2026 has been the biggest year of change for US sweepstakes casinos. Six states banned them during the year, after several more acted in 2025, and more legislatures are expected to take up the issue in 2027.
Despite that, the market kept growing. Industry data from Blask put US sweepstakes casino demand at around $7.2 billion in 2026, with the remaining states growing almost 20% in the first half of the year.
States with a sweepstakes casino ban
| State | Law | Effective |
|---|---|---|
| California | AB 831 | January 1, 2026 |
| Connecticut | SB 1235 (Public Act 25-112) | October 2025 |
| Montana | SB 555 | October 2025 |
| New Jersey | A5447 | 2025 |
| New York | State ban | 2025 |
| Indiana | HB 1052 | July 1, 2026 |
| Maine | LD 2007 | July 2026 |
| Tennessee | State ban | May 2026 |
| Louisiana | HB 883 (Act 182) and HB 53 (Act 48) | August 2026 |
| Oklahoma | SB 1589 (veto override) | November 1, 2026 |
States blocked under existing law
Some states never needed a new law, because their existing gambling rules already keep operators out:
- Idaho: the state constitution bans casino gambling in any form.
- Michigan: the Michigan Gaming Control Board has sent cease-and-desist letters, and operators have left.
- Washington: all online gambling, including sweepstakes, is prohibited.
- Nevada: operators exclude the state under its gaming laws.
States to watch
Several states have not banned sweepstakes casinos but are putting pressure on them, and some brands have already left:
- Arizona: the Department of Gaming sent cease-and-desist orders in 2025.
- Iowa: SF 2289 gave the regulator cease-and-desist powers from July 1, 2026.
- Mississippi: the Gaming Commission sent warning letters in 2025 and 2026.
- Maryland: sent cease-and-desist letters to several operators, and brands such as Rolla, WOW Vegas and MyPrize now exclude it.
- Illinois: some operators have stopped accepting players.
Why states are banning sweepstakes casinos
Lawmakers argue that the two-currency model is online casino gambling in all but name, operating without a licence or state taxes. Licensed casino operators and tribal gaming groups have pushed hard for bans. Supporters of the model point out that no purchase is ever required, which is the legal basis of every US sweepstakes promotion.
What happens to your account in a banned state
When a ban takes effect, casinos stop Sweeps Coin play for players located in that state. Most still let you log in, redeem eligible Sweeps Coins and play with Gold Coins only. If you live in a state with an upcoming ban, like Oklahoma, redeem any eligible SC before the deadline.
Using a VPN to get around a ban breaks every casino's terms and can cost you your winnings.
Check a specific casino
Every casino on Sweepoffers has its own legal states page showing exactly where it accepts players. Start with the full legal states guide, or open any casino review and follow the "legal states" link.
Frequently asked questions
How many states have banned sweepstakes casinos?
As of October 2026, ten states have passed laws against sweepstakes casinos (including Oklahoma, whose ban starts November 1, 2026), and four more block them under existing gambling law.
Is a federal sweepstakes casino ban coming?
There is no federal ban. Sweepstakes casinos are regulated state by state, so availability depends on where you are located.
Keep reading
LuckyLand Slots Shut Down: What Happened and the Best Alternatives
VGW closed LuckyLand Slots in North America in September 2026. Here is the timeline, what it meant for players, and the closest alternatives still running.
· 2 min readBonusesHow to Get Free Sweeps Coins: 7 Ways That Actually Work
Sign-up bonuses, daily logins, mail-in requests, races and referrals. Here is how to build a Sweeps Coins balance without buying anything.
· 2 min readGuidesSweepstakes Casino Sister Sites: Which Brands Share an Owner
Many sweepstakes casinos are run by the same few companies. Here is which brands are sister sites, and why it matters for bonuses and redemptions.
· 2 min read