Sweeps Legally Approved Across 33 U.S. Jurisdictions
In the ever-evolving world of iGaming, sweepstakes casinos are finding themselves under increased scrutiny and regulation in several states across the United States. Richard Janvrin, a seasoned journalist with a background in iGaming, has covered the development of this situation extensively.
As of August 2025, four states – Connecticut, Montana, New Jersey, and New York – have taken significant steps towards regulating or outright prohibiting sweepstakes casinos.
Montana has taken the most definitive action against sweepstakes casinos, passing SB555, an anti-sweepstakes bill signed into law by the Governor. The legislation, set to take effect in October 2025, effectively bans sweepstakes casino operations, leading many operators to expect their exit from Montana by then.
Connecticut has demonstrated regulatory hostility towards sweepstakes casinos, with state regulators alleging some operators, like High 5, of illegal activity. Legislation such as SB1235 is under consideration, potentially following Montana’s lead in prohibiting sweepstakes gaming, although no full ban has yet been finalized.
New Jersey is actively moving towards banning sweepstakes casinos. After an introduction of Bill A5196 in January 2025 to regulate sweepstakes casinos, a subsequent bill, A5447, aimed at prohibiting the sweepstakes model of wagering, has advanced through both the Assembly and Senate. If signed by Governor Phil Murphy, this bill will become law, effectively banning sweepstakes casinos in New Jersey.
New York is also close to prohibiting online sweepstakes gaming. Bill AB 6745 passed through the state House and is awaiting Governor Kathy Hochul’s signature. If signed, this would outlaw sweepstakes casinos and highlight operators and suppliers involved in such gaming.
These developments reflect a broader national scrutiny and tightening regulatory environment for sweepstakes casinos in the U.S. It is important to note that the exact nature of the sweepstakes being discussed in the legislative context is not specified.
Richard Janvrin, the author of a legal opinion published in April 2025, appears to coincide with or inform the legislative momentum noted in these states. However, the specific details of the anti-sweepstakes legislation in each state are not provided in this article.
In summary, Montana has banned sweepstakes casinos, Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York are considering legislation to do the same, and the trend suggests a broader national scrutiny of the industry. The impact of these anti-sweepstakes legislations on the industry remains to be seen.
[Photo credit: PICRYL, under PDM 1.0]
- In light of the ban on sweepstakes casinos in Montana and the proposed anti-sweepstakes legislation in Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York, some online casino operators might be enticed to offer alternative gaming options, such as sports betting or casino-and-gambling platforms with welcome bonuses, to circumvent the growing regulations.
- Amidst the increasing scrutiny of sweepstakes casinos, online gambling enthusiasts in these states may find solace in exploring other gaming avenues, like sports betting or welcome bonus offers on casino-and-gambling websites, which operate in legal gray areas and have not yet been regulated by the states.
