June brings another surge of developments in the social and sweepstakes casino space. From New York’s sweeping enforcement and legislative ban to the surprise closure of SweepSlots and diverging decisions in Louisiana and Connecticut, here are the key stories shaping the US landscape this month.
TL;DR: a Bite-sized Overview:
- SweepSlota shuts down and blacklisted by JustGamblers: Infamous operator closes days after launching a memecoin, leaving payouts in doubt for both customers and affiliates.
- NY cracks down with sweeping ban: Attorney General bans 26 sweepstakes casinos; lawmakers pass S5935 to prohibit the model statewide.
- Louisiana vetoes ban: Governor Landry rejects SB181, saying existing laws are sufficient and enforcement will continue.
- Connecticut bans sweeps: Governor Lamont signs SB1235, criminalizing unlicensed simulated gambling from October 1.
New Sweepstakes Casinos We Added to JustGamblers.com During June 2025
SweepSlota Closes Days After Launching Failed Memecoin
SweepSlota, a sweepstakes casino long blacklisted for failing to pay out winnings, has announced it will shut down on June 20, just days after launching its memecoin.
The platform recently promoted the $SWEEPSLOTS token on social media, claiming it was backed by a “real casino,” while failing to disclose the planned closure. Users have reported widespread problems redeeming balances, and new ID verifications are no longer processed, making payouts highly unlikely.
Since earlier this year, SweepSlota has been placed on JustGamblers’ blacklist due to an overwhelming number of user reports of unfulfilled redemptions, as well as failed payments to affiliates. Not unlike what Ding Ding Ding did when they went dark in May.
New York Attorney General Bans 26 Sweepstakes Casinos
New York Attorney General Letitia James has ordered 26 sweepstakes casinos, including Chumba, McLuck, and Zula, to stop operating in the state. The cease-and-desist letters, sent in March, claimed these platforms violate New York’s constitution and gambling laws by offering redeemable virtual coins considered “something of value.”
All operators complied without challenging the orders, highlighting the difficulty in defending sweepstakes models under New York law. Senator Joseph Addabbo, a long-time critic, praised the move as necessary to curb unregulated gambling and clear the way for legal iGaming.
The SPGA trade group expressed disappointment, arguing sweepstakes promotions are legal under federal law and calling the crackdown regulatory overreach.
This marks the most comprehensive enforcement action against sweepstakes casinos in any U.S. state to date.
Further Update on New York Sweepstakes Ban
New York lawmakers have approved Senate Bill S5935, which bans online sweepstakes casinos in the state. The bill defines sweepstakes games as any dual-currency online contest that simulates casino-style play and allows for enforcement by the Gaming Commission, the State Police, or the Attorney General.
The legislation passed both chambers just before the session deadline and now awaits Governor Kathy Hochul’s signature. Unlike similar laws in other states, S5935 would take effect immediately and impose fines of up to $100,000 per violation, but not include criminal penalties.
The industry group SPGA has urged a veto, calling the bill shortsighted and warning that it could harm New York’s tech sector.
Many operators, including LuckyLand Slots and Pulsz, have already exited the market in anticipation of the crackdown.
Louisiana Vetoes, Connecticut Signs Anti-Sweepstakes Bills
Two states have taken very different stances on sweepstakes casinos during June.
In Louisiana, Governor Jeff Landry vetoed SB181, which aimed to criminalize dual-currency sweepstakes platforms and increase penalties. Landry argued existing laws already cover illegal gambling and warned the bill’s language was too broad, potentially disrupting ongoing enforcement. Instead, he signaled more cease and desist orders may come soon.
Meanwhile, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont signed SB1235 into law, making it a criminal offense for unlicensed companies to offer simulated online casino gaming or sports wagering. The law takes effect October 1, likely forcing operators like McLuck, Zula, and Fliff to exit the state.
The contrasting decisions underscore how US states remain divided on whether to ban or regulate the booming sweepstakes casino industry.