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Sweepstakes Casino News & Updates
Latest sweepstakes casino reporting, regulatory updates, and operator moves with source links on article pages.
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Tennessee HB 1885 Advances, Empowering AG Against Sweepstakes Casinos
A Tennessee bill, HB 1885, has passed a key House committee. The proposal seeks to classify certain sweepstakes casino operations as a violation of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act, giving the Attorney General new enforcement powers and removing a previous statute of limitations for action.
Maryland Sweepstakes Ban Fails, SGLA Vows Regulation
A proposed Maryland sweepstakes ban, House Bill 295, failed to pass before the 2026 legislative session concluded. The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) celebrated the outcome, blocking a prohibition effort while vowing to propose a formal regulatory framework in 2027.
Drake, Adin Ross named in New Jersey federal RICO lawsuit over sweepstakes casino promotion
A new federal lawsuit filed in New Jersey names Stake.us, Drake, Adin Ross, and DJ Akademiks as defendants, alleging illegal gambling and racketeering. The suit claims the platform's social casino model is a 'fig leaf' and that influencer promotions were deceptive, coming after New Jersey banned sweepstakes casinos on August 15, 2025.
DC Bill Proposes 25% Tax on iGaming, Bans Sweeps
A new bill introduced in Washington D.C. Proposes the legalization of real-money online casinos with a 25% tax rate on revenue. The proposed legislation, sponsored by Councilmember Wendell Felder, also includes an explicit ban on sweepstakes casino models, aiming to formalize the district's iGaming market.
Louisiana House passes HB 53 expanding racketeering law to gambling offenses
Louisiana's HB 53, which passed both chambers and now awaits the governor's signature, adds gambling offenses to the state racketeering act. Penalties for operating illegal gambling networks, including sweepstakes casinos, could reach 50 years of hard labor and $1 million fines.
Minnesota Senate Passes Sweepstakes Casino Ban Bill
The Minnesota Senate passed SF 4474, a bill banning dual-currency sweepstakes casinos, by a 62-3 vote. A companion bill banning prediction markets, SF 4511, passed 56-10. Both now head to the House ahead of the May 18 deadline. If enacted, the laws would impose criminal penalties and could affect payment processors, geolocation providers, and affiliates serving affected platforms.
Iowa SF 2289 Targets Sweepstakes Casinos, Heads to Governor
Iowa SF 2289, which grants the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission enforcement powers over unlicensed gambling platforms including sweepstakes casinos, passed both chambers unanimously and awaits the governor's signature. If signed, Iowa will move from issuing warnings to pursuing cease-and-desist orders and court injunctions.
Oklahoma Sweepstakes Casino Ban SB 1589 Heads to Governor Stitt
The Oklahoma legislature has passed SB 1589, a bill targeting online sweepstakes and dual-currency casinos, and sent it to Governor Kevin Stitt. If signed, the ban takes effect November 1, 2026, making violations a felony. Tribal gaming entities are exempt.
Lawsuit Alleges Modo.us Exploited Player, Causing $425k in Losses
A civil lawsuit has been filed against ARB Gaming, LLC, the operator of Modo.us, alleging the sweepstakes casino exploited a player's known disability and gambling addiction. The plaintiff claims losses exceeding $425,000 and accuses the company of predatory practices.
Minnesota Sweepstakes Ban Push Moves Ahead
Minnesota's dual-currency sweepstakes ban effort continues to move through the state process.
Modo Casino Lawsuit Claims Disability Exploitation
A lawsuit filed against Modo Casino operator ARB Interactive alleges the company exploited a player's documented disabilities, including a gambling disorder. The plaintiff claims predatory VIP practices and misleading RTP led to losses of approximately $240,000 and is seeking over $1.6 million in damages.
FinPay Cuts Off 80+ Crypto Casinos, Citing Risk
Major payment processor FinPay is terminating services for over 80 offshore crypto casinos targeting U.S. Players, effective June 1, 2026. The move, which affects an estimated $350 million in annual transaction volume, reinforces the processor's commitment to U.S.-compliant sweepstakes casino operators.
VGW Bets $30K on Tuberville in Alabama Gambling Race
VGW, operator of Chumba Casino, donated $30,000 to Tommy Tuberville's gubernatorial campaign in March 2026. This financial move comes as Alabama lawmakers consider SB257, a pivotal bill that could let voters decide on legalizing casinos, sports betting, and a state lottery.
MA Social Casino Ban Halted for Corporate-Backed Study
Massachusetts lawmakers have paused House Bill 4431, which aimed to ban social and sweepstakes casinos. Instead, the bill will become a formal study to gather evidence, a move supported by industry advocacy group, the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA). For now, operators like Stake US and Fortune Wins can continue accepting players in the state.
Oklahoma, Tennessee advance sweepstakes casino restriction bills
A bill proposing a ban on online sweepstakes casinos, Oklahoma SB 1589, has advanced unanimously through a House committee. If enacted, the bill would make operating such platforms a felony and includes a specific carveout for tribal nations to run their own online social casinos.
Trainwreck's $781K Slot Jackpot from Bonus Buy Error
Streamer Trainwreck accidentally won $781,250 on the 'Cyber Ronin' slot after a misclick on a $50,000 bonus buy. The win follows a highly volatile period for the streamer, including a recent reported $10 million loss and a separate $4 million Keno win.
Stake.us Illinois Exit: IGB Rules Operations Illegal
Stake.us is pulling out of Illinois on May 19, 2026, following a cease and desist letter from the Illinois Gaming Board. The regulator declared the platform's activity illegal gambling. Player accounts will be placed in 'Redeem Only' mode, permitting balance redemptions but blocking all gameplay.
Virginia iGaming Push Clashes with Sweepstakes Bans
Virginia's iGaming bills are now in a conference committee, signaling a tough negotiation ahead. Meanwhile, states like Tennessee and Oklahoma are advancing sweeping sweepstakes casino bans, creating a volatile legal picture for players nationwide.