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
Kickr Will Cease Operations On March 31
Kickr to wind down operations by March 31, marking the latest shutdown in the evolving sweepstakes casino space.
Mar 3, 2026 - News
First Known Sweeps Casino Exits Illinois After Cease-And-Desist
Smiles Casino pulls out of Illinois after state cease-and-desist, signaling first major response to 60-plus shutdown orders.
Mar 3, 2026 - News
Oklahoma Bill Banning Sweeps Casinos Passes 2nd House Committee
Oklahoma HB4130 advances, targeting sweepstakes casinos by redefining dual-currency Sweeps Coins as illegal online gambling.
Feb 28, 2026 - News
Bill Banning 'Dual-Currency' Gaming Pre-Filed In Louisiana
After regulators pushed operators out, Louisiana’s HB883 would formally ban dual-currency sweeps casinos in 2026.
Feb 28, 2026 - News
Indiana Sends Sweeps Ban To Governor, Plus Updates On 16 Other Bills
Indiana HB1052 heads to Gov. Mike Braun as sweeps bans advance in Maryland, Virginia, Florida and more during the 2026 legislative push.
Feb 26, 2026 - News
Florida Bill Modifying 'Internet Gambling' Definition Set For 3rd Committee Hearing
Florida’s HB189 heads to its final House committee, with broad “internet gambling” language that could pose risks for sweepstakes casinos.
Feb 9, 2026 - News
Indiana Sweeps Ban Set For First Senate Committee Hearing; Updates In Maine, Tennessee, Virginia
Indiana’s fast-moving sweeps casino ban advances to a Feb. 11 Senate hearing, as similar bills progress in Maine, Virginia, and other states.
Feb 6, 2026 - News
Mississippi Senate Passes Bill Banning Sweeps Gaming For 2nd Straight Year
Mississippi Senate backs SB2104 in a 52-0 vote to ban sweepstakes casinos, sending the fast-moving bill to the House for its next step.
Feb 5, 2026 - News
Florida Attorney General Is Actively Meeting With Sweeps Operators
Florida AG Jason Uthmeier is meeting with sweeps casino operators, signaling real engagement as the debate over sweeps gaming continues.
Feb 4, 2026 - News
Indiana House Passes Bill Banning Sweepstakes Casinos
House Bill 1052 now heads to the Indiana Senate, which must decide whether to impose civil penalties on sweepstakes casinos in their state.
Feb 2, 2026 - News
Judiciary Committee Amends, Approves Mississippi Sweeps Ban Bill
Mississippi SB2104 advances as lawmakers amend sweeps casino ban, adding safe-harbor protections while keeping penalties intact.
Jan 28, 2026 - News
Fliff Changes Look Of Purchase Options In Fliff Cash Mode
Fliff quietly revamped its shop display in Fliff Cash mode in a bold shift amid rising scrutiny of sweepstakes gaming.
Jan 27, 2026 - News
Iowa Bill Paving Way For Sweeps Cease-And-Desists Set For Jan. 29 Hearing
An Iowa bill headed to its first hearing would empower gaming regulators to shut down sweepstakes casinos with cease-and-desist orders.
Jan 27, 2026 - News
Is New 'Multiple' Currency Language In Sweeps Ban Bills A Smart Move?
As states move from “dual currency” to “multiple currency” language to crack down on sweeps casinos, do other gaming models slip through?
Jan 26, 2026 - News
ARB Interactive Founder Working With States To File Sweepstakes Modernization Acts
Patrick Fechtmeyer, the founder of ARB Interactive, tells Sweepsy why he’s working with states to draft new, modern sweepstakes laws.
Jan 22, 2026 - News
Indiana Sweeps Bill To Get Second Hearing; Maryland Bills Set For First Hearings
Hearings loom in Indiana and Maryland as lawmakers debate banning or regulating online sweepstakes gaming and multi-currency models.
Jan 20, 2026 - News
Florida Bill That May Be Problematic For Sweeps Casinos Passes 2nd Committee
Florida HB189 advances, redefining internet gambling to include “other thing of value,” a change that could threaten sweepstakes casinos.
Jan 14, 2026 - News
Florida Bill That May Ban Sweeps Casinos Set For Jan. 14 Hearing
Florida’s HB189 is set for a Jan. 14 hearing, and it includes a redefinition of online gambling that could put sweepstakes casinos at risk.
Jan 13, 2026 - News
'I'm 100% Against' Ban: What Indiana Lawmakers Are Saying About Regulating Sweeps Casinos
Several Indiana lawmakers question banning sweepstakes casinos, debating regulation vs. prohibition as HB1052 faces uncertain support.
Jan 12, 2026 - News
Mississippi Introduces New Bill Banning Sweepstakes Casinos
After its attempt failed in 2025, Mississippi is again trying to ban sweepstakes casinos with another piece of legislation in 2026.
Jan 9, 2026