Maine has officially prohibited sweepstakes casinos by becoming the second state to do so in 2026 after Governor Janet Mills enacted LD 2007.
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Governor Janet Mills has enacted LD 2007, making Maine the second state in 2026 to ban sweepstakes casinos. This legislation, titled “An Act Regarding the Prohibition of Online Sweepstakes Games,” introduces a regulatory framework that categorizes specific online sweepstakes platforms as illegal gambling activities.
Legislation Targets Sweepstakes Casinos
The new law explicitly outlines dual-currency payment systems and direct consideration, aiming directly at sweepstakes casino operations. According to the legislation, an “online sweepstakes game” is defined as any platform that:
- Functions online and is accessible via mobile devices or computers.
- Utilizes a “dual-currency payment system.”
- “Simulates casino-style gaming, including but not limited to, slot machines, poker, other table games, lottery games, bingo, or sports betting.”
Furthermore, “direct consideration” is described as:
“A coin, token, or other representation of value that may be purchased or received through bonuses or promotions and utilised in playing an online sweepstakes game.”
Furthermore, the dual-currency model allows participation via both purchased and promotional credits, while:
“Incentivising individuals to purchase services, products, coins, tokens, or other representations of value… to obtain the coins, tokens, or other representations of value that can be exchanged for prizes or cash.”
LD 2007 focuses on operators, promoters, and all entities supporting sweepstakes casinos, with violations classified as civil offenses and penalties ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 per infraction. These fines go towards the state’s Gambling Addiction Prevention and Treatment Fund.
Expansion of Sweepstakes Bans
Following Mills’ approval, Maine has joined Indiana as the second state in 2026 to impose a formal ban on sweepstakes casinos.
Indiana’s legislation mirrors Maine’s approach, as HB 1052 defines a “sweepstakes game” available online and simulating lottery or casino-style games while using a dual- or multi-currency payment system. Penalties there are similarly up to $100,000 per violation, with Indiana’s ban set to take effect on July 1.
These bans build on progress made in 2025 when states like California, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Nevada, and Montana implemented measures against sweepstakes casinos. Additionally, states like Washington, Idaho, and Michigan have long prohibited sweepstakes operations, with several others advancing relevant legislation this year.
Additional Legislative Measures
The ban on sweepstakes is not the only legislation Governor Mills has signed; she also recently enforced restrictions on the use of credit cards for sports betting and future iGaming in the state.
Maine now joins a growing list of states implementing credit card bans, including Iowa, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Vermont. Meanwhile, a bill is pending in Virginia, and discussions are ongoing in states like New York, New Jersey, and Maryland.
Major operators such as DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM have also begun to reduce credit card usage as part of responsible gambling initiatives.
