Are sweepstakes casinos legal? The 2026 state-by-state map
Most guides still repeat the line that sweepstakes casinos are legal "in all but four states." That was true in 2023. It is not true now. Here is the current, bill-cited picture — and a running log of what changed.
Last updated 13 June 2026The short version
The legal footprint has contracted from "roughly 40 states" toward the mid-30s and is still falling. Three things changed it: hard statutory bans (with criminal penalties), regulator enforcement (cease-and-desist letters that pushed operators out), and a pipeline of pending bills. The most consequential for players — and for sites like this one — is California's AB 831, because it attaches liability to affiliates, not just operators.
Tier 1 — Statutory bans (with bills and dates)
| State | Law | Effective | What it does |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | AB 831 | Jan 1, 2026 (signed Oct 11, 2025) | Bans dual-currency platforms; criminal liability extends to operators and affiliates. |
| Montana | SB 555 | Oct 1, 2025 (signed May 12, 2025) | Prohibits the sweepstakes-casino model. |
| Connecticut | SB 1235 | 2025 | Suspends operator licences / authority to offer the product. |
| New Jersey | AB 5447 | 2025 | Bans dual-currency play; narrow exemption for promotions under ~$20. |
| New York | SB 5935 | Signed Dec 2025 | Prohibits the model statewide. |
Tier 2 — Functionally prohibited / enforced (no clean statute, but operators have exited)
- Washington — state law prohibits sweepstakes-style contests; a prior settlement of roughly $415M against operators set the tone. Effectively closed.
- Idaho — prohibits cash redemptions. Because Sweeps Coins can't be cashed, the model is entertainment-only here.
- Nevada — blocks unregulated platforms to protect its licensed casino industry.
- Michigan — redefined internet gambling to bar these operators; the Attorney General has acted since 2023.
- Tennessee — AG cease-and-desist activity in December 2025; operators exited.
- Louisiana — the Governor vetoed a 2025 ban, but the Gaming Control Board issued 40+ cease-and-desist letters (including to VGW), so operators have pulled back regardless.
Tier 3 — Pending or threatened in 2026 (play now, watch closely)
- Florida — HB 189 and SB 1580 would make operating a sweepstakes platform a third-degree felony.
- Indiana — HB 1052; operators including McLuck and Modo were already exiting ahead of a July deadline.
- Maine — LD 2007; operators exiting around July 15.
- Maryland — multiple cease-and-desist letters to Chumba and LuckyLand, but no statute yet.
Age gates: 18+ vs 21+
The minimum age is 18 in most states, but 21 in Alabama and Nebraska. Some operators also set 21+ across the board regardless of state law. Our state checker shows the age gate for each state alongside availability.
What this means for choosing a brand
Two brands illustrate the spread. RealPrize carries one of the narrowest exclusion lists, so it's often still available where others have left. Chumba and LuckyLand (both VGW) sit at the other end — they've exited 12+ jurisdictions and run Gold-Coin-only in some states. The lesson: a great offer is worthless if the brand can't legally serve you, which is exactly why "legal stability" is a pillar in our scoring.
Changelog
- 13 Jun 2026 — Page published with the full Tier 1-3 breakdown reflecting the 2025-26 wave.
- Jan 1 2026 — California AB 831 took effect; major brands completed their CA exit.
- Dec 2025 — New York SB 5935 signed; Tennessee AG C&D activity.
- Oct 1 2025 — Montana SB 555 took effect.
FAQ
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in Texas in 2026?
As of June 2026 there is no Texas statute specifically banning sweepstakes casinos, and most major brands operate there. Texas has active anti-gambling sentiment, so this could change — verify with the operator and our state checker before signing up.
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in Florida?
They currently operate in Florida, but bills HB 189 and SB 1580 would make running a sweepstakes platform a third-degree felony. That legislation is pending as of mid-2026, so Florida is a 'play now, watch closely' state.
What did California's AB 831 do?
AB 831 was signed on October 11, 2025 and took effect January 1, 2026. It bans dual-currency sweepstakes platforms in California and extends criminal liability to operators and affiliates. Major brands exited California ahead of the deadline.
Which states have never allowed sweepstakes casinos?
The long-standing 'universal four' are Idaho, Michigan, Nevada and Washington, where state law or enforcement has effectively kept operators out for years. The 2025-26 bans added California, Montana, Connecticut, New Jersey and New York, among others.
How old do you have to be?
18 in most states, but 21 in Alabama and Nebraska — and some operators set 21+ regardless of where you live.
Check your state instantly with the state availability checker, or read how the underlying Gold Coin / Sweeps Coin model works.