Maine, Indiana Latest States To Target Sweepstakes Casinos
Bills Filed In Both States To Ban Sweeps
Attempts to ban sweepstakes casinos continue, as bills have been filed in both Maine and Indiana. This comes after a handful of states have passed laws to prohibit the platforms in recent months.
In Maine, Senate Paper 825 would amend the state’s current gaming law to make dual-currency sweepstakes games illegal. Sweeps couldn’t offer sports betting or lotteries as well under the legislation. Companies violating the law could jeopardize potential gaming licenses and bring about fines from $10,000 to $100,000.
In Indiana, House Bill 1052 would alter regulations on several industries, including horse racing, tobacco, and more. It would also ban dual-currency gaming that “simulates casino-style gaming.”
Could Online Casinos Be On The Horizon?
The effort in Maine comes after the state made overtures to legalize online casino gaming earlier this year. The bill was introduced by Sen. Craig Hickman (D) and has been sent to the Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs.
The measure in Indiana to ban sweepstakes casinos is sponsored by two Republicans and one Democrat. It would bar sweeps from offering slots, video poker, table games, lottery, bingo, or sports wagering. Companies or individuals violating the law could face fines up to $100,000.
As with Maine, the ban on sweeps in Indiana could precede efforts to legalize real-money online casinos. Lawmakers are expected to take up the issue in 2026.
Sweeps Industry Seeks Regulation
Sweeps operators generally operate using two currencies. Players can use gold coins to play for free. Users can also purchase additional gold coins to receive sweeps coins as a bonus that can be accumulated and redeemed for cash and prizes.
Operators argue that their offerings are different from traditional online gaming. Players can always play for free and there is no need to purchase anything, operators contend. Many point to age restrictions and other safety measures the industry has put in place. Of course, they favor regulation over outright bans.
The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) industry trade group condemned the Maine bill and no doubt has similar concerns about the effort in Indiana.
“Social Plus games are a longstanding online product that tens of thousands of Maine adults currently enjoy,” SGLA Managing Director Sean Ostrow said. “LD2007 would ban this social games category entirely, stifling innovation and stripping millions of dollars of economic activity from small businesses, advertisers and, ultimately, the state.
“SGLA urges the Legislature to take a more considered, long-term approach to this innovative sector and regulate, rather than senselessly ban this popular form of free-to-play, casual entertainment.”
Ostrow noted that SGLA partner companies operate fully within Maine’s consumer protection laws. He added that the industry is committed to working with lawmakers to regulate operators and further protect consumers while delivering millions in annual tax revenues to the state.
Following Other States’ Lead
The effort in Indiana and Maine comes after several states have implemented bans on sweepstakes casinos this year.
California passed a ban in October. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) signed legislation to ban sweeps into law in August. New York enacted a ban on sweeps last week.
A sweeps ban bill was also recently introduced in Florida.
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