Minnesota Strikes at Sweeps: SF4474 Eyes Total Ban on Sweepstakes Casino Games

The campaign to ban sweepstakes casino games and review the dual-currency model continues to gain traction this week. Last March 12th, the Minnesota Senate filed SF4474, “A bill for an act relating to commerce; prohibiting online sweepstakes casino games”. The bill is sponsored by Sens. Rasmusson, Marty, Maye Quade, Limmer, and Klein, and aims to define the dual-currency model and sweepstakes casino games, codify bans on operations and promotions, and recommend penalties for violations. This recent Senate initiative coincides with Attorney General Keith Ellison’s enforcement push and reflects a broader nationwide trend.

After the introduction and initial reading last March 16th, SF4474 now sits with the Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee, and no additional schedule of hearings or votes has been shared.

SF4474 Defines and Prohibits the Dual-Currency Model

Posted last March 12th, Minnesota’s SF4474 targets the dual-currency system, the popular payments-and-rewards scheme used in most sweepstakes casinos. As defined by the bill, dual-currency means “a system of payment that allows a person to play or participate in a simulated gambling program for direct or indirect consideration, including consideration associated with a related product, service, or activity”, and players who participate and win are eligible to claim real-world prizes, including cash prizes. Most US sweepstakes gaming platforms offer a 1:1 exchange rate: 1 Sweeps Coin is worth 1 USD.

Aside from operators, the bill also targets geolocation providers, payment processors, and gaming suppliers. In short, SF4474 broadens enforcement by penalizing individuals or entities that directly participate in the operation and promotion of these games.

Specifically, this bill imposes civil penalties of up to $25,000 per violation, injunctions, and barriers to future licenses.

Here's Where SF4474 Stands

Minnesota’s latest legislative push coincides with the Attorney General Ellison’s enforcement agenda. Last November 2025, Ellison issued letters to 14 operators who are “running illegal gambling platforms” that operate using the dual-currency model.

According to the state’s attorney general, these platforms (including overseas operators) aren’t legal and safe, and rebranding “poker chips as virtual currencies does not change the fact that these online gambling operations are unlawful”.

As of March 16th, SF4474 remains at its early stage and has been assigned a committee. No final schedule for its hearings, vote, or probable enforcement has been confirmed.

REFERENCES

• Minnessota's SF4474