USA
As the 2026 legislative cycle approaches its later stages, several states continue advancing, revising, or abandoning efforts targeting sweepstakes casinos and dual-currency gaming models. While some proposals gained momentum through committees and floor calendars, others stalled before key deadlines or expired entirely. At the same time, lawmakers in New York introduced a new bill about the exposure of gambling ads to minors.
TL;DR: A Bite-sized Overview
- Louisiana advances multiple anti-sweeps measures: HB 883 and HB 53 continue moving through the Senate, including proposals tied to racketeering enforcement.
- Maryland efforts fail for 2026: Two bills targeting dual-currency sweepstakes models expired after failing to advance through Senate committees.
- Minnesota proposal remains uncertain: SB 4474 is still technically active despite missing earlier deadlines and lacking momentum toward a floor vote.
- Oklahoma bill regains momentum: SB 1589 resumed movement through House committees after earlier Senate approval.
- Tennessee legislation stalls near session end: HB 1885 remains unresolved as lawmakers run out of time before adjournment.
- New York targets gambling ads to minors: SB 10092 would restrict influencer marketing, affiliate promotions, and algorithmic advertising tied to gambling and sweepstakes products for users under 18.
US Sweepstakes Casino Legislation Update: Key States Still in Play as Sessions Near End
Several U.S. states continue to debate legislation targeting sweepstakes casinos and dual-currency gaming models as the 2026 legislative calendar moves toward its final stretch. While some proposals have stalled or expired, others continue advancing through committee stages, leaving the broader regulatory outlook for the industry unresolved heading into the second half of the year.
Louisiana
Lawmakers in Louisiana continue reviewing two measures related to sweepstakes gaming. House Bill 883 recently passed the House and moved to the Senate, where it awaits further readings and committee action.
Meanwhile, HB 53, which seeks to classify “gambling by electronic sweepstakes device” under the state’s racketeering framework, has continued to advance through the legislative process. The debate follows last year’s failed attempt to restrict sweepstakes casinos after Governor Jeff Landry argued existing laws already addressed the issue and that many operators had already exited the state.
Maryland
Efforts in Maryland have effectively ended for the year after House Bills 295 and HB 1226 failed to advance beyond Senate committees before the session concluded on April 13.
Both bills sought to strengthen the state’s position against sweepstakes-style casino games, particularly those using dual-currency systems. One proposal would have explicitly categorized such games as illegal under Maryland law, while the other aimed to provide regulators with broader enforcement authority against illegal online gambling activity.
The failure of the measures came despite support from the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency and Governor Wes Moore, highlighting divisions within the legislature over how aggressively the state should move against sweepstakes operators.
Minnesota
Minnesota’s Senate Bill 4474, another proposal targeting sweepstakes casinos, missed an earlier legislative deadline intended to keep bills on track during the session. However, the proposal remains technically active and has continued progressing despite the missed benchmark.
Recent movement has slowed, and the bill has not yet been pushed toward a floor vote. With roughly a month remaining in the session, its future remains uncertain, with opponents arguing that “This kind of gambling can function like a “gateway drug,” leading consumers to ramp up their gambling.”
Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, Senate Bill 1589 has regained momentum after earlier Senate approval. The proposal would amend the state’s core gambling statute to prohibit online casino-style games, including platforms using dual-currency systems commonly associated with sweepstakes casinos.
The bill has resumed movement through House committees, with lawmakers still having more than a month remaining in the legislative session to advance the measure toward final approval.
Tennessee
In Tennessee, House Bill 1885 resumed movement after a temporary delay requested by sponsor Scott Cepicky. The proposal was placed on the House Regular Calendar for April 16 and could still receive a full House vote, although no action was ultimately recorded on that date.
The bill would prohibit sweepstakes-style online casino games and serves as the House companion to Senate Bill 2136, which previously passed the Senate unanimously before stalling in the House. Uncertainty remains over whether lawmakers will advance the proposal further this year as Tennessee’s legislative session is soon expiring.
New York Bill Targets Gambling Advertising Exposure to Minors
Lawmakers in New York are reviewing legislation that would restrict how gambling-related advertising is displayed to users under 18 online, including promotions tied to sweepstakes casinos, real-money casinos, sports betting, prediction markets, and social gaming platforms.
Senate Bill 10092, introduced by Samra Brouk, would prohibit gambling-related promotions aimed at minors through channels such as influencer marketing, affiliate campaigns, sponsored content, and algorithmic social media amplification. The proposal specifically includes sweepstakes-style gaming models that use dual-currency systems tied to redeemable prizes.
The bill comes despite New York already banning sweepstakes casinos last year, signaling a broader regulatory focus on digital advertising practices rather than platform legality alone. If enacted, enforcement authority would fall to the state Attorney General and the New York State Gaming Commission, with penalties potentially including injunctions and civil actions.