Nevada lawmakers have passed a ban on online sweepstakes casinos, and the bill now awaits Gov. Joe Lombardo‘s signature. Senate Bill 256 increases criminal penalties for illegal online gambling operators and forces the “disgorgement of any profits, gains, gross receipts, or other benefits relating to illegal gaming activities.”
Nevada Senate Bill 256 Increases Criminal Penalties For Sweeps Operators
Existing law in Nevada prohibits residents from engaging in certain activities relating to gaming without procuring a state gaming license and from “accepting, receiving, or allowing” locals to accept or receive certain wagers through any medium of communication from another person physically present within the Silver State.
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.”
Those who violate NRS 463.160 will be guilty of a category B felony and shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for a minimum term of “not less than one year and a maximum term of not more than 10 years, by a fine of not more than $50,000, or by both fine and imprisonment.”
For a second or subsequent violation of any of the bill’s provisions, the individual is guilty of a category B felony and shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for a minimum term of “not less than one year and a maximum term of not more than six years, and may be further punished by a fine of not more than $10,000.”
Louisiana Sweepstakes Casino Ban Bill Awaits Gov. Jeff Landry’s Signature
On Monday, the Louisiana House of Representatives unanimously approved a proposal to prohibit online sweepstakes casinos by a 99-0 vote. Sen. Adam Bass’ SB 181 passed in the Senate by a 39-0 vote at the end of April.
SB 181 will soon go before Gov. Jeff Landry’s desk to be signed into law. If approved by Landry, Louisiana will follow Montana as the second state to outlaw sweeps gaming this year.
SB 181 requires the La. Gaming Control Board (LGCB) and the La. State Police (LSP) to enforce the provisions of proposed law. The bill proposes fines up to $100,000 per occurrence and prison terms up to five years for violators.
Nevada would also join Montana if Gov. Joe Lombardo signs SB 256 into law.