As of October 14, 2026, trackers count 13 states where sweepstakes casinos are blocked, and Oklahoma’s ban starts on November 1, which would make 14. Most bans target dual-currency games that use Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins. Laws change quickly, so always confirm your state before you play.
States with sweepstakes casino bans
The table below lists the statutory bans reported by industry trackers. Effective dates are the ones those sources give.
| State | Law | Effective |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | A5447 | Aug. 15, 2025 |
| Connecticut | SB 1235 | Oct. 1, 2025 |
| Montana | SB 555 | Oct. 1, 2025 |
| Nevada | SB 256 | Oct. 1, 2025 |
| New York | S5935A | Dec. 5, 2025 |
| California | AB 831 | Jan. 1, 2026 |
| Tennessee | SB 2136 | May 22, 2026 (on signing) |
| Indiana | HB 1052 | July 1, 2026 |
| Maine | LD 2007 | July 2026 |
| Louisiana | HB 883 | Aug. 1, 2026 |
| Oklahoma | SB 1589 | Nov. 1, 2026 |
Idaho, Michigan and Washington are also listed as blocked, but through gambling laws that were already on the books rather than a new sweepstakes statute.
How the bans work
The laws differ in wording. Tennessee’s law outlaws virtual-currency, dual-currency and multi-currency games that mimic gambling such as slots, table games and video poker, and it is enforced under the state’s consumer protection act. Indiana’s law sets a $100,000 civil penalty for knowingly running dual-currency games, according to one tracker. Oklahoma’s law was passed over the governor’s veto, and Lines.com reports that violations are felonies.
For a closer look at individual states, see our guides to the California ban (AB 831), the New York ban (S5935A) and the Oklahoma ban starting Nov. 1. Our Pennsylvania HB 2801 explainer covers a bill that has been proposed there.
Three ways states restrict sweepstakes casinos
1. New statutes aimed at dual-currency games
Most of the 2025 and 2026 laws name sweepstakes or dual-currency games directly. Connecticut’s SB 1235, for example, bans sweepstakes that allow “real or simulated online casino gaming,” according to Casinofy’s summary. New York’s S5935A targets online sweepstakes games that use a dual-currency system and simulate casino gaming.
2. Existing gambling laws
Idaho, Michigan and Washington are listed by trackers as states where operators are blocked under older gambling rules. In practice, you will often see these states on an operator’s restricted list even when no new bill was passed.
3. Operator choices
Operators decide where they accept players. Lines.com notes that some platforms announced exit timelines for Maine soon after the law was signed. Always rely on the operator’s current notice for your state, because it can change faster than any article.
Why the date on the law matters
Some bans give operators and players a wind-down period, and others do not. Tennessee’s law took effect immediately on signing, with no grace period, according to Lines.com. Indiana, Louisiana and Oklahoma set later start dates. If you live in a state with a future date, check your operator’s account notices for its redemption deadline, and remember that the operator’s own deadline can be earlier than the legal date.
States with no explicit ban
Lines.com sorts most other states as legal or gray-area, and says most remaining states have no explicit sweepstakes casino legislation. “No explicit ban” does not mean “legal.” Individual operators also set their own restricted-state lists, which can be longer than the laws require. Florida’s three 2026 ban bills failed at the end of the March session, but the same tracker expects another attempt in 2027.
For the bigger picture, read our overview of sweepstakes casino laws in the US.
What a ban means for your balance
Trackers advise players in states with a deadline to redeem any eligible balance before the date, because operators may close access afterward and unredeemed amounts may be forfeited. Terms vary, so read the operator’s notice. Our terms checklist shows what to look for, and our guide to redemption times helps you plan.
How to check your state
- Look at the operator’s terms and its list of restricted states.
- Check your state legislature or attorney general for recent news.
- Do not use a VPN or someone else’s address to get around a restriction. That can breach the terms and may void your balance.
FAQ
Which state banned sweepstakes casinos most recently?
Oklahoma’s ban takes effect on November 1, 2026. Among bans already in force, Louisiana’s took effect on August 1, 2026.
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in every other state?
No. Many states have no explicit law, and some are gray areas. Operators and regulators can still act under existing gambling laws.
Can I still redeem Sweeps Coins if my state bans them?
It depends on the operator’s notice and deadline. Trackers advise redeeming before the date. Contact the operator’s support for your specific case.
Why do states ban them?
Lawmakers have treated dual-currency games as unlicensed online gambling. Tennessee’s attorney general, for example, has publicly criticized them. Operators have argued their model is a sweepstakes promotion.
Play responsibly: you must be 18+ or 21+ depending on the operator. Play for fun, set limits, and see our responsible play guide. This is general information, not legal advice.
Sources checked
Checked October 14, 2026: