Pressure is building across the United States as more states move to block sweepstakes casino platforms. New laws, legal warnings, and supplier exits are reshaping how these sites operate, like Betty Sweeps, and where players can access them. Recent changes show a growing divide between state regulators and sweepstakes casino operators.
Many states are getting ready to totally ban the sweepstakes casino model, which typically employs a dual currency system. Bills that are awaiting final approval from their governors have passed in Connecticut, Nevada, and Louisiana. Should these states sign, Montana will be added.
Earlier this year, SB256 was passed in Nevada. Governor Joe Lombardo has received the bill. While sweepstakes casinos have mostly avoided Nevada due to strict gaming laws, the new bill strengthens penalties against illegal platforms. The goal is to close any remaining gaps that allow unlicensed gambling activity.
Connecticut has also taken firm action. Lawmakers enacted SB1235 just before the session deadline and transmitted it to Governor Ned Lamont. Among other provisions, the bill prohibits unauthorized platforms enabling actual or fictitious online casino or sports betting. This follows a recent $1.5 million state-High 5 settlement that brought questions about sweepstakes-style gambling.
Louisiana lawmakers approved SB181, which now awaits Governor Jeff Landry. This bill gives strong enforcement power to the Louisiana Gaming Control Board and State Police. Violators could spend up to five years in prison or be levied penalties of up to $100,000. One of the hardest methods seen thus far is these punishments.
Other states are also weighing changes. Ohio is considering legal real-money online casinos while banning sweepstakes platforms under HB298. In the meantime, New Jersey, New York, Illinois, Arkansas, Maryland, Mississippi, and Florida introduced bills meant to stop sweepstakes casinos. Only New York and New Jersey still have live legislation under consideration at this time.
As laws tighten, operators and game suppliers are pulling back. After Relax Gaming removed its games from Utah and Minnesota, Betty Sweeps paused Gold Coin purchases in both states on December 1. Players were informed that the stop is temporary while fresh game suppliers are added.
In Arizona, California, Connecticut, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, and Washington, among several other states, Betty Sweeps already limits entry. The list keeps expanding as legal threats increase.
Minnesota remains a key focus. Although the state has no official ban, Attorney General Keith Ellison sent cease and desist letters to 14 sweepstakes operators in November. Firms were asked to halt operations by December 1. Letters were also sent to offshore operators.
Industry groups have pushed back. According to Jeff Duncan of the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance, the organization seeks defined rules safeguarding players while enabling controlled operations. He declared that the industry is willing to cooperate with lawmakers to bring consumer protections and tax income.
Utah presents a different case. Online casinos, sports betting, lotteries, raffles, and all other forms of gambling are prohibited by the state. Utah's strong stand probably affected providers like Relax Gaming to exit the market even without public legal action.
Other game developers have also exited Minnesota, including Playson, Print Studios, Hacksaw Gaming, and Nolimit City. Arizona has seen similar exits after enforcement actions by state regulators.
Together, these moves show a clear shift. Sweepstakes casinos, including Betty Sweeps, are under more legal pressure, reduced market access, and increasing regulatory pressure. The future of the sweepstakes casino model in the US is still unknown as more states act.
