Minnesota advanced sweepstakes and prediction market bans, Iowa and Louisiana moved enforcement bills, and New York pushed new responsible gambling measures.
This week, Minnesota passed separate Senate bills targeting online sweepstakes games and prediction markets, while Iowa and Louisiana moved enforcement-focused measures aimed at illegal gambling. Meanwhile, New York lawmakers introduced and advanced several responsible gambling and youth-protection measures.
Here are the gambling bills that mattered this week.
Sweepstakes and Illegal Gambling
Iowa – SF 2289 Passed, Expands Enforcement Powers
The Iowa legislature passed SF 2289, an enforcement bill that expands the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission’s authority to pursue illegal operators, including those offering “illegal sweepstakes” or unlicensed “internet fantasy sports contests.”
The bill now awaits formal enrollment before being sent to the governor.
Why it Matters:
If enacted, SF 2289 would give regulators broader authority to pursue sweepstakes casinos and other unlicensed operators.
While it’s not an explicit ban, a similar approach in Nevada led to widespread market exits. suggesting that enforcement alone can materially reshape the market.
Louisiana – HB 53 Passed; Sweeps-Specific Bill Also Advances
The Louisiana legislature passed HB 53, which amends Louisiana’s racketeering statute to add existing gambling crimes — including those commonly cited in sweepstakes enforcement — as predicate offenses.
Separately, HB 883, a sweeps-specific bill that previously passed the House, advanced from a Senate committee.
Why it Matters:
Louisiana is taking a dual-track approach: strengthening enforcement through racketeering law while simultaneously advancing a direct ban on sweepstakes casinos.
Minnesota – SF 4474 Passes Senate Targeting Sweepstakes Casinos
The Minnesota Senate passed SF 4474, a bill that would prohibit “online sweepstakes games” that use a dual-currency payment system and allow players to exchange currency for a prize, award, cash, or a cash equivalent.
The measure now advances to the House for consideration.
Why it Matters:
Minnesota joins a growing list of states where at least one chamber has passed a sweepstakes ban bill, signaling increasing legislative momentum against the model.
New York – S10092 Introduced, Targets Gambling Ads to Minors, Lootboxes
New York lawmakers introduced S10092, titled the “No Gambling Ads for Kids Act,” which would prohibit certain online platforms and social media services from advertising gambling-related products to users under 18.
The legislation also defines “gaming-related gambling” to include video game mechanics such as loot boxes and “add-on transactions,” where users spend real or virtual currency for randomized rewards or in-game advantages.
Why it Matters:
After passing a ban on sweepstakes last year, New York looks to close further loopholes in its gambling statutes. The bill comes after state Attorney General Letitia James filed a lawsuit against Valve Corporation, claiming that its loot box system constitutes illegal gambling.
Prediction Markets
Minnesota – SF 4511 Passes Senate
The Minnesota Senate also passed SF 4511, a bill that would prohibit certain prediction market contracts tied to real-world events, such as sports, politics, and death.
The measure extends the prohibitions to the entire ecosystem, including payment processors and financial institutions.
Why it Matters:
Minnesota becomes one of the few states where a legislative chamber has approved a bill directly targeting prediction markets as legal battles continue at the federal level.
Iowa – SF 2470 Advances, Would Regulate Prediction Markets
Iowa lawmakers advanced SF 2470 from a House subcommittee after it previously passed the Senate. The bill would establish a framework to regulate and tax certain event-based contracts.
Why it Matters:
Unlike prohibition-focused states, Iowa is exploring a regulatory pathway.
Ohio – SB 430 Introduced to License and Tax Prediction Markets
Similar to Iowa, Ohio lawmakers introduced a bill to regulate certain prediction market event contracts.
SB 430 would require prediction market operators offering sports-related contracts to obtain state licenses and pay taxes under existing sports betting frameworks.
Why it Matters:
Ohio’s proposal aligns with the regulatory approach, treating prediction markets as an extension of sports wagering rather than banning them outright.
North Carolina – HB 1171 Introduced to Prohibit Prediction Market Gambling
North Carolina introduced HB 1171, a bill that would explicitly apply gambling laws to prediction markets, defining them as platforms where users bet on future events and making such activity a criminal offense in the state.
Why it Matters:
North Carolina becomes the latest state to introduce a bill classifying prediction markets as illegal gambling at the statutory level.
Responsible Gambling, Oversight, and Other Measures
Colorado – SB 131 and SB 163 Pass Senate
Colorado lawmakers passed SB 131 and SB 163 in the Senate.
SB 131 covers a wide range of topics, including restrictions on advertising and promotional language, and limiting deposits. Last week, lawmakers stripped the bill of a provision to ban prop bets, while, before passage, language that would have prevented sportsbooks from limiting sharp bettors was also stripped.
Meanwhile, SB 163 would implement broader structural changes to the state’s gambling regulatory framework.
Why it Matters:
While Colorado is advancing regulatory updates and player protections, removing the “limiting bettors” and prop bet ban highlights the industry’s influence in shaping final legislation.
New York – Multiple Responsible Gambling Bills Introduced, Advance
Several New York measures saw movement this week:
A09575 advanced from committee and would require additional reporting and disclosures tied to gambling oversight.
A09146, which mandates that mobile sports wagering operators provide direct links and referrals to problem gambling services, also advanced from committee. A Senate companion, S10154, was introduced.
Separately, S10153 was introduced to establish a proposition betting task force to examine risks associated with prop betting, including “under” wagers.
Why it Matters:
New York continues to build out a layered responsible gambling framework, with a particular focus on player behavior, disclosures, and risks associated with prop betting.
The post Iowa, Louisiana Pass Enforcement Bills as Minnesota Advances Sweeps Ban in This Week’s Gambling Bills That Mattered appeared first on Gambling Insider.
