In the past month, Maine passed a ban on sweepstakes casinos, and several other states have advanced similar legislation as operators adjust their eligible jurisdictions.
Over the past month, Maine enacted a ban on sweepstakes casinos, while lawmakers in several other states advanced similar legislation, and operators continued adjusting their eligible jurisdictions through exits and reentries.
This monthly tracker highlights key operator exits, legislative developments, and enforcement trends shaping the sweepstakes casino landscape.
Exits and Reentries Over The Past Month
Multiple operators have adjusted their terms and conditions since the end of March. Notably, platforms continue to exit Illinois, while an increasing number are reentering states that have not actively pursued the sector.
This reflects a growing divide between states actively pursuing enforcement, such as Illinois, and those where operators appear more willing to reenter amid regulatory uncertainty.
Notable exits and reentries:
- Casino Click: Exited California and New York
- Dara Casino: Announced exit from Illinois on May 15
- Gold Treasure: Reentered Kentucky and Massachusetts
- Lucky Slots: Exited Illinois, while Gold Coin play is no longer available in California; Reentered Tennessee, Rhode Island, and Wyoming
- Lucky Stake: Exited Mississippi and Tennessee; Reentered Alabama, Delaware, Hawaii, and Utah
- Peak Play: Exited Illinois
- Rebet: Exited California
- Sixty 6: Reentered Virginia
- Smiles Casino: Exited Illinois
- Sweeps USA: Reentered Arizona, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, West Virginia
- Sweet Sweeps: Reentered Washington
- The Money Factory: Reentered Arizona
- The Win Zone: Exited Maryland and Tennessee
- Zoot: Reentered Arizona, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia
- Zunado: Exited Illinois; Reentered Alabama, Hawaii, Mississippi
Additionally, Mega Frenzy announced it is shutting down on April 30, while Americana Casino may already have shut down.
Legislative Tracker
Multiple states advanced legislation that either explicitly targets the dual-currency payment method used by sweepstakes casinos or authorizes greater enforcement powers for state regulators.
Maine: Ban Enacted
Maine has officially banned sweepstakes casinos after Gov. Janet Mills signed LD 2007 into law.
The legislation explicitly prohibits “online sweepstakes games,” defined as internet-based games that use a dual-currency system and offer casino-style outcomes involving “direct or indirect consideration.”
Tennessee: Passed in the Legislature
Tennessee lawmakers passed SB 2136 following a conference committee agreement, banning “online sweepstakes games” that utilize dual-currency payment systems.
The bill now awaits formal enrollment before heading to the governor’s desk. If signed, it will take effect immediately.
The legislative session adjourned on April 24, but bills passed by both chambers remain active.
Iowa: Passed in the Legislature
The Iowa legislature unanimously passed SF 2289, an enforcement bill that could expand regulators’ authority to target unlicensed gambling operators, including sweepstakes casinos.
While the bill does not explicitly ban sweepstakes platforms, it introduces “illegal sweepstakes” language and strengthens enforcement mechanisms.
The bill now awaits final procedural steps, including engrossment and the governor’s signature.
The Iowa Legislature has now passed its traditional 100-day session target and entered an “overtime” period, during which lawmakers finalize key legislation.
Louisiana: Advancing on Two Fronts
Louisiana lawmakers have targeted sweepstakes casinos through two active bills that take different approaches.
HB 53, a racketeering-style bill that adds unlawful gambling to the state’s predicate offenses, has passed the legislature and awaits formal enrollment and the governor’s decision.
Meanwhile, HB 883, which tightens Louisiana’s “gambling by computer” statute to include dual-currency platforms, has passed the House and advanced through a Senate committee.
The legislative session ends on June 1. Notably, in 2025, Gov. Jeff Landry vetoed a bill to ban sweepstakes casinos, arguing that authorities already had sufficient power to target the segment.
Oklahoma: Passed in the Senate, Advancing in the House
Oklahoma’s SB 1589, which passed the Senate in March, has now advanced through two House committees.
The bill defines “online casino games” broadly, including those involving currencies used in dual-currency systems.
The legislative session runs until May 29.
Minnesota: Awaiting Senate Floor Vote
Minnesota’s SF 4474 has advanced through several committees and now awaits a full Senate floor vote.
The bill prohibits “online sweepstakes games” that use dual-currency payment systems and restrict revenue from illegal gambling.
The legislative session ends on May 18.
Illinois: Effectively Stalled
In Illinois, SB 3439 is effectively dead for the session, with no substantive movement as lawmakers shift focus to higher-priority legislation.
Maryland: Failed Efforts
In Maryland, two separate sweepstakes bills — HB 295 and HB 1226 — failed to pass before the legislative session adjourned on April 13.
Both measures passed in the House but ran out of time in the Senate.
Notably, in 2025, the Senate passed a similar ban bill that stalled in the House, highlighting ongoing legislative gridlock around sweepstakes regulation.
Where Are Sweeps Casinos Banned
Maine’s ban is set to take effect in mid-July. The state joins Indiana, which also banned dual-currency sweepstakes casinos earlier this year. The ban there takes effect July 1.
The two states join several others — including California, Connecticut, Montana, New Jersey, and New York — that have enacted bans on dual-currency platforms. Nevada has not enacted a direct ban but has strengthened its statutes to allow regulators to pursue criminal charges against unlicensed operators.
Idaho, Washington, and Michigan have long been considered off-limits due to strict gambling laws and enforcement actions.
What to Watch For Next Month
Bills in several states remain active, with some nearing final stages as legislative sessions in Oklahoma and Minnesota approach adjournment.
Other states to keep an eye on include North Carolina, which recently opened its legislative session; Ohio, where Gov. DeWine has been critical of sports betting and gambling expansion; and states like Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island, where legislative sessions run for at least several more months.
At the same time, sweepstakes operators will likely continue to adjust their eligibility requirements, with indications that Illinois will continue to appear as a restricted state. Given the trend from the past month, more operators could also reenter states such as Arizona and Alabama.
The post Sweepstakes Casino Monthly Update: Enforcement, Exits, and Legislative Trends – April 2026 appeared first on Gambling Insider.
