Mississippi lawmakers are moving closer to banning online sweepstakes casinos statewide. On February 4, 2026, the Mississippi Senate passed SB 2104 by a 52–0 vote. The bill was then sent to the House, where it has been referred to the House Gaming Committee for review.
Supporters say the bill closes a legal “gray area” and gives the state stronger tools to shut down casino-style sweepstakes sites. Critics may argue the state should focus on regulation instead of stricter penalties. Either way, the bill is now one of the most advanced sweeps casino crackdowns in the country this year.
What SB 2104 Would Do If It Becomes Law
SB 2104 would update Mississippi’s gambling laws to clearly cover certain online and computerized games. The bill expands language in existing statutes so “online, interactive, or computerized” versions of prohibited games are treated the same as in-person illegal gambling.
A big part of the bill is how it treats sweepstakes casinos. The measure adds internet sweepstakes casinos and “online sweepstakes casino-style games” into the state’s definition of illegal gambling devices. It also targets more than just the operators. The bill language and related reporting describe a focus on people who promote or help spread these platforms, not only those who run them.
SB 2104 also includes a “safe harbor” style section meant to protect certain third parties—like some telecommunications and tech platforms—from liability when they are not knowingly involved. That could matter because illegal online gambling often relies on services like hosting, ads, and payment routing.
Penalties, Forfeiture, and Why This Bill Matters
The bill raises the punishment level for certain violations and includes steep penalties. Reporting on the Senate-passed version describes potential felony exposure for covered activity, with fines up to $100,000 and possible prison time up to 10 years.
SB 2104 also adds stronger financial enforcement tools. It authorizes asset forfeiture, meaning the state could seek to seize assets, rights, and privileges used in connection with illegal gambling activity covered by the bill. It also allows the Mississippi Gaming Commission to use certain fee arrangements tied to forfeited assets in connection with prosecutions.
Another detail is venue. The bill allows prosecutors, in some situations, to bring cases either where the violation happened or in Hinds County. Supporters say this makes enforcement easier when online activity crosses county lines.
Together, these changes would make Mississippi’s stance on sweepstakes casinos much clearer: if a site offers casino-style gaming online using a sweepstakes structure, the state wants it treated like illegal gambling—not a harmless promotion.
What Happens Next in the Mississippi House
SB 2104 is now in the House process. The next step is a hearing and vote in the House Gaming Committee. If it passes committee, it would still need approval from the full House. If the House changes the bill, the Senate would need to agree to the updates before it could go to the governor.
The House is the key hurdle because a similar effort fell apart in 2025. Last year, a sweepstakes-focused bill passed the Senate but ran into problems after it was amended to include online sports betting. That broader debate helped sink the bill. This year’s version is narrower and more focused on sweepstakes casino-style games, which supporters hope will improve its chances.
For players in Mississippi, nothing changes yet. Sweepstakes casinos may still be accessible unless operators choose to block the state. But if SB 2104 becomes law, many platforms would likely exit Mississippi or cut off prize-style play, and the state would have stronger tools to push them out.