The Louisiana House Bill 53 (HB 53) was prefiled on January 30, 2026, by Representative Bryan Fontenot of District 55. The bill proposes adding several gambling-related offenses to the list of predicate acts for racketeering under state law, signaling a legislative push against unregulated gaming activities in Louisiana. If enacted, violations could lead to fines up to $1 million or imprisonment with hard labor for up to 50 years.
This legislative move follows earlier enforcement actions by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board and the Attorney General that effectively blocked access to unauthorized sweepstakes casinos such as Stake, Chumba, and MyPrize. Governor Jeff Landry has previously vetoed related measures but emphasized strict enforcement to protect residents from illegal gambling operations and maintain the integrity of the state’s gaming industry.
Key actors include Representative Bryan Fontenot, the primary sponsor of HB 53, and the House Committee on Criminal Justice Administration, to which the bill is provisionally assigned. The bill aligns with ongoing efforts by state officials to deter illegal sweepstakes gaming and unauthorized sports betting startups. No public statements on HB 53 have been issued by Fontenot yet, while Governor Landry has maintained a firm stance against unregulated gambling.
HB 53 specifically seeks to enact R.S. 15:1352(A)(89) to (95), expanding predicate offenses for racketeering to include unlawful gambling, gambling by computer or electronic sweepstakes devices, wagering at cockfights, and bribery of sports participants. The penalties outlined under R.S. 15:1353 include hefty fines and severe imprisonment terms without parole if the illegal activity exceeds $10,000 in value. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Criminal Justice Administration but has not progressed beyond prefiling as of February 2, 2026.
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The next steps involve the upcoming legislative session starting on March 9, 2026, when HB 53 will be subject to committee review and potential amendments. Close monitoring of the House Committee on Criminal Justice Administration is necessary to track the bill’s progress and its impact on the regulation of digital gambling operations within Louisiana.
