that process its purchases or host its games are now on notice in Louisiana. The public list kept by the Attorney General should, over time, show which brands the state has targeted.
Who the penalties reach, operators only or players too, isn't spelled out in the summary we rely on. Read the act and digest yourself, or ask a Louisiana lawyer, if it matters to you. A state legislative tracker also lists a separate bill, HB 53, alongside HB 883; we couldn't confirm what HB 53 does, so we leave it out.
How dual-currency sweepstakes casinos work
Sweepstakes casinos run two currencies. Gold Coins are for entertainment play and are usually sold in packages; Sweeps Coins come as a bonus with those purchases or through free entry routes, and can be redeemed for cash prizes or gift cards once you meet the site's rules.
Operators argue this keeps them outside gambling law because you never pay directly for a Sweeps Coin. Louisiana's legislature disagreed: Act 182 treats the dual-currency, casino-style version as gambling by computer. Our sweepstakes vs real money casinos guide explains the model and why regulators across the country have pushed back.
Louisiana sweepstakes casino timeline: from veto to ban
Key dates for sweepstakes and offshore gaming in Louisiana
Date
Event
Source type
2024
LGCB cease-and-desist to Bovada, as reported by SBC Americas
Third-party
June 12, 2025
Gov. Jeff Landry vetoes SB 181, a 2025 sweepstakes ban (date per a legislative tracker)
Third-party
June 17, 2025
LGCB announces enforcement against illegal offshore wagering and unauthorized online sweepstakes
Primary
FY 2024–2025
LGCB sends 40+ cease-and-desist letters to offshore and sweepstakes operators
Primary
May 15, 2026
Act 182 (HB 883) signed
Primary
July 24, 2026
Sportzino's rules make its Louisiana exclusion effective
Most big sweeps brands now list Louisiana as a restricted state. Where we have the brand's own rules, we say so; otherwise the listing comes from Sweepsy, a third-party sweepstakes review site. Lists change often, so treat any date as the last time it was checked.
Sweepstakes brands and Louisiana (as checked October 28, 2026)
Brand
Louisiana status
Where it's recorded
Source type
Chumba Casino
Excluded
Sweeps Rules v18.0 (August 28, 2025; likely out of date)
Primary
LuckyLand Slots
Excluded
Sweepsy review
Third-party
Stake.us
Excluded
Restricted-states help page (undated)
Primary
McLuck
Excluded
Terms of Service v2.6 (October 14, 2026)
Primary
High 5 Casino
Excluded
Sweepstakes rules v44.0 (October 14, 2026)
Primary
WOW Vegas
No Sweeps Coin play
Excluded-states help page
Primary
Zula Casino
Excluded
Sweeps rules v2.7 (October 27, 2026)
Primary
Sportzino
Excluded from July 24, 2026
Sweeps rules v2.4 (August 12, 2026)
Primary
Modo.us
Excluded
Promo rules (October 1, 2026)
Primary
RealPrize
Conflicting: listed on its play page, not in Terms v2.5 (July 28, 2026)
Read more in our reviews of Chumba Casino, Stake.us and McLuck. If a brand still lets you buy coins from a Louisiana address, that doesn't make it lawful under Act 182; check the law, not the sign-up form.
Social casinos and free-play apps after the Louisiana ban
Act 182 is aimed at dual-currency, casino-style games where a second currency can be redeemed for prizes. The digest summary doesn't address single-currency social casino apps where coins can never be cashed out, so those appear to sit outside the act's stated target. That's our reading of the summary, not legal advice.
In practice, check whether an app offers anything redeemable. If coins can turn into cash or gift cards, it's the kind of product the act describes. Our social casinos guide covers the differences, and sweepstakes casino laws sets out how other states define them.
Louisiana among states banning sweepstakes casinos
Louisiana joined a fast-growing list. Recorded bans include:
What to do if you still hold Sweeps Coins in Louisiana
If you had a sweepstakes account before the ban, these steps help you close things out cleanly.
Log in and read any notice or email the brand sent about Louisiana.
Check the brand's current sweepstakes rules for how it handles restricted-state balances and redemptions.
Complete identity checks honestly with your real Louisiana address.
Request any redemption the rules allow, and screenshot your balance, request and confirmation.
Stop buying coin packages, and remove saved cards from the account.
If a redemption is refused or stalls, keep the records and raise it with the brand's support in writing.
Don't keep playing through a VPN, a borrowed address or someone else's account. That breaks the brand's rules, can void any prize, and doesn't change what Louisiana law says. Our VPN and online casinos guide explains the risks.
Sweepstakes vs offshore real money casinos for Louisiana players
With sweeps sites gone, some players look at offshore real-money casinos instead. They're a different product with different risks, and they aren't a legal substitute: Louisiana licenses neither.
Sweepstakes casinos vs offshore casinos in Louisiana
Feature
Sweepstakes casino
Offshore real-money casino
Louisiana status
Banned from August 1, 2026 (Act 182)
Not licensed; LGCB calls offshore wagering illegal
Problem gambling help for Louisiana sweepstakes players
Sweeps Coins can feel like play money, but spending on coin packages adds up fast. If it has stopped being fun, free confidential help is available around the clock from the National Problem Gambling Helpline: call or text 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738), or chat through NCPG's help and treatment page (opens in a new tab). Louisiana's gaming board reports $500,000 a year going to the state's Compulsive and Problem Gaming Fund. More options are on our help and support page.
Offshore alternatives to sweepstakes casinos, with offers via our links
None of our partner casinos is a sweepstakes casino, so no partner fits this page's topic directly; we show the two below because they're the batch's assigned offers and are often searched by former sweeps players. Both are offshore real-money casinos, not licensed by Louisiana or any US state, with no state complaint route or state-backed protection of balances, and the LGCB treats offshore wagering as illegal. Check Louisiana law before you play. We earn a commission on these links; the order is commercial.
Decode Casino: $5,000 Welcome Bonus + 50 Free Spins, via our link (new players, 21+ or 18+ where allowed, terms apply). Third-party reviews report coded packages such as a 111% match up to $1,111 at 25x deposit plus bonus with a $25 minimum deposit; bonuses reportedly last 90 days and codes change, so the terms shown at sign-up apply. Decode is reported to refuse Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Washington, but publishes no full state list. See our Decode Casino review.
Silver Oak Casino: $2,500 Welcome Bonus + 50 Free Spins, via our link (new players, 21+ or 18+ where allowed, terms apply). Its own site advertises a 100% match on each of ten deposits up to $10,000 with no free spins; wagering is 30x on the offer page but 40x in its terms (60x on blackjack and video poker), deposits start at $30 and the offer page says there's no max withdrawal. Free spins and bonuses are slot-focused, and many table games are excluded. The Michigan Gaming Control Board named Silver Oak in an April 9, 2025 cease-and-desist release. Read the Silver Oak Casino review.
Ad21+ (18+ where allowed). Ranked by us in a commercial order; we earn commission from these links. Advertiser disclosure
These are offshore real-money casinos, not sweepstakes sites, and they are not licensed by Louisiana or any US state. 21+, terms apply.
Published terms (reported): Decode advertises a $111 free chip and crypto bonuses on its own site; deposit-bonus codes and terms vary. Eligible games: Mainly slots; check each code.
Who runs it: License not shown on its site; third parties report Curaçao. Regulator notes: Third parties report it refuses players in MD, NJ, NY and WA.
21+ (18+ where allowed). New players. Min deposit $25 (reported). Wagering Varies by code (25x–35x reported). Max cashout: Varies by code. Withdrawal cap $2,500 / week (reported). Terms source: reported. Terms apply. Offer checked October 28, 2026.
Silver Oak Casino#4 on our listBonus on 10 deposits
Published terms (casino terms): Silver Oak advertises a 100% match on each of its first ten deposits (up to $10,000 in total) with codes SILVEROAK1–10. Eligible games: Slots, keno, scratch cards (table games at 60x; many games excluded).
Who runs it: Primrose Media Limited, licensed in Anjouan (its terms). Regulator notes: Named in a Michigan Gaming Control Board cease-and-desist release, April 9, 2025.
21+ (18+ where allowed). New players. Min deposit $30. Wagering 30x on the offer page; 40x in the terms. Max cashout: None stated. Withdrawal cap From $2,500 / week. Terms source: casino terms. Terms apply. Offer checked October 28, 2026.
These casinos are offshore operators. They are not licensed or regulated by any US state, and state consumer protections do not apply. Check the law in your state before you play. Terms marked “reported” come from third-party reviews; the terms shown at sign-up apply.
21+ (18+ where allowed). Every casino game has a built-in house edge, so over time you should expect to lose what you stake. Set a budget before you play and stop when it’s gone: responsible gambling tools and free help. Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738).
Frequently asked questions
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in Louisiana?
No, not since August 1, 2026. Act 182 of 2026 (HB 883) defines dual-currency casino-style games as illegal gambling by computer under La. R.S. 14:90.3, raises the maximum fine to $100,000 with up to five years, and bars payment processors and platforms from facilitating them. Most major brands now list Louisiana as excluded. Our sweepstakes casino bans page tracks the national picture.
When did Louisiana ban sweepstakes casinos?
Louisiana's ban took effect on August 1, 2026, after the governor signed Act 182 (HB 883) on May 15, 2026. An earlier bill, SB 181, passed in 2025 but Gov. Jeff Landry vetoed it; a legislative tracker dates the veto June 12, 2025. Some older articles written between the veto and Act 182 still describe sweeps play as allowed. Our Louisiana gambling laws page has the full history.
Can I still play Chumba Casino in Louisiana?
Chumba lists Louisiana as an excluded state in its sweepstakes rules, and Act 182 now bans dual-currency casino games in the state. Those rules were dated August 2025 when last checked, so the current version may differ, but Louisiana has been on the list throughout. Playing through a VPN or a borrowed address breaks those rules and can void prizes. See our Chumba Casino review for details.
Is Stake.us available in Louisiana?
No, Stake.us lists Louisiana among its restricted states on its own help page, which was undated when checked. That matches Act 182, which bans dual-currency sweepstakes casinos in Louisiana from August 1, 2026. Stake.us has faced cease-and-desist letters in other states too, including Illinois in February 2026. Our Stake.us review covers its model and state list.
Are social casino apps banned in Louisiana too?
Act 182 targets dual-currency casino-style games where a second currency can be redeemed for prizes. The digest summary doesn't address single-currency social apps where coins can never be cashed out, so those appear to sit outside its stated target. That's a reading of the summary, not legal advice. If an app lets coins turn into cash or gift cards, treat it as covered. Our social casinos guide explains the differences.
What are the penalties under Louisiana's sweepstakes ban?
The legislative digest says Act 182 raises the maximum fine to $100,000 plus up to five years, bars payment processors and platform providers from facilitating the games, and lets the Attorney General issue cease-and-desist notices and keep a public list. The summary we rely on doesn't spell out how penalties apply to individual players versus operators. Our cease-and-desist letters page explains how enforcement usually starts.
What should I do with Sweeps Coins left in my account?
Read the brand's notice and current rules, then request any redemption they allow using your real details. Keep screenshots of your balance, request and confirmation, stop buying coin packages and remove saved cards. If a redemption stalls, follow up with support in writing. Don't keep playing through a VPN or a borrowed address. Our sweepstakes vs real money casinos guide explains how redemptions usually work.
Are offshore casinos a legal alternative to sweepstakes in Louisiana?
No. Louisiana licenses no online casinos, and its gaming board describes offshore wagering as illegal, so offshore sites aren't a lawful replacement for sweepstakes play. Legal options in the state are in-person casinos, licensed mobile sports betting in most parishes and daily fantasy, all 21+. Our Louisiana sports betting page covers the licensed online option.
Can I play McLuck or High 5 Casino in Louisiana?
No, both list Louisiana as excluded in their own rules, and Act 182 bans dual-currency casino games in the state anyway. McLuck's Terms of Service version 2.6, dated October 14, 2026, exclude Louisiana, and its undated help page also names it. High 5 Casino's sweepstakes rules version 44.0, also dated October 14, 2026, exclude Louisiana too. Lists change, so check the current rules. Read our McLuck review and High 5 Casino review for their other restricted states.
Is WOW Vegas available in Louisiana?
Not for prize play. WOW Vegas's excluded-states help page lists Louisiana as a state where Sweeps Coin play isn't offered, which matches Act 182's ban on dual-currency casino games from August 1, 2026. Most other major brands in the table above also exclude Louisiana, and a sign-up form that accepts a Louisiana address isn't proof that prize play is lawful. Check the current help page before buying anything. Our WOW Vegas review covers its model and state list.
Can payment processors still handle sweepstakes purchases in Louisiana?
Not lawfully under Act 182. The legislative digest says the act bars payment processors and platform providers from facilitating dual-currency casino-style games in Louisiana. In practice the clause reaches the card processors and game hosts behind a brand, not only the brand itself, so a site still selling coin packages to Louisiana addresses puts its partners in breach too. If a purchase goes through anyway, the product is still banned. Our sweepstakes casino laws page compares how states word these rules.
Does RealPrize exclude Louisiana players?
Its own pages disagree. RealPrize lists Louisiana as excluded on its play page, but its Terms version 2.5, dated July 28, 2026, don't include Louisiana in the restricted list. Either way, Act 182 has banned dual-currency casino games in Louisiana since August 1, 2026, so the conflict doesn't make the product lawful in the state. RealPrize doesn't appear in any of the three Michigan Gaming Control Board releases we track. Our RealPrize review covers its terms.
Are Zula Casino and Sportzino open to Louisiana players?
No, both now exclude Louisiana in their own rules. Zula Casino's sweeps rules version 2.7, dated October 27, 2026, list Louisiana as excluded. Sportzino's sweeps rules version 2.4, dated August 12, 2026, made its Louisiana exclusion effective from July 24, 2026, about a week before Act 182 took effect. If either still lets you sign up from a Louisiana address, that doesn't make play lawful. Our Zula Casino review and Sportzino review list their other excluded states.
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