Legal & Regulatory 2026

June Marks a Turning Point for Sweepstakes Casino Regulation in the U.S.

June brought a wave of legal movement for sweepstakes casinos, from new state bans and operator exits to tougher enforcement and court pressure across the U.S. This roundup covers the key regulatory updates Stakester tracked throughout the month.

Pennsylvania Supreme Court Rules Skill Games Illegal Under State Law

The state's highest court has determined that skill games qualify as illegal gambling devices, marking a significant shift for thousands of machines operating across Pennsylvania.

Oklahoma Sweepstakes Casino Ban Set to Take Effect in November

Oklahoma’s new law targets dual-currency sweepstakes casinos and gives operators until November to adjust state access.

Pennsylvania Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Restrict Betting App Access at Schools

Lawmakers target digital wagering restrictions to curb sports betting addiction risks among youth during class hours.

Rhode Island Advances SB 3118 to Expand Sportsbook Competition

The proposed legislation would expand Rhode Island’s sports betting market by introducing additional sportsbook operators and increasing competition within the state.

Illinois Restrictions Blazesoft to End Sweeps Coins Across Multiple Sweepstakes Casinos

Sweepstakes Currency Changes Affect Players at Yay Casino, Zula Casino, Luck Party, American Luck, FortuneWins, Sportzino, and Win Bonanza

Colorado Banning Certain Sports Betting Practices Through Protection Bill

The new legislation introduces restrictions on sports betting operators and advertising practices, making Colorado the first U.S. state to formally prohibit specific wagering-related incentives.

Iowa Gives Regulators More Power Over Illegal Sweepstakes Casinos

Iowa’s new law gives regulators stronger tools to act against illegal sweepstakes and unlicensed gambling operators.

Minnesota Sweepstakes Casino Ban Bill Falls Short of Final Passage

The proposed legislation aimed to prohibit dual-currency sweepstakes casino platforms, but lawmakers were unable to move the bill through the final stages of the legislative session.

Sweepstakes Casino Pivots Face New Legal Questions, Gaming Attorney Says

Operators testing single-currency, bingo, wagering-style, or subscription models may still need stronger legal and compliance planning.

New York Gaming Commission Warns Against Sweepstakes Casinos Amid Enforcement Concerns

The New York State Gaming Commission says certain sweepstakes casinos and prediction market platforms may be operating outside state gambling laws, adding further pressure on unlicensed gaming models in the state.

Oklahoma Enacts Sweepstakes Casino Ban Following Veto Override

The new law gives Oklahoma regulators broader authority to target sweepstakes casinos operating through dual-currency promotional models.

Senators Move to Ban Gambling Ads Targeting Minors Online

Louisiana lawmakers have passed a bill that directly classifies dual-currency online gambling as illegal, strengthening the legal path for sweepstakes casinos to be treated under the state’s racketeering framework.

Louisiana Passes Dual-Currency Ban, Pushing Sweepstakes Casinos Toward Racketeering Risk

HB 883 now heads to the governor after lawmakers approved a bill that classifies dual-currency online gambling as illegal gambling by computer.

Oklahoma Passes Sweepstakes Casino Ban - Tightening Pressure on Dual-Currency Platforms

The new legislation would prohibit sweepstakes casinos operating with redeemable virtual currency models, adding Oklahoma to the growing list of states increasing scrutiny on the industry.

Colorado Advances Sports Betting Bill Targeting Problem Gambling Protections

The proposed legislation would introduce stricter safeguards around player behavior, advertising, and operator responsibility to address rising concerns about gambling-related harm.

New York Introduces Bill Targeting Sweepstakes Casino Advertising to Minors

The proposed legislation would restrict how sweepstakes casinos and gambling-related platforms advertise, with a specific focus on preventing exposure to minors.

Tennessee Moves to Ban Sweepstakes Casinos as Bill Heads to Governor

The proposed legislation would prohibit sweepstakes casinos operating under dual-currency models, signaling a stricter regulatory stance in Tennessee.

Sweepstakes Casinos Lack the Federal Shield Prediction Markets Can Claim

A new legal analysis highlights why sweeps platforms face a steeper fight against state enforcement

Louisiana Anti-Sweepstakes Casinos Bill Fails to Pass (Leaving Current Market Intact)

A proposed bill aimed at restricting sweepstakes casinos in Louisiana did not advance, maintaining the current regulatory position and avoiding immediate changes for operators and players.

Tennessee Sweepstakes Bill Heads to Conference Committee After Senate Rejects House Rewrite

The bill now heads to conference committee after lawmakers failed to agree on how directly to target sweepstakes casinos.

Maryland Sweepstakes Casino Ban Stalls as 2026 Session Ends

The Senate did not advance either House-backed sweepstakes casino bill before the 2026 session ended.

Louisiana Moves Two Bills Closer to Sweeps Racketeering Classification

HB 53 and HB 883 are advancing in tandem, putting sweepstakes casinos closer to racketeering exposure in Louisiana.

Minnesota Lawmakers Keep Pressure on Sweepstakes Casinos

The Senate bill passed another committee and remains in play this session

Tennessee Swaps Sweeps Ban for Regulatory Review

Lawmakers now want a closer look at how sweepstakes casinos could be taxed and regulated

Oklahoma's SB1589 Moves Forward: A Potential End to Sweepstakes Casinos by 2026

Senate Bill 1589 Gains Steam Threatening to Shut Down Popular Sweeps Platforms in the Sooner State.

Three States Put Sweepstakes Casino Bills in the Spotlight

Lawmakers in three states are set to debate new restrictions on sweeps-style gaming.

Indiana Signs Law Targeting Sweepstakes Casino Models

Governor Holcomb Greenlights SB 259, Unlocking Legal Sweepstakes Casinos for Hoosiers and Sweeps Coins Action!

Louisiana Pushes Sweepstakes Casino Bill With Bigger Penalties

House lawmakers advanced a measure tying sweepstakes activity to racketeering law

Maryland Beats the Clock - Two Sweepstakes Casino Bills Move to Senate

Maryland’s two anti-sweepstakes casino bills are headed to the Senate