- New York update: Sweepstakes bill S5935 was submitted for a third reading. The Assembly has dropped A06745 in favor of S05935A, effectively aligning both chambers behind the Senate version of the bill..
- Pulsz exits three states: Pulsz withdrew from Connecticut, Maryland, and Louisiana on June 11. The withdrawal includes both the social and sweeps side of the site in all three states.
- NY bill advances: On the same day that the state’s AG office announced cease-and-desist letter to 26 sweeps casinos, sweepstakes-banning bill AB 6745 advanced through the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means by a 35-0 vote.
- New York AG shuts down 26 sweeps casinos: NY Attorney General Letita James announced that the AG’s office sent cease-and-desist letters to 26 sweepstakes casinos operating in the state. The action aims to effectively end the operations of any sweeps casinos still offering their services in the Empire State.
- Louisiana vetoes sweepstakes bill: Gov. Jeff Landry vetoed SB181 yesterday, stating the current law already covers sweepstakes and the bill was unnecessary.
- Connecticut bill signed into law: Gov. Ned Lamont signed SB 1235 into law on June 11th, making it the second state to ban sweepstakes. SPGA followed up with statements of disappointment.
🇺🇸 Interactive map and bill tracker
🟡 Sweeps bill introduced
| State / Bill | Last update | Details of bill | Progress |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut / SB 1235 | 05/06/2025 | Prohibits real or simulated casino gaming by sweepstakes operators | Passed in the Senate House; now moves to the desk of Gov. Ned Lamont for a final signature. |
| Illinois / SB 1705 | 04/11/2025 | Redefines definition of gambling | Under consideration in the Senate’s Gaming, Wagering, and Racing Committee |
| Louisiana /SB 181 | 05/05/2025 | Redefines gambling and increases penalties. | Passed through the Senate and House by unanimous votes and will become law pending a signature from Gov. Jeff Landry. |
| Missouri / HB 1251 | 03/05/2025 | Modifies provisions relating to illegal gambling | To House Government Efficiency Committee, no hearing scheduled to date |
| Nevada / SB 256 | 05/22/2025 | Amends existing laws; requiring the disgorgement of any profit, gain, gross receipt or other benefit related to certain illegal gaming activities; increasing penalties | Passed both chambers; awaiting signature. |
| New Jersey / A 5447 | 05/08/2025 | Would prohibit a sweepstakes model of wagering. | A 5447 advanced out of the Assembly Committee, and is now under consideration by the Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee. A 5196 was withdrawn from consideration. |
| New York / AB 6745 | 06/11/2025 | Prohibit online sweepstakes gaming; highlights operators and suppliers | Passed through the Assembly and Ways Committee by a 35-0 vote. Attorney General shuts down 26 operators. |
| New York / SB 5935 | 06/12/2025 | Prohibits online sweepstakes games and revenue from illegal markets; sets penalties; provides for enforcement of provisions; highlights dual-currency | Passed though the Senate, goes to Assembly. |
| Ohio / HB 298 | 05/20/2025 | Introduced, revise code to legalize and regulate internet gambling in Ohio, to levy a tax on businesses that provide internet gambling, and to prohibit online sweepstakes games; highlights dual-currency | Introduced by Rep. Brian Stewart and Rep. Marilyn John. |
The casino gaming industry is rapidly expanding in the United States, with sweepstakes casinos emerging as the top alternative to traditional gambling platforms. The gaming sites operate in a gray area due to the no-purchase format with Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins.
Since the start of the year, 12 states have introduced bills to ban sweepstakes casinos, with Ohio becoming the most recent on May 20. Montana is the only state of those 12 to pass such a bill, with its sweepstakes-banning bill singed into law on May 12.
In New York, the Office of the Attorney General shut down 26 sweepstakes casinos on June 6. Around 90% of sweepstakes had previously exited the state, with a pair of sweepstakes-banning bills making their way through state legislative chambers. The latest action by the New York AG aims to effectively shut down sweepstakes gaming entirely in the Empire State. Two bills that aim to ban sweepstakes gaming in the state are concurrently still alive in the current legislative session.
Bills banning sweepstakes casinos in Louisiana and Connecticut are both a governor’s signature away from becoming law.
Several states have also issued cease-and-desist orders, including Maryland, Pennsylvania, and most recently, Arizona
The industry is at a crossroads, with growing legal scrutiny and regulatory changes reshaping its future. While these platforms have gained popularity by offering an alternative to traditional online casino gaming, legislative efforts in several states show signs of potential restrictions or full bans.
The introduction of legislation in states like New York and New Jersey poses an increased risk to the industry. The lack of uniform federal laws leaves regulation on a state-by-state basis, making compliance difficult for operators.
Will more states introduce legislation against sweepstakes gaming? Will the bills pass into law or become a tool for creating new regulations to help the sweepstakes industry grow even further? For now, we are in a wait-and-see period.
🟠 Sweeps bill failed
| State | Last update | Details of bill | Progress |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas / SB524 | 05/05/2025 | Aimed to classify the operation of illegal online casinos and sports betting as felonies | Pulled by author, recommended for study in the Interim by the Committee |
| Florida / SB 1404 | 05/03/2025 | Sought to ban sweepstakes casinos. | Legislature ended, bill failed in Senate |
| Florida / HB 1467 | 05/03/2025 | Sought to ban sweepstakes casinos. | Legislature ended, bill failed in Senate |
| Maryland / SB 0860 | 03/03/2025 | Prohibition of sweepstakes gaming | Passed in Senate; legislature ended, bill failed. |
| Mississippi / SB 2150 | 03/31/2025 | Sought to criminalize online sweepstakes casinos | Failed in conference committee |
| Texas / SB 517 | 06/02/2025 | Sought to redefine the definition “gambling device” in the state; bill broadened the definition of “thing of value” | Legislature ended, bill failed in Senate |
While a dozen states introduced bills to ban sweepstakes casinos in 2025, bills have already failed in five of those states.
Bills in Florida, Massachusetts, Maryland, and Texas all failed to meet legislative session deadlines. These failures preserve the legal status of sweeps casinos in those states for now, at least until the next legislative sessions in each of the three states.
The author of an Arkansas bill withdrew the bill from consideration, and sweeps casinos remain operating in Arkansas.
🔴 Legal ban in place
| State | Law | Signed | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Idaho | Existing law | ||
| Montana | SB 555 | 05/12/2025 | Revised existing gambling laws, updated penalties to include felony. |
| Washington | Existing law |
Montana became the first state to pass a sweepstakes-banning bill in 2025. Gov. Greg Gianforte signed SB 555 into law on May 12, and any sweeps casinos still operating in Montana must exit the state by October 1, 2025.
❌ Database of operators and restricted states
The table below gives you a quick overview of the sites available and the restricted states. For a complete view, see our list of sweepstake casinos here.
| Owner | 🎰 Operator | ❌ Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| B2Services OÜ | McLuck | AL, CT, DE, GA, ID, KY, LA, MD, MI, MT, NV, NY, WA, WV |
| VGW Holdings Ltd. | Chumba Casino | CT, ID, MI, MO, MS, NY, NV, WA |
| MW Services Limited | Wow Vegas | ID, MI, MT, NV, WA |
| Sweepsteaks Limited | Stake.us | CT, DE, ID, KY, MI, NJ, NV, NY, PA, RI, VT, WA, WV |
| VGW Holdings | Global Poker | CT, ID, MI, MT, NY, NV, WA |
| B2Services OÜ | Mega Bonanza | AL, CT, DE, GA, ID, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MS, MT, NJ, NV, NY, OH, PA, WA, WV |
| A1 Development LLC. | FunzCity | CT, DW, IA, MI, MT, NV, NY, WA, WV, WY |
| Yellow Social Interactive Limited | Pulsz | AL, CT, ID, LA, MD, MI, MS, MT, NY, NV, TN, WA, WV |
| A1 Development LLC. | Fortune Wheelz | CT, DE, ID, MI, MT, NV, NY, WA, WV, WY |
| RealPlay Tech Inc. | RealPrize | CT, ID, MI, MT, NV, NY, WA |
| Sunflower Limited | Crown Coins | CT, ID, LA, MI, MT, NV, NY, WA |
| A1 Development, LLC. | FunRize | CT, DE, ID, MI, MT, NV, NY, WA, WV, WY |
| B2Services OÜ, | Jackpota | AL, CT, DE, GA, ID, KY, LA, MD, MI, MT, NJ, NV, NY, PA, WA, WV |
| A1 Development LLC. | No Limit Coins | CT, DE, ID, MI, MT, NV, NY, WA, WV, WY |
| Matt Ricci and Mario Dodev | Fliff | ID, HI, NV, TN, WA |
| Yellow Social Interactive Limited | Pulsz Bingo | AL, CT, ID, LA, MI, MS, MT, NV, NY, TN, WA, WV |
| Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW). | Luckyland Slots | CT, ID, MI, MT, NY, NV, WA |
| Gold Coin Group LLC | Chanced | CT, DE, ID, KY, NY, MI, MT, NV, WA, WV |
| Silver Swan LTD. | Legendz | CT, ID, KY, MI, MT, NB, ND, NV, NY, OH, TN, WA, WV |
| Woopla Inc | FunzPoints | ID, MI |
| Citi Media Tech, LLC | Carnival Citi Casino | CT, DW, GA, HI, ID, KY, LA, MI, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NJ, NV, NY, OH, PA, RI, TN, UT, VT, WA, WV |
| High 5 Entertainment, LLC | High 5 | CT, DW, GA, ID, KY, LA, MD, MI, MT, NJ, NV, NY, PA, RI, WA, WV |
| Thrillzz Inc | Thrillz Casino | AL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KY, LA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MT, NV, OH, SC, WA |
| Smarter Solutions Professional Services LLC. | Sportzino | ID, GA, MI, WA |
| NSUS Group Inc. | ClubGG | GA, HI, MI, MN, MS, MT, OK, SC, SD, WA |
| Joy Media Works LLC | Zitobox | WA |
| Compass Systems Limited | Yay! Casino | ID, KY, MI, NV, NY, VT, WA |
| Jon Kaplowitz | Clubs Poker | ID, LA, MI, MT, NV, WA |
| Social Gaming LLC. | Fortune Coins | ID, MI, WA |
| Carson Hubbard | ReBet | ID, KY, NV, WA |
| ARB Gaming LLC | Modo.us | CT, DE, ID, LA, MD, MI, MT, NV, NJ, NY, PA, RI, WA, WV |
| ProphetX OpCo LLC | ProphetX | AL, CO, ID, KY, LA, MI, MT, NV, OH, TN, WA |
| Special M Limited | Sports Millions | AL, CT, DE, GA, ID, KY, LA, MD, MI, MT, NV, NY, OH, WA, WV |
| Fifth Street Gaming Digital | JefeBet | CT, DE, HI, ID, KY, LA, MI, MT, NJ, NV, OH, PA, WA |
| Jefe Limited | TheBoss Casino | AR, GA, HI, ID, IA, KY, LA, MI, MS, ND, NV, NY, OH, TN, VT, WA |
| Gold Coin Group LLC. | Punt | CT, DE, ID, KY, MD, MI, MS, MT, NV, NJ, NY, UT, WA, WV |
| The Money Factory LLC. | The Money Factory | ID, LA, MI, MT, NV, WA |
| Green Candy Solutions, Inc | Cashoomo | DE, ID, MI, WA |
| Rolling Riches Ltd. | RollingRiches | DE, HI, ID, KY, MI, NV, WA |
| Element Partners | ClubWPT | AL, FL, GA, ID, MI, MN, MS, MT, OK, WA |
| Spiral Interactive | Gambino Slots | No restricted states |
| Kickr Games Pty Limited | Kickr | Casino: ID, MI, MT, WA Sportsbook: AL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IN, KY, MD, MI, MN, MS, MT, NV, OH, SC, WA |
| B2Services OÜ | PlayFame | AL, DE, GA, ID, KY, LA, MI, MT, NJ, NV, WA |
| Internet Cafe Games | VegasX | ID, NV, WA |
| SpinPals LLC. | SpinPals | AL, CT, ID, LA, MI, MT, NV, NY, WA |
| Golden Hearts Games, Inc. | Golden Hearts Games | ID, MI, NV, WA |
| Atlantic Management B.V. | Luckybird.io | ID, KY, MI, NV, WA |
| Scrooge LLC. | Scrooge Casino | AK, AZ, ID, MI, MT, WA |
| Jacob Fortinsky and Kelechi Ukah | Novig | AL, CO, ID, LA, MI, MT, NV, TN |
| Irving Place Technologies LLC | Playnomic | ID, NV |
| Rubystone Ventures LLC. | RubySweeps | CT, DE, ID, KY, MI, NE, OH, RI, UT, WA |
| Yellowbrick Holdings Limited | Runestake | ID, MI, NV, WA |
| JSP Media Holdings LLC | Vegas Gems | CT, DE, ID, MI, MT, NV, NY, WA, WY |
| A1 Development LLC | TaoFortune Casino | CT, DE, ID, MI, MT, NV, NY, WA, WV, WY |
| Skillz Inc. | Skillz | AR, CT, DE, LA, SD |
| Stackr Social, LLC. | Stackr | AL, AK, AR, GA, ID, IA, KY, LA, MA, MI, MS, MO, NE, NV, NH, NM, NY, ND, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, VT, WV, WA |
| Play Spree Ltd. | Spree Casino | AL, CT, DE, GA, ID, KY, LA, MD, MI, MT, NV, NJ, NY, WA, WV |
| Zach Bruch | MyPrize.us | HI, ID, MI, MT, NV, WA |
| 10 Ten Gaming LLC. | Smiles Casino | CT, DE, IA, KY, MI, NY, NV, WA |
| Blazesoft Ltd. | Fortune2Go | ID, LA, MI, MT, NV, WA |
| IGW Wild World LLC | WildWorld | CT, HI, ID, LA, NV, WA |
| Moshy Gaming LLC. | Moozi | ID, MI, NV, WA |
| Enigma Lake Holdings, Inc. | Zoot Casino | ID, LA, MI, ND, NE, NV, WA |
| MW Services Limited | GoldnLuck | ID, MI, NV, WA |
| Yotta Technologies Inc. | Yotta Casino | ID, LA, NV, WA |
| LGT Development LLC. | CosmoSlots | DE, MI, RI, WA |
| B-Two Operations Limited | Spin Blitz | AL, CT, DE, GA, ID, KY, LA, MD, MI, MT, NV, NJ, NY, OH, WA, WV |
| N/A | BitBetWin Casino | WA |
| Funzone | CA, DE, NY, OH | |
| Rubystone Ventures LLC. | GoldSlips | ID, KY, WA |
| B-Two Operations Limited | Hello Millions | AL, CT, DE, GA, ID, KY, LA, MD, MI, MS, MT, NJ, NV, NY, OH, WA, WV |
| GAN Social LLC | BananaBets | AL, AK, DC, MO, NM, SC |
| Blazesoft | Zula | GA, ID, MI, WA |
| WW Funcrafters JWA LLC. | Speed Slots | CT, DE, HI, ID, LA, MD, MI, MT, NV, WA |
✅ States with sweepstake sites
The table below includes the current status in 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. This resource includes the approximate number of sweepstakes casinos operating and any restrictions on max wins in each state. Florida and New York have laws around max wins. As Matt Bain covers here, how the operator handles this differs depending on the site you are playing on.
Legend: ✅ (Available) ❌ Banned ❓(Status pending)
| State | Available | # of sites | Max prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | ✅ | 22+ | No max |
| Alaska | ✅ | 60+ | No max |
| Arizona | ✅ | 60+ | No max |
| Arkansas | ✅ | 60+ | No max |
| California | ✅ | 60+ | No max |
| Colorado | ✅ | 60+ | No max |
| Connecticut | ❓ | 10+ | No max |
| Delaware | ❌ | 10+ | No max |
| Florida | ❓ | 60+ | $5,000 |
| Georgia | ✅ | 60+ | No max |
| Hawaii | ✅ | 15+ | No max |
| Idaho | ❌ (SC games not permitted) | 10+ (Gold Coins games only) | No max |
| Illinois | ❓ | 60+ | No max |
| Indiana | ✅ | 60+ | No max |
| Iowa | ✅ | 60+ | No max |
| Kansas | ✅ | 60+ | No max |
| Kentucky | ✅ | 20+ | No max |
| Louisiana | ❓ | 10+ | No max |
| Maine | ✅ | 60+ | No max |
| Maryland | ✅ | 60+ | No max |
| Massachusetts | ❓ | 60+ | No max |
| Michigan | ❌ | N/A | No max |
| Minnesota | ✅ | 60+ | No max |
| Mississippi | ✅ | 60+ | No max |
| Missouri | ✅ | 60+ | No max |
| Montana | ❌ | 15+ | No max |
| Nebraska | ✅ | 60+ | No max |
| Nevada | ❌ | 0 | N/A |
| New Hampshire | ✅ | 60+ | No max |
| New Jersey | ❓ | 10+ | No max |
| New Mexico | ✅ | 60+ | No max |
| New York | ❓ | 10+ | $5,000 |
| North Carolina | ✅ | 25+ | No max |
| North Dakota | ✅ | 60+ | No max |
| Ohio | ❓ | 20+ | No max |
| Oklahoma | ✅ | 60+ | No max |
| Oregon | ✅ | 60+ | No max |
| Pennsylvania | ✅ | 10+ | No max |
| Rhode Island | ✅ | 60+ | No max |
| South Carolina | ✅ | 60+ | No max |
| South Dakota | ✅ | 60+ | No max |
| Tennessee | ✅ | 60+ | No max |
| Texas | ✅ | 60+ | No max |
| Utah | ✅ | 30+ | No max |
| Vermont | ✅ | 60+ | No max |
| Virginia | ✅ | 60+ | No max |
| Washington | ❌ | N/A | No max |
| Washington D.C | ✅ | 60+ | No max |
| West Virginia | ✅ | 20+ | No max |
| Wisconsin | ✅ | 60+ | No max |
| Wyoming | ✅ | 20+ | No max |
🆓 How it works: The free entry model
The sweepstakes sites use a dual-currency system that includes Gold Coins (GC) and Sweeps Coins (SC). You’ll see these currencies called slightly different names at some sites, but the concept is identical across all sweepstakes casinos.
Gold Coins are play money currency, and you can only use GC in the play money games at a sweeps casino. Sweeps Coins are a virtual currency that you can use to play in the sweepstakes games at a casino. You can redeem the SC that you win in these games for cash prizes.
You can’t directly purchase SC at a sweeps casino. Under sweepstakes laws, players must be able to enter the sweepstakes offered at a site for free. Sweepstakes casinos fulfill this legal obligation by extending several different ways to obtain SC for free. The most popular method is writing letters to request free Sweeps Coins.
Learn more: How sweepstake casinos work
🏦 Tax implications on winnings
Federal gaming laws require players to pay income tax on sweepstakes wins of $5,000 or more. This could be a single win on a jackpot or bet that you redeem for $5,000 or more, or it could be your cumulative sweepstakes winnings for the year.
In addition to federal taxes, sweepstakes gaming wins could be subject to state taxes as well. State tax could be payable depending on which state you’re playing from and possibly which state you live (if the two are different).
When it comes to sweepstakes casino winnings, we highly recommend keeping track of your total wins and losses for the year. Consulting with a tax professional and disclosing all of that information is your best bet when it comes time to report winnings and fulfill tax obligations.