Maine lawmaker wants to ban operation of sweeps casinos ...
Sen. Craig Hickman introduced Legislative Document 2007, which propose a ban on the operation or promotion of dual-currency sweepstakes sites in Maine. LD 2007 allows the Maine Gambling Control Unit (MGCU) to adopt its rules related to the vertical.
How Hickman defines an online sweeps game
The measure considers an online sweepstakes game to be any game, contest or promotion that is available online and uses a” dual-currency system of payment” to simulate casino-style gaming, lottery, bingo or sports betting.
LD 2007 defines a dual-currency system of payment as a system that “allows a person to play or participate with direct consideration or indirect consideration.” The measure defines direct consideration as a coin or token that “may be purchased by a person or received through a bonus or promotion for playing an online sweepstakes game.” Indirect consideration is a coin or token provided for free through a promotion or bonus.
It also considers a dual-currency system of payment to be any system that “prevents a person from directly purchasing coins, tokens or other representations of value that are redeemable for any cash prize” or encourages a person to purchase coins or tokens that “are not exchangeable for a prize, award, cash or cash equivalents.”
Maine could levy fines or license revocation
The penalty for violating LD 2007 includes a fine ranging between $10,000 and $100,000 paid to the state’s gaming regulator. The MGCU is responsible for distributing the funds to the Gambling Addiction Prevention and Treatment Fund. If a person violates the bill, license revocation is also on the table. The MGCU is required to revoke a license that is awarded to any person who is “found to operate or promote an online sweepstakes game.”
Given promotion is included in addition to operation, this could potentially impact licensed gaming affiliates in the state in addition to sweeps casino operators.
The licenses can be held with either the MGCU or the state’s Gambling Control Board.
Maine regulator considers online sweeps ‘illegal’
Hickman proposed an online sweepstakes game ban after the MGCU warned residents to avoid online sweepstakes casinos. The regulator considers the vertical to be “illegal interactive gaming,” grouping it with unlicensed online casinos and offshore platforms.
Earlier this year, lawmakers introduced Legislative Document 1164, proposing the authorization of online casino gaming in Maine. The bill authorizes online casino gaming by expanding the exclusivity of gaming for the state’s federally recognized Wabanaki Tribes.
The Senate and the House passed the bill, but Gov. Janet Mills failed to act on the measure. The measure will be reconsidered in the new year for the start of the second regulator session.
https://sbcamericas.com/2025/12/04/maine-lawmaker-wants-to-ban-sweeps/