TLDR
- Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt vetoed SB 1589, a bill that would have banned sweepstakes casinos and created new felony penalties
- Stitt called the bill too broad, saying it could criminalize everyday apps and discourage business investment
- The Oklahoma Legislature may attempt a veto override, but the House vote fell three short of the required two-thirds majority
- Louisiana lawmakers passed HB 883 unanimously in both chambers, targeting dual-currency online gambling operations
- Louisiana previously passed HB 53, but Gov. Jeff Landry vetoed a similar sweepstakes ban last year, leaving both bills’ futures uncertain
Two major state-level battles over sweepstakes casinos took new turns this week. Oklahoma and Louisiana are each dealing with the question of how to regulate unregulated online gambling operations.
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt vetoed SB 1589 on May 7. The bill would have amended state gambling law to ban online casino games, including slots, lottery-style products, and bingo played through computers, phones, or tablets.
Stitt said in his veto message that the bill was “so broad that it criminalizes everyday apps people use for fun.” He also said it would create unnecessary felony charges and extend criminal liability too far.
The governor argued the bill’s language was vague and could hurt businesses operating in good faith. He said it would discourage innovation and investment in the state.
“Oklahoma can protect consumers without adopting criminal penalties that reach beyond the problem they are intended to solve,” Stitt wrote.
The Bill’s Reach and Legislative Support
SB 1589 specifically targeted sweepstakes casinos by going after dual-currency payment systems. These systems let users exchange virtual currency for cash or prizes.
The bill would have expanded liability beyond just the gambling operators. Suppliers, platform providers, geolocation companies, affiliates, payment processors, and promoters would all have faced potential charges.
Violations under the bill would have been classified as a Class C2 felony under Oklahoma law.
Despite the veto, the bill had strong support in the Legislature. The Oklahoma Senate passed it unanimously, 48-0. The House approved it 65-21.
Oklahoma lawmakers could still attempt a veto override. They would need a two-thirds vote in both chambers to succeed.
The Senate’s original vote clears that bar. But the House vote fell three votes short of the 68 needed.
It is worth noting that the Legislature overrode a record 47 of 68 gubernatorial vetoes during the 2025 session. So an override attempt is not out of the question.
Louisiana Takes a Two-Pronged Approach
In Louisiana, lawmakers are moving forward with two separate bills targeting sweepstakes operations. The state Senate passed HB 883 unanimously, 35-0, on May 12. The House had already approved it 99-0.
HB 883 would update the state’s gambling by computer statute. It would cover online and mobile games that simulate gambling and use dual-currency systems where players can cash out virtual currency.
The bill now goes back to the House for concurrence with Senate changes. If approved, it heads to Gov. Jeff Landry’s desk.
Louisiana lawmakers also passed HB 53 earlier. That bill adds existing gambling crimes to the state’s racketeering statute as predicate offenses. It now awaits Landry’s decision.
The two bills give Louisiana separate enforcement tools against unregulated gambling. But there is reason to question whether either will become law.
Last year, the Louisiana Legislature passed a bill banning sweepstakes casinos. Landry vetoed it.
At the time, Landry said state enforcement actions and existing tools were enough to target illegal operations. That veto raises questions about whether he will sign HB 53 or HB 883.
Both states are part of a growing national push to crack down on sweepstakes casinos. These operations have faced increasing scrutiny from lawmakers and regulators across the country.
Louisiana’s HB 883 now awaits House concurrence before it can reach the governor’s desk, while HB 53 is already waiting for Landry’s signature or veto.
