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
New Ohio iGaming Bill Doesn't Affect Online Sweepstakes Casinos
Ohio’s SB197 would expand online gaming but leave online sweeps casinos untouched, only shifting oversight of retail sweepstakes devices.
May 15, 2025 - News
Three More Sweeps Casinos Increase Minimum Age From 18 To 21
Three more sweeps casinos just raised their minimum age to 21, adding to a growing push for sweeps legitimacy in the U.S. gaming landscape.
May 14, 2025 - News
The Story Google Search Data Tells In The Sweeps Regulation vs. Ban Debate
As states debate sweepstakes bans, Google search trends reveal where players are going — and the potential risks of pushing them offshore.
May 13, 2025 - News
Surging Playstudios Stock Price Sheds Light On Positive Outlook For Sweeps Industry
Playstudios' stock price jumps 15.5% after sharing plans to join the sweeps market, signaling investor confidence despite legal uncertainty.
May 12, 2025 - News
Breaking Down The Current Status Of All Sweepstakes Casino Bills
In total, 11 states targeted online sweepstakes casinos with bills in 2025. One passed a bill, four failed, and six hang in the balance.
May 8, 2025 - News
How FanDuel's Pick 'Em Launch Is Tied To Sweeps Industry Scrutiny
The launch of FanDuel Picks reflects the gambling industry's shift in scrutiny from DFS pick 'em products to, now, sweepstakes gaming.
May 7, 2025 - News
Montana House Passes Sweeps Ban Bill, Now Awaiting Governor's Signature
Montana passes Senate Bill 555, which likely applies to sweeps casinos with broad language banning online casinos using "any form of currency."
Apr 29, 2025 - News
Funzpoints, One Of The More Established Sweeps Brands, Pulls Out Of New York
Funzpoints Casino, one of the biggest sweeps brands, exits New York — the most notable departure since the early wave of closures.
Apr 28, 2025 - News
Why Sweeps Terms & Conditions Are Extra Important To Read In Florida And New York
Did you know there's a prize redemption limit of $5,000 in New York and Florida? Read more about how various sweeps sites handle this limit.
Mar 6, 2025 - News
VGW On Raising Age Limit From 18 To 21: 'Our Goal Is To Exceed Industry Standards'
A spokesperson for VGW — which owns Chumba Casino, Global Poker — explained the decision to raise its minimum age requirement from 18 to 21.
Mar 6, 2025 - News
Pulsz Leaves West Virginia, Says Promotions Now 'Limited' In Mississippi & Louisiana
Pulsz represents the latest big name in a recent exodus from West Virginia. Mississippi, meanwhile, is considering banning sweeps casinos.
Mar 3, 2025 - News
Light & Wonder 'Willing To Explore' Sweeps Industry — But Only If It Becomes Regulated
While Light & Wonder expressed a willingness to consider expanding into the sweepstakes vertical if the market became regulated, it also expressed doubt that regulation will happen "any time soon."
Feb 27, 2025 - News
5 More Sweeps Sites Are Leaving States. This Time It's Maryland & West Virginia
McLuck and Hello Millions have closed access in Maryland and West Virginia, and three other sites added Maryland to their prohibited lists.
Feb 25, 2025 - News
Stake.us Adds All Legal iGaming States To List Of Excluded Territories
Stake.us joins High 5 Casino in officially ceasing sweeps operations in all legal iGaming markets in the United States. Why?
Feb 22, 2025 - News
I Did 'Online Casinos' Searches In All 50 States. Here's What I Found
There was a surprisingly large presence of offshore betting sites and, yes, lots of sweeps. Read for overall trends, specific state results.
Feb 19, 2025 - News
FL Gambling Helpline Director Wants Helpline Numbers On Sweeps Gaming Sites
Should sweeps casino sites put problem gambling helpline numbers directly on their site? The Florida helpline's executive director thinks so.
Feb 17, 2025 - News
Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Slots, Global Poker Raise Age Limit From 18 To 21
Players younger than 21 on Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Slots, and Global Poker will not be allowed to play on the gaming sites on Feb. 19. Why?
Feb 14, 2025 - News
SPGA: 'Customer Control' A Central Focus For Member Operators Moving Forward
In a statement to Sweepsy, the leading sweepstakes advocacy group outlines a "central focus" as it builds out its member code of conduct.
Feb 11, 2025 - News
Can The Sweepstakes Industry Benefit From Increased Tax Rates On Real-Money Operators?
If real-money operators want to stop the trend of increased tax rates, might they want sweeps to become regulated, and thus, taxed instead?
Feb 6, 2025 - News
How A Legal Precedent Set In The 2010s Could Hurt Sweepstakes Gaming Sites Today
Remember sweepstakes internet cafes? Some say sweeps casino sites resemble the cafes many states deemed illegal gambling halls a decade ago.
Feb 4, 2025