Written by :
Published on :
Sweepstakes casinos have grown in popularity over recent years. This includes in the great state of Maine. But are they legal here? Gambling911.com seeks to answer that question here.
What Are Sweepstakes Casinos
Unlike a real money online casino, sweepstakes - or social casinos - is an online platform that allows users to play casino-style games, including slots, bingo, table games, and even live casino games, using virtual currency instead of real money. These types of online casinos rely on additional real money purchases once the free play component is exhausted. In contrast, real money online casinos require a small deposit that can be increased through wins. Free play and cash bonuses are typically offered as well.
Legal Status of Sweepstakes Casinos in the State of Maine
It’s a gray area—but right now, Maine regulators don't necessarily want them, especially with real money iGaming set to kick off later this year.
While the Maine Gambling Control Unit (MGCU) has explicitly warned that sweepstakes casinos are considered “illegal interactive gaming”, players can still access these sites. In fact, most sweepstakes casinos do not restrict players from the state of Maine.
A bill to prohibit sweepstakes casinos - those that utilize a virtual currency - has passed both chambers of the Maine Legislature. It awaits the signature of Governor Janet Mills.
The governor has has 10 days (excluding Sundays) to act. Considering it landed on her desk on or perhaps a day after March 31, that date would be around April 13 or April 14. As of Easter Sunday, Mills had yet to sign the legislation.
Sweepstakes Ban Bill LD 2007
This bill clarifies that operating or promoting an online sweepstakes game constitutes "unlawful gambling" within the meaning of the Maine Criminal Code and establishes additional civil penalties related to that unlawful conduct. The bill impacts online games or contests that use a dual-currency system of payment and that simulate casino-style gaming, including, but not limited to, slot machines, poker and other table games, lottery games, bingo or sports wagering. "Dual-currency system of payment" refers to the practice of using more than one system of coins or tokens to facilitate game play and is further defined in the bill. The bill provides that a person that operates or promotes an online sweepstakes game is subject to a fine of not less than $10,000 and not more than $100,000. The bill requires that all fines collected be distributed to the Gambling Addiction Prevention and Treatment Fund. Under the bill, if a person is found to operate or promote an online sweepstakes game and that person holds a license with the Gambling Control Unit or Gambling Control Board within the Department of Public Safety to operate certain gambling activities, the licensing entity must revoke that license. A person that violates the online sweepstakes games prohibition is also ineligible to receive one of the licenses specified by the bill.
What Players Should Expect
If you are currently playing at a sweepstakes casino, it is possible an account closure will occur very soon after Mills signs off on this legislation (assuming that she does).
Some sites may opt to rely on lax enforcement early on.
Most companies will not want to risk the exposure, however, as the following is possible under such a law:
- Fines
Payment processor restrictions
Liability for affiliates or vendors
Geo-blocking messages will likely begin to occur, though a VPN could still get around this.
For affiliates, it is important to avoid direct targeting to Maine residents. Any banner ads appearing on one's site in the state, if not geo-blocked, should include mention of prohibition in Maine (ME), and any other state prohibitions for that matter. This only applies if the bill is signed into law.
Because some banner programs are not state-specific when it comes to restrictions, this type of language in ad inventory is highly recommended.
In Which US States Are Sweepstakes Casinos Explicitly Banned as of April 2026?
Remarkably, despite all you may have read about states looking to ban sweepstakes casinos, only these US states have incorporated actual laws that do so as of April 2026:
- California
- New York
- New Jersey
- Connecticut
- Montana
- Nevada
Such prohibitions specifically include language regarding "dual currency" or "sweepstakes". Online casinos are not actually banned as that would prevent states from offering real money online casino gambling in the future.
- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com
