Mississippi Senator Moves to Ban Online Sweepstakes Casinos
Mississippi Senator Joey Fillingane has introduced a bill aimed at prohibiting online sweepstakes casinos across the state.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:Senate Bill 2510, proposed by Senator Fillingane, seeks to amend the Mississippi Code of 1972 to specifically prohibit the operation of online, interactive, or computerized sweepstakes casinos statewide. As outlined in the measure, any online or interactive platform offering such games for play within the state will be deemed unlawful.
To ensure adherence to the proposed state rules governing online sweepstakes casino-style games, SB 2510 proposes stringent penalties for individuals or entities that violate these regulations.
The bill stipulates that any violation of its terms shall be considered a felony, with penalties including fines of up to $100,000 and imprisonment for up to 10 years. Entities found in violation of the rules shall be subject to trial in the county where the violation occurred or alternatively, in Hinds County.
Additionally, individuals or entities found in violation of the bill's provisions shall face forfeiture of any assets, rights, or privileges utilized in connection with such violations.
The scope of the legislation extends beyond online sweepstakes, as it also calls for the prohibition of online sports pools racebooks, and retail sweepstakes gaming operations.
The bill grants law enforcement agencies the authority to seize and destroy machines and devices linked to the provision of online sweepstakes casino-style games.
The legislation, which also bans online sweepstakes casinos in the Mississippi riverboat industry, has been sent to the Judiciary, Division B Committee for review and discussion.
More Regulation News
Crackdown on Sweepstakes Casinos
Senator Fillingane is not the only one taking a stance against sweepstakes casinos in the US. Earlier this month, the North Carolina Court of Appeals ruled that the sweepstakes video games operated by No Limit Games are games of chance and therefore illegal in the jurisdiction.
However, not every state is looking to ban sweepstakes casinos, some want to regulate and tax the industry. Last week, New Jersey Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese introduced Bill A5196, which proposes the regulation of sweepstakes casinos and gaming sites.
The bill requires sweepstakes to apply for a casino service industry enterprise license to operate in the jurisdiction and also includes stiff fines for operators of unlicensed sweepstakes. It is currently under review by the Assembly, Tourism Gaming, and the Arts Committee.
RELATED TOPICS: Regulation
Latest News
Most Read
Must Read
Interviews
When Helping Others Is a Life-Long Mission - An Interview with Gordon Moody CEO, Monica Shafaq
Dec 17, 2024
Interviews
Review this New Post
Leave a Comment
User Comments
Comments for Mississippi Senator Moves to Ban Online Sweepstakes Casinos