Mississippi lawmakers have introduced legislation to classify online sweepstakes casinos as illegal gambling and expand enforcement powers against operators and promoters. The measure arrives after multiple unsuccessful attempts to restrict sweepstakes casinos in the state and follows stepped-up activity by regulators against unlicensed online gambling platforms.

Senate Bill 2104 was introduced during the 2026 legislative session and proposes to update the state’s criminal code to broaden the definition of illegal gambling. The bill names online sweepstakes casinos in its language and designates the platforms and the devices used to access them as gambling devices under Mississippi law. The bill was filed by two senators and has been assigned to the Senate Judiciary, Division B Committee, where it awaits further action.

Scope and Enforcement Structure of SB2104

SB2104 seeks to establish that offering or operating an online platform that provides sweepstakes casino-style games constitutes unlawful conduct. The language describes devices capable of accessing such content as gambling devices and specifies that “‘online sweepstakes casinos’ are illegal gambling activities under state law.”

According to Sweepsy, the legislation includes expanded penalties for individuals and entities that operate or promote sweepstakes casinos. Under the proposal, operators and promoters could face fines of up to $100,000, potential prison sentences of up to 10 years, and the forfeiture of assets tied to the activity. The measure also authorizes prosecutors to select venue options when pursuing cases and permits contingency-fee arrangements for forfeiture proceedings.

The bill includes exemptions for authorized gaming such as betting on cruise vessels, gaming conducted in designated onshore facilities, and other activities that fall within the state’s existing legal gaming framework. These provisions preserve Mississippi’s licensed commercial casinos and riverboat operations, which remain central to the state’s regulated gaming sector.

Legislative Background and Regulatory Actions

Mississippi advanced a similar bill in the previous legislative cycle, passing the Senate before the measure stalled in the House. The prior bill collapsed after an amendment surfaced in the House involving sports betting authorization, which became a point of division between chambers. The failure was notable during a period in which several other states successfully enacted sweepstakes casino bans.

State regulators have taken action independent of legislative efforts. The Mississippi Gaming Commission issued cease-and-desist letters to multiple offshore and domestic online gambling platforms offering casino-style games and sports wagering. The notices cited violations of state and federal statutes, including provisions relating to criminal gambling, racketeering, internet gambling, and the Illegal Gambling Business Act. Regulators explained that wagers can only be accepted when offered on the premises of establishments authorized under Mississippi law or Tribal Compact.

“Our laws are clear that casino style gaming and sports wagering are not allowed online in Mississippi, outside of a licensed casino,” said Mississippi Gaming Commission Executive Director Jay McDaniel. “The MGC will aggressively pursue both domestic and offshore illegal operators, and the MGC is currently providing criminal case files to our state and federal law enforcement partners and requesting prosecution.” McDaniel also stated that some companies “mislead our residents by claiming to be legal outlets,” while providing no tax contributions or other benefits to the state.

The commission cautioned residents that participation in unlicensed platforms could result in criminal exposure and the forfeiture of deposited funds. Regulators pointed out that certain operators promote themselves as legal sweepstakes sites, but added that exceptions for such products do not exist under Mississippi law.

Mississippi’s renewed legislative effort aligns with activity in other states. Legislatures in Maine, Indiana, Florida, Virginia, and Iowa have introduced or pre-filed bills aimed at prohibiting sweepstakes casino platforms during the 2026 session. Indiana held a committee hearing on its measure, where members discussed whether a prohibition or regulatory structure would be more appropriate for the platforms. Maine scheduled its first hearing shortly after legalizing online casinos, indicating that sweepstakes casino activity had surfaced alongside regulated gaming expansion.