Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has vetoed SB 181, a bill that would have banned sweepstakes casinos from operating in the Pelican State.
The legislation had received unanimous backing from both the House and the Senate, with senators voting 39-0 in favour of the bill on its final passage reading late last month.
SB 181, among other provisions, aims to outlaw sweepstakes and targeted the vertical’s “dual-currency system of payment” in its text.
However, despite the overwhelming support for the proposal, Landry cut the bill’s progression dead in its tracks, noting that some of the language found within SB 181 is “overly broad and could be interpreted in an adverse manner”.
If the bill’s measures are misinterpreted, Landry said that SB 181 could serve as an obstacle to current enforcement efforts overseen by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB).
While outlining his reasons for the veto, Landry shifted focus to the strides already made by the LGCB in thwarting illegal gambling activity in the state.
“The board is already taking active steps to combat illegal gambling in Louisiana, especially against illegal offshore wagering and illegal online sweepstakes companies operating in Louisiana,” he said.
Landry cited a recent cease-and-desist order that was issued to unlicensed operator Bovada by the LGCB as an example, before noting similar action will be taken against sweepstakes operators.
He added: “The board remains dedicated to promoting a secure and regulated gaming environment in Louisiana.
“As such, this bill is a solution in search of a problem that is already being solved by our current system, and some of the language in this bill is overly broad and could be interpreted in an adverse manner which may harm or impede our current enforcement actions taken against these bad actors.
“For these reasons, Senate Bill 181 is not necessary,” he concluded.
The likelihood of Landry’s veto being overruled is low, given last year the legislature decided against calling a veto session despite several vetoes from the governor.
Since 1974, vetoes have been overridden just three times by legislators.
In stark contrast, Connecticut has officially banned sweepstakes casinos, with the rule coming into effect on 1 October of this year.
SB 1235 secured unanimous House approval in the Constitution State, with just one day left of the legislative session left to spare.
In turn, Connecticut becomes the second US state to outlaw the vertical after Montana enforced a blanket ban last month, with the Treasure State’s ban also coming into force in October.
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Jeff Landry vetoes SB 181 despite the proposal receiving support from both chambers, as he insists the state regulator will continue to take action against the rapidly growing vertical
The post Louisiana sweepstakes ban bill deemed “not necessary” as governor fails to sign first appeared on EGR Intel.