Louisiana HB 53 Clears Senate Panel, Full Vote Looms Casino By lines April 22, 2026 Louisiana HB 53 cleared the Senate Judiciary C Committee on April 14, 2026. The bill adds electronic sweepstakes operations to the state racketeering statute. Sweepstakes operators face prison terms up to 50 years if Louisiana enacts HB 53 into law. Penalties Escalate Under Louisiana Racketeering Framework Louisiana HB 53 was pre-filed by Rep. Bryan Fontenot on January 30, 2026. The bill adds sweepstakes gambling to the state Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations statute. Racketeering conviction in Louisiana carries fines up to $1 million. Activity exceeding $10,000 in wagers triggers a mandatory five-year prison sentence under Louisiana law. The Louisiana House passed HB 53 on March 31, 2026. The Louisiana Senate could schedule a floor vote within two weeks. Louisiana joins Maine and Indiana among states tightening sweepstakes law in April 2026. HB 53 targets operators rather than individual players. Louisiana gaming regulators administratively restricted sweepstakes casinos six months before Rep. Fontenot pre-filed HB 53. Related Casino Reviews Louisiana House Passes HB883 Sweeps Ban 98-0 Maine Signs LD 2007, Banning Sweepstakes Casinos Indiana Sweepstakes Ban Takes Full Effect July 1 Source: Sweepsy coverage of Louisiana Senate Judiciary C Committee hearing on HB 53, April 15, 2026.
