In a significant week for legislation, Oklahoma lawmakers successfully overturned Governor Kevin Stitt's veto on a bill aimed at banning sweepstakes casinos. This decision comes alongside Minnesota's enactment of a ban on prediction markets and Louisiana's advancement of a second bill related to sweepstakes.
The Oklahoma Legislature voted to override the governor's veto of SB 1589, which prohibits 'online casino games' that involve risking 'representative of value,' including the dual-currency systems commonly used by sweepstakes casinos. Stitt had previously argued that the bill would criminalize popular apps used for entertainment, claiming it created uncertainty for businesses and stifled innovation. However, both legislative chambers managed to gather the necessary votes to override the veto, with the House achieving the required two-thirds majority.
With this new law set to take effect on November 1, 2026, Oklahoma joins Indiana and Maine as the third state to legislate against the dual-currency systems of sweepstakes casinos.
In Tennessee, lawmakers have sent SB 2136 to Governor Bill Lee, which aims to ban 'online sweepstakes games' that use virtual currency systems for cash exchanges. If signed into law, Tennessee will join the ranks of states prohibiting dual-currency platforms.
Meanwhile, Louisiana's Senate unanimously approved HB 883, a bill that modifies existing laws to encompass online and mobile games that simulate gambling and utilize dual-currency systems. This follows the earlier passage of HB 53, which expanded enforcement tools against illegal gambling. If Governor Jeff Landry approves HB 883, Louisiana will become the fourth state to specifically target sweepstakes casinos.
In Minnesota, lawmakers have included a ban on prediction markets in a public safety omnibus bill, which is now on its way to Governor Tim Walz. This legislation could make Minnesota the first state to impose such a ban directly, amidst ongoing federal discussions on the regulation of prediction markets.