New Bill Aims to Regulate Online Gambling in Washington, D.C., Louisiana
Two important bills that could severely impact sweepstakes casinos and online gambling have hearings coming up. One in Louisiana is happening on Tuesday, April 28. It is regarding the dual-currency system. The other is in Washington, D.C., and it seeks to regulate online gambling.
If passed, both have the potential to make sweeping changes to how online casino and sweepstakes gambling happens in our nation's capital and in Louisiana. It could end up being a landmark of sorts for other states in the future.
Washington, D.C. online gambling bill
In D.C., proposal CB26-0656 was first introduced by Councilmember Wendell Felder. It's called the Internet Gaming and Consumer Protection Act of 2026. Felder's main argument is that residents of Washington, D.C. are already gambling online, but they're doing it through offshore sites. Since it is happening, they ought to regulate it, protect people involved, and collect tax revenue instead of letting unregulated operators earn all the money.
If the bill passes, casino operators will need to pay a 25% tax on revenue. They will also have to fork over a substantial $2 million license fee up front. This will last for five years. Any subsequent renewals after that will only cost $500,000. The DC Office of Lottery and Gaming will take oversight of everything, and any prospective gamblers will have to be 21 or older.
Like the Louisiana bill, this would also hit dual-currency sweepstakes, namely Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins. The bill also posits subscription-based models as illegal.
Under this bill, the Attorney General would have the power to sue operators and seize profits. “This bill reflects a practical, data-informed approach to strengthening consumer protections, modernizing our gaming framework, and capturing revenue that is currently flowing outside of the District’s oversight,” Felder wrote in a letter.
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Louisiana proposed bill
HB883 is one of two bills taking direct aim at sweepstakes casinos in the state of Louisiana. This one outlaws the dual-currency system instead of outright banning sweepstakes casinos. This could affect literally any online game, contest, or promotion that uses two forms of currency, so it would be rather wide-ranging and could change everything.
Louisiana governor Jeff Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill have already made claims that these systems violate state gambling law. Murrill put out a statement previously voicing her concerns about dual-currency systems.
“Some of these platforms, including so-called ‘sweepstakes’ or ‘social casino’ sites, may offer real-money payouts, use dual-currency or coin-based systems, or offer material prizes such as gift cards, all under the false appearance of legality and trying to compare themselves with legitimate sweepstakes, like that of McDonald’s or Starbucks," she said.
She also stated, "Our laws and the veto of SB181 do not legalize these purported ‘sweepstakes’ or ‘social gaming’ websites without a vote of the people or without licensing and suitability investigations... (Our goal is to) make it unequivocally clear that online casino, bingo, keno, iGaming, and alleged sweepstakes or social gaming sites offering such games are operating illegally in Louisiana.”
