Sweepstakes Casino Bans by State: Where Sweeps Casinos Are Banned in 2026
State by state, which places have banned sweepstakes casinos, under which bill, from which date, and where regulators are acting without a new law.
By Giuseppe Vivarelli · Checked November 4, 2026 against two independent trackers · Not legal advice
- 10 states ban sweepstakes casinos by law. The newest is Oklahoma, in force since November 1, 2026.
- 4 more (Idaho, Michigan, Nevada, Washington) block them under existing gambling law.
- In 12 other states, regulators or attorneys general are acting without a new law.
The map
Tap a category to highlight it; tap a state for its full gambling guide.
State by state
States not listed: no sweepstakes-specific ban or enforcement action found in my sources.
- CaliforniaBanned by a sweepstakes lawAB 831 bans online sweepstakes casinos and the companies that supply or promote them.Signed October 11, 2025 · in force January 1, 2026
- ConnecticutBanned by a sweepstakes lawSB 1235 (Public Act 25-112) bans sweepstakes casino games.In force October 1, 2025
- IndianaBanned by a sweepstakes lawHB 1052 bans online sweepstakes casinos.Signed March 12, 2026 · in force July 1, 2026
- LouisianaBanned by a sweepstakes lawHB 883 (Act 182) and HB 53 (Act 48) ban sweepstakes casinos.In force August 1, 2026
- MaineBanned by a sweepstakes lawLD 2007 bans sweepstakes casinos.Signed April 6, 2026 · in force July 2026 (trackers give July 14 or July 29)
- MontanaBanned by a sweepstakes lawSB 555 bans online sweepstakes casinos.Signed May 12, 2025 · in force October 1, 2025
- New JerseyBanned by a sweepstakes lawA5447 bans sweepstakes casinos.Signed August 15, 2025
- New YorkBanned by a sweepstakes lawS5935-A bans online sweepstakes casinos.Signed December 5, 2025
- OklahomaBanned by a sweepstakes lawSB 1589 bans sweepstakes casinos; it became law after a veto override.In force November 1, 2026
- TennesseeBanned by a sweepstakes lawSB 2136 / HB 1885 bans sweepstakes casinos.In force May 22, 2026
- IdahoBlocked under existing lawBlocked under the state constitution's gambling ban; no sweepstakes-specific law.
- MichiganBlocked under existing lawThe Gaming Control Board treats sweepstakes casinos as unlicensed online gambling and sends cease-and-desist letters.Enforcement since 2024
- NevadaBlocked under existing lawBlocked in practice; one tracker cites a 2025 law (SB 256), another lists Nevada under existing gambling law.Sources disagree on the legal basis
- WashingtonBlocked under existing lawBlocked under existing law: unlicensed online gambling is a felony.
- WyomingBan bill pendingA legislative committee voted in October 2026 to sponsor a ban; it cannot be considered before the January 12, 2027 session.
- AlabamaRegulator or AG actionActive litigation; several brands have withdrawn.
- ArizonaRegulator or AG actionDepartment of Gaming cease-and-desist orders.
- DelawareRegulator or AG actionGaming regulator order against a major operator (April 2025).
- FloridaRegulator or AG actionAttorney General lawsuits filed August 19, 2026; ban bills died in March 2026.
- IllinoisRegulator or AG actionRegulator letters to 65 operators (February 5, 2026).
- IowaRegulator or AG actionRegulator has cease-and-desist authority since July 1, 2026.
- KentuckyRegulator or AG actionAttorney General lawsuit against a major operator.
- MarylandRegulator or AG actionRegulator orders; ban bills died in 2026.
- MississippiRegulator or AG actionGaming Commission orders; ban bills failed twice.
- PennsylvaniaRegulator or AG actionGaming Control Board orders.
- UtahRegulator or AG actionAll gambling is banned by the state constitution.
- West VirginiaRegulator or AG actionAttorney General subpoenas; dozens of platforms have left.
How the bans spread
- Aug 2025
New Jersey bans sweepstakes casinos (A5447).
- Oct 2025
Connecticut and Montana bans take effect.
- Dec 2025
New York bans them (S5935-A).
- Jan 2026
California's AB 831 takes effect.
- May–Aug 2026
Tennessee, Indiana, Maine and Louisiana bans take effect.
- Nov 1, 2026
Oklahoma's SB 1589 takes effect.
- Jan 2027
Wyoming's proposed ban can be considered; a Florida bill is expected.
What a sweepstakes casino is, and why states are banning them
Sweepstakes casinos use two currencies: Gold Coins for free play and Sweeps Coins, which you get as a "free" bonus with Gold Coin purchases and can redeem for cash prizes. Because no purchase is legally required, operators argue they are not gambling. States that ban them answer that buying coins to get redeemable coins is real-money gambling under another name.
The new laws also reach the businesses around the casinos: payment processors, game suppliers and affiliates who promote them. That is why brands withdraw from a state as soon as a ban takes effect.
Questions
Which states have banned sweepstakes casinos?
As of November 4, 2026, 10 states have a law that bans sweepstakes casinos: California, Connecticut, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma and Tennessee. Idaho, Michigan, Nevada and Washington block them under existing gambling law or regulator enforcement.
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in my state?
If your state is not on the ban list, there is usually no sweepstakes-specific law, which is not the same as a clear legal green light. In 12 more states regulators or attorneys general have taken action without a new law. Check your state on the map.
What happens to my Sweeps Coins if my state bans sweepstakes casinos?
Operators usually block new play in a state when a ban takes effect and set a deadline to redeem eligible prizes. Redeem before the date the operator announces and keep screenshots of your balance.
Is Oklahoma's sweepstakes ban in effect?
Yes. SB 1589 became law after the legislature overrode the governor's veto and took effect on November 1, 2026.
Are offshore real-money casinos a legal alternative?
No. Offshore casinos are not licensed by any US state either. Real-money online casinos are legal only in Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and West Virginia, with state-licensed operators.
Sources
- Lines.com, Sweepstakes casinos legal states (November 2026)
- Gambling.com, Sweepstakes casinos legal states (updated October 20, 2026)
- Where the two trackers disagree (Maine's effective date, Nevada's legal basis), I say so on the state line.
Laws change quickly. Spotted a new bill or a ruling? Tell me with a link and I will update the tracker.
Who wrote this and how
Editor of GamblingAppsStore, former senior iGaming analyst and affiliate marketer, based in Lugano. I track gambling law changes in all 50 states and DC.
- Published method. One formula for every operator: how I score.
- Dated sources. Every figure has a source and a check date; what I cannot verify is marked "not verified".
- Independence. Affiliate commissions never change a score; flagged operators get no affiliate link. Editorial policy.
- Corrections. Found an error? Tell me with a source and I will fix it.
21+ only (18+ where permitted). Gambling involves risk; offshore operators are not licensed by US state regulators. Free, confidential help 24/7: call or text 1-800-MY-RESET. Not legal or financial advice.