Things are moving quickly with twin bills that would ban sweepstakes casinos recently filed in the Minnesota Legislature.
Senate File 4474 and House File 4410 were introduced last week and already have their first committee hearings on the books for this week.
Up first is SF4474, which will have a hearing before the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee at 12:30 p.m. local time on Tuesday. One day later, HF4410 will have its initial hearing with the House Commerce Finance & Policy Committee at 8:15 a.m. local time on Wednesday.
What Minnesota’s sweeps ban bills say
SF4474 and HF4410 not only target operators who offer sweepstakes casinos in Minnesota, but also third parties associated with sweeps gaming.
Specifically, “an applicant, licensed entity, financial institution, payment processor, geolocation provider, gaming content supplier, platform provider, or media affiliate is prohibited from supporting the operation of, conducting, or promoting an online sweepstakes game in Minnesota.”
The bills also establish a definition of what an “online sweepstakes game” is:
“A game, contest, or promotion that: (1) is available on the Internet or accessible on a mobile device, computer terminal, or similar access device; (2) utilizes a dual-currency system of payment allowing the player to exchange the currency for a prize, award, cash, cash equivalent, or chance to win a prize, award, cash, or cash equivalent; and (3) simulates casino-style or another form of gambling.”
They even go on to more meticulously define a dual-currency form of payment:
“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 for which the person playing the simulated gambling program may become eligible for a prize, award, cash, cash equivalent, or chance to win a prize. Dual-currency system does not include a contest for which no consideration is given, either directly or indirectly.”
That last sentence is where sweeps gaming operators could try to wriggle their way into legality, even if one of these bills passes, because they would argue consideration is never given directly or indirectly because Sweeps Coins, which can be redeemed for cash, do not require a purchase and players can acquire them via free means like daily login bonuses.
“Social Plus games are a popular form of entertainment enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans and have been operating lawfully in the state for over a decade,” Sean Ostrow, the Managing Director of the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance, said in a statement. “SF 4474/HF 4410 would ban these games entirely, punishing law-abiding businesses and the Minnesotans who responsibly enjoy them while doing nothing to address illegal offshore operators and shutting down the potential for the games to generate $20 million or more in state revenues. We urge Minnesota lawmakers to pursue smart regulation rather than prohibition.”
No crossover deadlines to worry about
Although it may feel like these are late bills that won’t have much time to progress through all the necessary steps, Minnesota actually has one of the longest 2026 legislative sessions. It doesn’t end until May 18, and there is no crossover deadline — meaning there is no date by which a bill must pass out of its originating chamber.
So that gives SF4474 and HF4410 a full two months to advance thorough the various committee stages and full chamber votes.
Current status of sweeps legality in Minnesota
Currently, a handful of sweeps operators don’t operate — including a recent departure from Spin Saga. This is likely due to a presence, albeit a small one, of cease-and-desists in the state.
In November, Attorney General Keith Ellison announced that cease-and-desist letters had been issued to several operators, including “VG LuckyLand” — likely referring to VGW and its platforms like LuckyLand Slots, Chumba Casino, Global Poker, LuckyLand Casino, and United Slots — as well as Zula Casino and Fortune Coins.
Louisiana racketeering law bill has Tuesday hearing
Also receiving a hearing this week is Louisiana House Bill 53, which would classify sweepstakes gaming under racketeering law in the state. Its hearing is before the House Administration of Criminal Justice Committee at 10 a.m. local time on Tuesday.
HB53 would fold multiple gambling offenses into Louisiana’s racketeering framework, which would elevate penalties. Sweeps casinos would likely fall under “gambling by computer,” based on interpretations of state law held by Gov. Jeff Landry, Attorney General Liz Murrill, and the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. This approach goes beyond cease-and-desist actions or standard bans by targeting the business model itself.
