Gov. Kathy Hochul signed Senate Bill 5935 into law on Friday, legislation that takes immediate effect and makes it illegal in the state to operate or promote online sweepstakes games.
The bill also makes it unlawful for a variety of other entities to support sweepstakes casinos in New York, including financial institutions, geolocation providers, and media affiliates.
Anyone caught breaking the new law could face fines of $10,000 to $100,000 for each violation, as well as (if applicable) the loss of their gaming license or eligibility for a gaming license.
So, while online sports betting in New York remains legal when done via licensed operators, sweeps are now officially illegal.
The signing appears to have prompted a hasty exit by some sweep operators.
New York-based users of sweepstakes-style sports prediction markets Novig and ProphetX reported on social media that their access had already been restricted in the state shortly after the bill became law.
Join the club
Operators of sweepstakes casinos have come under fire over the past year or so from lawmakers and regulators across the U.S.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/york-officially-bans-sweepstakes-casinos-161100782.html
- https://www.sportsbettingdime.com/news/betting/new-york-latest-to-ban-dual-currency-sweepstakes-gaming/"