Indiana is the latest state entering the sweepstakes of levying a potential ban on dual-currency systems used for sports wagering and casino-style gaming.
Rep. Ethan Manning introduced House Bill 1052, a piece of legislation that proposes several changes related to Indiana law concerning horse racing, responsible gaming and online sweepstakes. HB 1052, co-authored by Reps. Peggy Mayfield and Justin Moed, received its first reading before being referred to the Committee on Public Policy.
What sweepstakes games could be banned in Indiana?
HB 1051 provides a clear definition for sweepstakes games, which are games, contests or promotions that utilize a dual-currency system of payment that allows a player to exchange currency for a cash prize, cash reward or a chance to win a cash prize or reward.
The prohibited online sweepstakes games that utilize the dual-currency systems of payment must also simulate casino-style game, lottery games, bingo and sports betting. The casino-style gaming includes slot machines, video poker and traditional table games.
Penalty for offering a dual-currency sweeps game
The penalty for violating HB 1052 includes a potential civil penalty of $100,000 that can be levied against an individual or operator. Unlike some other states, this bill does not include criminal penalties for affiliates or suppliers working with sweepstakes sites.
HB 1052 adds sportsbooks to exclusion program
Manning’s piece of legislation also proposes making a change to Indiana law, requiring the inclusion of sports betting operators in the state’s voluntary exclusion program. HB 1052 requires participants in the state’s voluntary exclusion program to “refrain from entering a riverboat or other facility under the jurisdiction of the commission [Indiana Gaming Commission] or from placing a wager with a certificate holder under IC 4-38,” which provides the framework for fantasy sports and retail and online sports wagering in Indiana.
Indiana law currently only bans program participants from entering gambling facilities. HB 1052 also proposes improvements to horse racing safety protocols, including approvals for alcohol breath-testing administrators and refined blood testing measures for horses.
Maine also considering a sweepstakes game ban
Last week, lawmakers in Maine also proposed a measure that concerns sweepstakes.
Sen. Craig Hickman introduced Legislative Document 2007, which also proposes a ban on the operation or promotion of dual-currency sweepstakes. LD 2007 allows the Maine Gambling Control Unit to adopt its rules related to the vertical and also bans dual-currency sweepstakes that simulate casino-style gaming, lottery, bingo or sports betting.
Florida lawmakers are also considering a bill that criminalizes online gaming and sports wagering not offered through the Seminole Tribe’s exclusivity rights in the state. The bill does not mention sweepstakes by name, but can be interpreted to include the vertical.
New York officially implements a sweepstakes ban
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed Senate Bill S5935 into law, banning all sweepstakes platforms that operate a dual-currency system that allows players to exchange game currency for any cash prize or cash award or cash equivalents and resembles casino gaming, sports betting, lottery products or bingo. The bill also penalizes payment processors, geolocation firms, and tech and game suppliers that facilitate the operation of the platforms. Fines for violating S5935 also range between $10,000 and $100,000.
In addition to New York, lawmakers in California, Connecticut, Montana, Nevada and New Jersey have also passed pieces of legislation in 2025 related to sweepstakes gaming.
