The New York sweepstakes casino ban is a state law, Senate Bill S5935A, that makes it unlawful to operate, conduct or promote online dual-currency sweepstakes games in New York. It took effect immediately when it was signed in December 2025 and was recorded as Chapter 605 of the 2025 laws. If you live in New York, you should not expect to find these sites available to you.
This guide explains what the law says, who it targets, how it connects to the Attorney General’s earlier cease-and-desist letters, and what players can reasonably do. It is general information, not legal advice.
What S5935A says
According to the bill text published by the New York State Senate, the law defines a “sweepstakes game” as a game, contest or promotion available on the internet that uses a dual-currency system and lets the player exchange currency for cash prizes, while simulating casino-style gaming such as slots, poker, table games, lottery games or sports wagering. If you are not familiar with the model, see our explainer on what a dual-currency sweepstakes casino is.
The key points of the law:
- Operating, conducting or promoting such games in New York is unlawful.
- Supporting them is also unlawful. The ban reaches financial institutions, payment processors, geolocation providers, gaming content suppliers, platform providers and media affiliates that support these games in the state.
- Penalties: fines of $10,000 to $100,000 per violation, plus possible loss of a gaming license and ineligibility for future licenses.
- Enforcement: the New York State Gaming Commission and the Attorney General can enforce the law. Collected fines go to problem gambling education and treatment.
- Effective date: immediately on signing.
Timeline: from cease-and-desist letters to a statute
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 2025 | Attorney General Letitia James sends cease-and-desist letters to 26 online sweepstakes casino operators, saying redeemable virtual coins can constitute gambling under New York law. Reports at the time said the operators stopped selling sweepstakes coins in the state. |
| June 11 and 17, 2025 | S5935A passes the Senate (57-2) and then the Assembly. |
| December 2025 | The Governor signs the bill. The Senate page records it as Chapter 605. Some news outlets give a slightly different signing day, so check the official bill page for the exact date. |
What this means for players
Availability
The law targets operators and the businesses that support them rather than individual players. In practice, though, the result is that the dual-currency model is not offered to New Yorkers. Operators also tend to block restricted states in their terms, so it is worth reading the terms checklist before you sign up anywhere, and never use a VPN or false address to get around a state restriction. That can breach the terms and may void your account balance.
Balances you already hold
If you had an account before the ban, the rules for your balance are set by each operator’s own terms and help pages. We cannot say how any particular operator handled New York accounts, so check the official help center of the operator directly. Our guides on redeemable balances and how long redemptions take explain the general process.
Taxes
Prizes can still be reportable income. See are sweepstakes casino prizes taxable for what the IRS says.
New York is not the only state
New York is one of several states that have moved against the model through statute or enforcement. We cover others separately: the California ban (AB 831), the Oklahoma ban starting Nov. 1, and the proposed Pennsylvania bill HB 2801. For the bigger picture, read our overview of sweepstakes casino laws in the US. Rules differ by state and keep changing, so sweepstakes casinos are not legal or available everywhere.
Frequently asked questions
Is it illegal for a New Yorker to play at a sweepstakes casino?
The statute is aimed at operating, conducting, promoting and supporting these games. The text we reviewed does not describe penalties for individual players, but this is not legal advice. If you have a specific concern, speak with a New York attorney.
Does the ban cover sweepstakes that are not casino-style?
The definition focuses on internet games that use a dual-currency system with cash prizes and simulate casino-style gaming. Traditional promotional sweepstakes are not described in that definition, but ask a lawyer if you run one.
Who enforces the law?
The New York State Gaming Commission and the Attorney General.
Can the law change?
Yes. Lawmakers can amend it and courts can interpret it. Check the official bill page and the state’s announcements for updates.
Sources checked
Checked on October 13, 2026:
- New York State Senate: bill S5935A text and status
- CasinoBeats: New York Attorney General shuts down 26 sweepstakes casinos (June 9, 2025)
- Legal Sports Report: NY sweepstakes ban bill signed
- iGamingExpert: Bill banning New York sweepstakes casinos signed into law
Responsible play: sweepstakes casinos are for adults only (18+ or 21+ depending on the operator). Play for fun, set time and spending limits, and see our responsible play guide for help options. Nothing here promises winnings or prizes.