The Nevada Senate unanimously approved SB 256 on Monday. The bill would increase penalties for illegal online gambling operators, including sweepstakes casinos, and forces the “disgorgement of any profits, gains, gross receipts, or other benefits relating to illegal gaming activities.”
Nevada Senate Bill 256 Would Ban Sweepstakes Casinos
Supporters introduced SB 256 in Nevada on Feb. 27, and the Judiciary Committee referred it to the Senate on March 31. It now moves to the House, where it will likely pass considering unregulated casinos impact legal casinos in the Silver State. This measure will also help deter illegal operators and protect residents.
SB 256 will penalize any person “who willfully violates any provision of a regulation adopted pursuant to NRS 463.125 [and] is guilty of a category C felony and shall be punished as provided in NRS 193.130.”
Other states are also aiming to ban sweepstakes casino operators.
Last week, Louisiana introduced a bill to ban sweepstakes casinos, levying fines up to $100,000. Connecticut’s SB 1235 also makes operating illegal sweepstakes gambling a Class D felony. Illinois, New Jersey, and New York have pending legislation as well.
Social And Promotional Games Association Celebrates Failed Legislative Efforts
This news comes a day after the Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA) celebrated a recent streak of legislative wins after lawmakers across the country rejected “misguided efforts” to ban social and sweepstakes games.
Three states had failed anti-sweepstakes legislation: Arkansas, Maryland, and Mississippi.
“These bills shared the same fatal flaw: no facts and no foundation. Legislators are consistently rejecting efforts to criminalize safe, digital entertainment enjoyed by millions of adults across the U.S.,” said a spokesperson from the SPGA.
“When legislation threatens everyday perks from airlines, hotels, and your local coffee shop, it’s clear the bills aren’t just misguided, they’re dangerously out of touch.”
Sweepstakes Gaming Remains Legal In Arkansas, Maryland, And Mississippi
Arkansas HB 1861 would have classified sweepstakes gaming as illegal gambling and allowed the state’s three licensed casinos — Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort Hotel, Saracen Casino Resort, and Southland Casino Hotel — to offer online casino gaming.
Maryland Sen. Paul Corderman’s SB 860 also died Wednesday as the 2025 legislative session came to an end. The bill was approved unanimously by the full Senate last month and sent to the House. There, it had a hearing in the Ways and Means Committee but never made it to a vote.
Additionally, Mississippi Sen. Joey Fillingane’s SB 2510 died earlier this month. Fillingane’s bill would have increased criminal penalties for offering illegal online gambling in the state while also banning online sweepstakes gaming.
In February, the Mississippi Senate became the first chamber in the U.S. to pass a bill banning sweepstakes casinos. House Representatives then amended it in early March to include online sports betting language. However, the Senate rejected it for the sports betting language.