Louisiana HB 53 Racketeering Bill Heads to Governor

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By lines

May 7, 2026

This content is for informational purposes only.

Louisiana HB 53, the sweepstakes casino racketeering bill, has reached Gov. Jeff Landry’s desk. The Louisiana Legislature enrolled HB 53 on May 4, 2026. Gov. Jeff Landry previously vetoed a sweepstakes casino ban in June 2025.

What Louisiana HB 53 Would Do to Sweepstakes Casino Operators

Louisiana HB 53, sponsored by Rep. Bryan Fontenot, amends the Louisiana Racketeering Act. HB 53 adds “gambling by computer” and “gambling by electronic sweepstakes device” as predicate offenses. These are existing crimes under Louisiana law. Adding these crimes as racketeering predicates allows prosecutors to pursue organized crime charges.

A conviction under Louisiana HB 53 carries penalties of up to 50 years at hard labor. Louisiana HB 53 also allows fines reaching $1 million per violation. If the racketeering activity exceeds $10,000 in value, HB 53 imposes a mandatory minimum of five years. Courts cannot suspend or reduce that mandatory minimum sentence.

Louisiana HB 53 passed the state House 86-11 on March 30, 2026. HB 53 cleared the Louisiana Senate 27-9 on April 27, 2026. The Louisiana Legislature sent HB 53 to Gov. Jeff Landry after enrollment completed on May 4, 2026.

Sweepstakes casino operators have already exited other states facing legislative pressure. WOW Vegas ended Sweeps Coin gameplay for Illinois residents on May 1, 2026. Ruby Sweeps exited Indiana on May 4, 2026, ahead of the July 1 ban effective date. If Gov. Jeff Landry signs HB 53, Louisiana operators face criminal prosecution rather than a civil shutdown.