Louisiana Lawmakers Consider RICO Style Charges for Gambling and Sports Bribery

Louisiana lawmakers are weighing a proposal that could sharply raise criminal exposure for certain gambling related offenses. The measure would move beyond standard gaming statutes and place targeted activity inside the state racketeering framework, a shift that carries far heavier penalties.

The bill arrives as states across the country harden enforcement against unlicensed sweepstakes platforms and sports betting misconduct.

Good to Know

• House Bill 53 would classify certain gambling and sports bribery offenses as racketeering
• Racketeering convictions in Louisiana can bring up to 50 years in prison
• The proposal follows increased action against sweepstakes casinos and betting scandals

House Bill 53, introduced by Bryan Fontenot, seeks to expand the definition of racketeering activity under Louisiana law. The proposal would include gambling conducted through electronic sweepstakes devices, computer based gambling systems, and wagering in public spaces.

The bill also targets bribery involving athletes and other sports participants, along with wagering by individuals barred from betting. Lawmakers framed that provision as a response to growing sports betting controversies across collegiate and professional leagues in the United States.

The legislation now sits with the House Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice for review.

Racketeering statutes in Louisiana carry penalties far beyond traditional gambling violations. Convictions allow for fines up to $1 million and prison sentences reaching 50 years, including hard labor. When cases involve more than $10,000, state law requires a minimum five year sentence without parole, probation, or sentence suspension.

The proposal builds on recent regulatory action rather than replacing it. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board has already issued cease and desist orders against sweepstakes style casino platforms operating within the state.

Those enforcement steps followed a veto by Jeff Landry, who rejected legislation that would have enacted a direct statutory ban on sweepstakes casinos. The governor argued that regulators already possessed sufficient authority to address unlicensed activity.

Legal interpretation also played a role. Liz Murrill issued a formal legal opinion in July 2025 concluding that dual currency sweepstakes platforms violate existing Louisiana law. The opinion came at the request of Rick Edmonds and followed closely after the governor veto.

Louisiana would not stand alone if the proposal advances. Other states already apply a range of penalties to sweepstakes operations. New York law authorizes fines from $10,000 to $100,000 per violation, while Connecticut treats violations as unfair or deceptive trade practices punishable at the level of a Class A misdemeanor.

New Jersey allows fines up to $25,000 per violation and requires operators to return revenue tied to illegal conduct. California permits jail terms of up to one year and fines up to $25,000.

Some jurisdictions have gone further. Montana enacted the first direct statewide ban, classifying violations as felonies with prison terms reaching 10 years. Nevada also treats unlicensed sweepstakes operations as felonies, allowing fines up to $50,000 and sentences of up to 10 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does House Bill 53 change in Louisiana law?

The bill would classify certain gambling and sports bribery offenses as racketeering crimes.

Why does racketeering classification matter?

Racketeering charges carry higher fines and much longer prison sentences than standard gambling laws.

What gambling activity falls under the proposal?

Electronic sweepstakes devices, computer gambling, and gambling in public spaces.

Has Louisiana already taken action against sweepstakes casinos?

Yes. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board has issued cease and desist orders against operators.

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