After California’s crackdown on sweepstakes-style poker, Southern states are now following suit. Tennessee and Mississippi have introduced legislation targeting sweepstakes platforms, aiming to close the legal gray area that has allowed these operations to thrive.
Mississippi Targets Sweepstakes With SB 2104
Mississippi has long relied on its retail casinos, leaving online poker expansion slow. Senate Bill 2104, reintroduced by Senators Joey Fillingane and David Blount, now seeks to explicitly outlaw sweepstakes-style platforms. Unlike previous attempts tangled with sports betting debates, this standalone measure passed the Senate unanimously and is moving to the House.
Key Provisions of SB 2104:
-
Criminal Penalties: Fines up to $100,000 and possible felony charges with prison sentences up to 10 years.
-
Asset Forfeiture: Operators and affiliates could lose assets linked to violations.
-
Extended Liability: Not just site owners—marketing partners and influencers promoting sweepstakes platforms are also at risk.
If enacted, SB 2104 would make Mississippi one of the strictest states on sweepstakes poker, eliminating the legal ambiguity that has persisted for years.
Tennessee Hits Sweepstakes Through Consumer Protection
Next door in Tennessee, House Bill 1885 takes a slightly different approach. Instead of criminalizing sweepstakes outright, it treats them as a violation of the Consumer Protection Act.
Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti has already acted preemptively, sending cease-and-desist letters to 40 operators in December. Skrmetti warned:
“The only thing you can be sure about with an online sweepstakes casino is that it’s going to take your money… They avoid any oversight that could ensure honesty or fairness.”
Under HB 1885, violations could trigger fines exceeding $15,000 per infraction, signaling a significant financial risk for operators still running in Tennessee.
