TLDR Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt vetoed SB 1589, a bill that would have banned sweepstakes casinos and created new felony penalties Stitt called the bill too broad, saying it could criminalize everyday apps and discourage business investment The Oklahoma Legislature may attempt a veto override, but the House vote fell three short of the required two-thirds majority Louisiana lawmakers passed HB 883 unanimously in both chambers, targeting dual-currency online gambling operations Louisiana previously passed HB 53, but Gov. Jeff Landry vetoed a similar sweepstakes ban last year, leaving both bills’ futures uncertain
Two major state-level battles over sweepstakes casinos took new turns this week. Oklahoma and Louisiana are each dealing with the question of how to regulate unregulated online gambling operations.
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt vetoed SB 1589 on May 7. The bill would have amended state gambling law to ban online casino games, including slots, lottery-style products, and bingo played through computers, phones, or tablets.
Stitt said in his veto message that the bill was “so broad that it criminalizes everyday apps people use for fun.” He also said it would create unnecessary felony charges and extend criminal liability too far.
The governor argued the bill’s language was vague and could hurt businesses operating in good faith. He said it would discourage innovation and investment in the state.
“Oklahoma can protect consumers without adopting criminal penalties that reach beyond the problem they are intended to solve,” Stitt wrote.
The Bill’s Reach and Legislative Support
SB 1589 specifically targeted sweepstakes casinos by going after dual-currency payment systems. These systems let users exchange virtual currency for cash or prizes.
The bill would have expanded liability beyond just the gambling operators. Suppliers, platform providers, geolocation companies, affiliates, payment processors, and promoters would all have faced potential charges.
Violations under