Sen. Rasmusson seeks ban on online sweepstakes casinos; opponent signals opposition

Sen. Rasmusson told the Rules Committee that Senate File 4474 is a late bill seeking to ban online sweepstakes casinos. He said sponsors worked with stakeholders and reviewed legislation from other states as the issue has emerged rapidly.

Sen. David Rest said he opposed the bill on the merits and would vote against allowing it to proceed in Rules. Sen. Frentz and other members asked clarifying questions about the bill’s subject and scope. The committee voted to suspend the rules and adopt the previous committee report so the bill may proceed to its next committee stop; the transcript records the motion was adopted by voice vote.

No final policy decision on the ban was made in Rules; the committee’s action was procedural to allow further consideration in subsequent committees.