Maine lawmakers have approved legislation that effectively shuts down online sweepstakes platforms that mimic casino gambling, marking one of the clearest state-level crackdowns yet on the fast-growing sector.

Senate Bill 2007 cleared the Legislature on March 26, 2026, after months of committee review and debate. The proposal was submitted by the Department of Public Safety and introduced in the Senate by Sen. Craig Hickman of Kennebec during the 132nd Legislature’s second regular session.

Once enacted, the measure makes it explicit under Maine law that operating or promoting online sweepstakes games constitutes unlawful gambling and exposes violators to both civil and criminal penalties.

Law targets sweepstakes platforms operating in legal gray area

Sweepstakes casinos have grown rapidly across the U.S. by offering games that resemble traditional online casinos while relying on promotional sweepstakes mechanics to argue they are not accepting wagers.

Maine’s legislation is designed to eliminate that gray area by creating a dedicated statutory section that both defines and prohibits online sweepstakes games. Lawmakers said the goal was to prevent companies from using dual-currency promotional models to sidestep existing gambling restrictions.

How Maine defines online sweepstakes gambling

Under the new law, an online sweepstakes game is defined as any internet-based game, contest or promotion that simulates traditional casino products, including slot machines, poker, table games, bingo, lottery-style drawings and sports wagering and can be accessed through smartphones, tablets or computers.

A central feature of the definition is the use of a dual-currency system, in which players participate using either purchased virtual coins or promotional credits that can be redeemed for prizes. The bill explicitly states that this structure falls within the definition of unlawful gambling.

Civil fines and criminal liability introduced

The legislation establishes a two-track enforcement system.

Civil penalties

Operating or promoting an online sweepstakes game is treated as a civil violation carrying fines between $10,000 and $100,000 per violation, with funds directed to Maine’s Gambling Addiction Preventi...