Maine lawmakers have drawn a clearer line around what qualifies as legal online gaming, with Gov. Janet Mills approving LD 2007 on April 6. The new statute places sweepstakes-style platforms within the scope of prohibited gambling, focusing on how these services structure payments and gameplay.
At the center of the legislation is the classification of “online sweepstakes games.”The law applies to platforms accessible by computer or mobile device that rely on dual-currency systems and replicate traditional gambling formats. These include offerings that “simulates casino-style gaming, including, but not limited to, slot machines, poker and other table games, lottery games, bingo or sports wagering.”
The framework addresses how users participate in these systems. Lawmakers defined “direct consideration” as: “A coin, token, or other representation of value that may be purchased by a person or received through a bonus or promotion and that is used for playing or participating in an online sweepstakes game.”
The statute also outlines how these platforms encourage spending, stating they may: “Encourag[ing] a person to purchase services, products, coins, tokens or other representations of value… in order for that person to obtain the coins, tokens, or other representatives of value that are exchangeable for prizes, awards, cash or cash equivalents.”
Enforcement Tied to Financial and Licensing Risks
The law introduces fines between $10,000 and $100,000 per violation, with proceeds directed to the state’s Gambling Addiction Prevention and Treatment Fund.
Responsibility extends beyond operators to promoters and other involved parties. Licensed gambling businesses face mandatory license revocation if linked to prohibited platforms.
Because LD 2007 is not emergency legislation, it will take effect about 90 days after adjournment, placing implementation in mid-July 2026. The bill passed the Senate on March 12 and the House on March 26 with an 87-55 vote.
Momentum Builds Across Multiple States
Maine’s action reflects a broader shift underway in state legislatures. Indiana enacted a similar measure earlier in 2026, targeting comparable dual- or multi-currency systems used by online gaming platforms. That law includes penalties reaching $100,000 per violation and grants enforcement authority to issue cease-and-desist orders. Indiana’s changes are set to take effect on July 1.
The movement builds on earlier efforts from 2025, when California, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Nevada, and Montana introduced measures aimed at sweepstakes-style operations. Some states, including Washington, Idaho, and Michigan, have long remained unavailable to such platforms.
Other legislatures have advanced related proposals this year, suggesting additional states may adopt similar policies.
Broader Regulatory Changes Extend Beyond Sweepstakes
The sweepstakes ban follows another recent action by Gov. Mills addressing payment methods in gambling. A separate measure restricts the use of credit cards for sports betting and potential future iGaming activity in the state.
Maine now aligns with several states that have implemented similar restrictions, including Iowa, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Vermont. In Virginia, lawmakers have approved comparable legislation that awaits a final decision, while discussions continue in New York, New Jersey, and Maryland.
Some operators, including DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM, have already reduced reliance on credit cards as part of broader responsible gambling efforts.
Source:
“Maine Governor Signs Bill Banning Sweepstakes Casinos“, finance.yahoo.com, April 7, 2026
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