Matthew Bain
Matthew Bain has covered the legal gambling landscape in the US since 2022, both as a content director at Catena Media and now as a freelancer for Comped and Sweepsy. Before that, he spent six years as a sports reporter and editor for the USA TODAY Network, primarily at the Des Moines Register. Through his various roles, Matthew has racked up experience in the casino, sports betting, and lottery markets.
Articles by Matthew Bain
- News
VGW Says It 'Would Be Happy' To Pay Sales Tax In California, 'Open To' Other Tax Frameworks
“We would be happy to" pay sales tax, VGW tells lawmakers ahead of California AB831’s Senate committee hearing on Tuesday.
Jul 7, 2025 - News
Golden Hearts Games Urges California Players To Tell Representatives To Oppose Sweeps Ban Bill
At least one sweepstakes casino is mobilizing California users to oppose AB831, a bill that could ban their games across the state.
Jul 4, 2025 - News
Chanced Officially Shuts Down In Louisiana Following Cease-And-Desist
Chanced exits Louisiana after sweepstakes casino crackdown; AG warns operators may face lawsuits, asset seizures, and profit forfeiture.
Jul 2, 2025 - News
Some Sweeps Casinos Already Leaving NJ, Even Before Governor Signs A5447
Three sweeps casinos are shutting down in NJ — even before Gov. Murphy signs the bill banning them. Here’s what they're telling players.
Jul 2, 2025 - News
2025 Sweeps Casino Debate: Who’s Riding High and Who’s Facing Headwinds
It's mid-2025 and the online sweepstakes casino fight has hit full tilt. Here is who is riding high and who’s facing headwinds.
Jun 30, 2025 - News
SweepSlots Shuts Down Amid Questions Over Redemptions, Crypto Launch
SweepSlots is shutting down days after launching a memecoin, with players allegedly still waiting on thousands in unpaid redemptions.
Jun 19, 2025 - News
No Bills? No Problem. Louisiana, Mississippi Send Cease-And-Desist Letters To Sweeps Operators
Cease-and-desist blitz shows AGs may replace lawmakers as main threat to sweeps casinos — setting the stage for the rest of 2025.
Jun 17, 2025 - News
Mega Bonanza, McLuck, SportsMillions Increase Minimum Age Requirement From 18 To 21
Mega Bonanza, McLuck, SportsMillions up age limits from 18 to 21, joining a small-but-growing trend among sweeps casinos seeking regulation.
Jun 13, 2025 - News
Louisiana Gov. Vetoes Sweeps Ban Bill, Says They're 'Already Prohibited' — Is He Right?
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry vetoes SB181, claiming sweeps casinos are already banned under current law — but is he right?
Jun 12, 2025 - News
Maine Regulator Calls Sweeps Casinos 'Illegal' While SPGA Asks For 'Constructive Dialogue'
Sweepstakes group pushes back after Maine calls sites “illicit,” defending legal status and calling for open discussion with officials.
Jun 10, 2025 - News
Pulsz Casino, Pulsz Bingo Pull Sweeps & Social Platforms From 3 More States
Pulsz exits Connecticut, Louisiana, and Maryland, pulling both sweeps and social games amid growing legal pressure on the industry.
Jun 10, 2025 - News
For Sweeps Casinos, Reddit Post Helps Show Why They Want Regulation Over Bans
A top Redditor promotes offshore crypto casinos after NY sweeps ban, raising alarms about the appeal of sweeps regulation vs. bans.
Jun 9, 2025 - News
SGLA Enters Legislative Discussion With Scathing Comments On Bills In CT, Louisiana
SGLA slams new sweepstakes bans in Louisiana & Connecticut, calling laws rushed and a win for black markets over safe, free gaming.
Jun 5, 2025 - News
Connecticut Sends Sweeps Ban Bill To Governor, Plus The Latest From Other States
Time is running out for states to pass sweeps casino bans. Some bills stalled, others surged, like Connecticut's. Here’s where things stand.
Jun 3, 2025 - News
VGW Says It's Phasing Out Sweepstakes Play In NY: 'This Decision Wasn't Taken Lightly'
VGW to phase out Sweeps Coins in NY starting June 2: “This decision wasn’t taken lightly and was made ... in the best interests of all our stakeholders.”
May 24, 2025 - News
Nevada Lawmakers Pass Bill Boosting Punishments For Unlicensed Operators, Including Sweeps Casinos
Nevada's legislature passes SB256 to crack down on unlicensed gambling, including sweeps casinos, with tougher penalties and profit seizures.
May 22, 2025 - News
SPGA: 'We Share Common Values' With SGLA, Welcome Their Presence In Sweeps Advocacy
The SPGA welcomes its new ally, the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance, in the growing fight to defend sweepstakes gaming in 2025.
May 21, 2025 - News
Ohio Becomes 12th State To Introduce Bill Targeting Sweeps Casinos
Fresh off the introduction of an Ohio iGaming bill, Ohio’s HB298 drops — aiming to ban dual-currency sweepstakes casinos statewide.
May 20, 2025 - News
New VGW-Backed Sweeps Advocacy Group Formed To 'Give A Fresh Voice' To Industry
A new player has entered the sweeps gaming debate: the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance, led by VGW, Yellow Social Interactive, and more.
May 20, 2025 - News
Louisiana Sweeps Ban Bill, Already Through The Senate, Set For House Committee Hearing
Louisiana's sweepstakes casino ban bill, SB181, heads to its first House hearing Wednesday, with national attention on its outcome.
May 19, 2025