Louisiana Sends HB 53 Gambling Racketeering Bill To Gov. Jeff Landry

Louisiana HB 53 has reached Gov. Jeff Landry after clearing both chambers, giving the state a tougher path for cases tied to illegal gambling and online sweepstakes casinos.

Good to Know

• HB 53 passed the House 86-11 and the Senate 27-9.
• The bill places several gambling offenses under the Louisiana Racketeering Act.
• Penalties could reach $1 million in fines and up to 50 years of hard labor.

Illegal Gambling Could Face Racketeering Charges

Louisiana has taken a harder line on unlawful gambling with HB 53, a bill aimed at illegal gambling networks, electronic sweepstakes devices, computer-assisted wagering, public gambling, cockfight betting, and bribery involving sports participants.

Rep. Bryan Fontenot introduced the bill in January. The House approved it in March by an 86-11 vote, while the Senate passed it in late April by 27-9. No amendments were added, so legislative leaders enrolled and signed the bill before sending it to Gov. Jeff Landry.

Rather than writing a separate ban for online sweepstakes casinos, HB 53 adds gambling-related crimes to the state racketeering law. That gives prosecutors a broader tool. They could treat repeat illegal gambling activity as part of an organized enterprise instead of handling each charge as a single case.

The punishment level also sets HB 53 apart from many gambling bills seen in other states. Anyone convicted under the racketeering language could face up to 50 years of hard labor and fines of up to $1 million.

The bill adds another strict layer when the value tied to the racketeering activity tops $10,000. In that case, a five-year minimum prison term would apply, with no parole, probation, or suspended sentence available.