Pennsylvania House Bill 2801 would ban online sweepstakes casino games in the state, but it is only a proposal. It was introduced in late September 2026 and is still in committee, so it is not law and nothing changes for players today. This guide explains what the bill says, how it differs from the bans already in place elsewhere, and what to watch next.
What HB 2801 is
HB 2801 is a broad gaming bill. According to reporting by PlayUSA and others, it was referred to the House Gaming Oversight Committee on September 24, 2026, and its prime sponsor is Representative Russ Diamond, a Republican from the 102nd District. The bill amends Titles 4 and 53 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes and has two main parts:
- A sweepstakes ban: a new section on “sweepstakes games prohibited” that would bar sweepstakes casino platforms from operating in Pennsylvania.
- Skill game rules: approved skill-game machines could operate under Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board oversight in clubs, liquor-licensed bars and restaurants, and qualified truck stops, with a limit of five machines per location and a 20% tax on gross terminal revenue.
SweepsKings, which has also covered the bill, reports that violations of the sweepstakes section would carry penalties of $50,000 to $500,000 per violation for operating, conducting or promoting such games. We could only confirm that figure in that one report, so treat it as unverified until the bill text is checked.
Why the bill appeared now
The bill follows a June 2026 Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling that unregulated skill-game machines meet the state’s legal definition of slot machines. Covers reports that a 120-day stay of that ruling ends in mid-October 2026 and that Attorney General Dave Sunday warned businesses that keep the machines could face enforcement, including seizure and forfeiture of equipment. Roughly 70,000 skill-game machines are estimated to be in operation.
In other words, the sweepstakes ban sits inside a larger package about skill games. Sweepstakes casinos were not the central issue of the court case, which is one reason the bill’s path is hard to predict.
What it would mean for players
If a bill like this became law, operators using the dual-currency model (Gold Coins for play and Sweeps Coins that can be redeemed) could no longer offer it to Pennsylvania residents. If you want a refresher on that model, see our explainer on dual-currency sweepstakes casinos.
As of now, though, the bill has not passed either chamber. According to SweepsKings, only 43 of the 280-plus sweepstakes casinos it tracks currently restrict Pennsylvania players, so many sites still accept players there. Each operator’s terms and location rules are what apply today, and they can change at any time.
How it compares with other state actions
| State | Status | Our guide |
|---|---|---|
| California | AB 831 signed October 11, 2025 | California ban explained |
| Oklahoma | Ban starts November 1, 2026 | Oklahoma ban details |
| Pennsylvania | HB 2801 proposed, in committee | This article |
For the wider picture, our overview of US sweepstakes casino laws is updated as states act.
What to watch next
- Committee action. The bill must get through the Gaming Oversight Committee. SweepsKings reports no votes or meetings were scheduled when it was introduced.
- The skill-games deadline. The mid-October enforcement date may push lawmakers to act on skill games, and that could move the whole package, or just parts of it.
- Changes to the text. Gaming bills are often amended heavily, so the sweepstakes language could change or be removed.
- Operator notices. If a ban passes, operators usually announce availability changes in their terms or by email. Read them, and see our terms checklist for what to look for.
If a state restricts a site you use
Rules differ by state, and a site that is available in one state may not be in another. If your state changes its law, check your balance and your operator’s redemption rules early rather than waiting for a deadline. Our guides on minimum redemption amounts and how long redemptions take explain what to expect. This article is general information, not legal advice.
FAQ
Is HB 2801 law in Pennsylvania?
No. It was introduced on September 24, 2026 and referred to the House Gaming Oversight Committee. It would still need to pass committee, both chambers and be signed by the governor.
Can I still play sweepstakes casinos in Pennsylvania?
The bill has not changed current law, but availability depends on each operator’s terms. Some operators already exclude Pennsylvania, so check the site’s list of restricted states before you sign up.
Does the bill only affect sweepstakes casinos?
No. It also sets rules and a 20% tax for skill-game machines and amends several parts of the state’s gaming code.
Who is behind the bill?
Representative Russ Diamond is the prime sponsor. SweepsKings lists Representatives Thomas Kuzma, Jacob Banta, Brad Roae and Dan Moul as additional sponsors.
Responsible play: sweepstakes casinos are for adults (18+ or 21+ depending on the operator). Play for fun, set time and spending limits, and see our guide to responsible play at sweeps casinos. Nothing here promises prizes or winnings.
Sources checked
Checked October 11, 2026:
- Covers: Pennsylvania Bill Proposes Ban on Sweepstakes Casinos and Skill-Game Machine Regulation
- PlayUSA: Pennsylvania Bill Would Ban Sweepstakes Casinos and Set Rules for Skill Games
- SweepsKings: New Pennsylvania Bill Would Ban Sweepstakes Casinos
- Gambling.com: Pennsylvania Bill Would Ban Sweepstakes Casinos, Regulate Skill Games (headline and search summary only)