Maine lawmakers push bill banning online sweepstakes casino style games

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Maine legislators are advancing a proposal that will outlaw a class of internet-based casino-style video games typically marketed as on-line sweepstakes platforms. Supporters of the measure say it might shut a spot in state playing regulation, whereas critics argue it might wipe out a well-liked type of digital leisure utilized by 1000’s of residents.

The measure, LD 2007 (SP 825), carries the title “An Act Concerning the Prohibition of On-line Sweepstakes Video games.” Sen. Craig Hickman launched the invoice within the Maine Senate, and it has been despatched to the Legislature’s Veterans and Authorized Affairs Committee for evaluation.

Some extra motion on potential sweepstakes bans.

Maine's Joint Standing Committee on Veterans and Authorized Affairs simply superior LD 2007 by a 8-2 vote.

The invoice bans the operation of dual-currency sweeps.

— Justin Byers (@justin_a_byers) February 18, 2026

Underneath the proposal, the state would explicitly classify sure on-line sweepstakes-style gaming merchandise as unlawful playing. The laws is designed to clarify that working or selling these platforms violates Maine regulation.

Maine lawmakers goal sweepstakes-style gaming websites

The bill creates a brand new part in state statute centered particularly on “on-line sweepstakes video games.” Within the textual content, these video games are described as internet-based platforms that depend on a dual-currency system and mimic conventional on line casino experiences comparable to slot machines, poker, bingo, lottery-style attracts, or sports activities wagering.

Many of those platforms enable customers to buy one type of digital foreign money whereas incomes one other that may generally be redeemed for prizes. Critics of the mannequin say the setup intently resembles real-money playing.

The invoice states: “An individual that operates or promotes a web-based sweepstakes recreation or helps the operation or promotion of a web-based sweepstakes recreation commits a civil violation.”

If enacted, the proposal would enable regulators to impose civil penalties starting from $10,000 to $100,000 for violations. Any cash collected via these fines can be directed into Maine’s Playing Habit Prevention and Remedy Fund.

The measure additionally outlines further penalties. Licensed playing operators discovered to be concerned with sweepstakes-style video games might lose their state licenses, and people who violate the regulation may very well be barred from acquiring sure gaming-related licenses sooner or later.

Trade group pushes again

The laws has beforehand drawn criticism from the Social Gaming Management Alliance (SGLA), a commerce group representing firms that run sweepstakes-based social gaming platforms.

In written testimony to state lawmakers, the group argued that the proposal would effectively eliminate what it calls the “Social Plus” gaming sector. Based on the alliance, these platforms perform as free-to-play on-line video games that depend on promotional sweepstakes mechanics relatively than conventional wagering.

“These are a lawful class of free-to-play and freemium on-line social video games,” the group mentioned, warning that banning them might push respectable firms out of the state whereas doing little to cease offshore operators.

The group estimates that roughly 50,000 adults in Maine at the moment play these sorts of video games on-line.

Fairly than banning the platforms outright, the alliance has urged lawmakers to consider building a regulatory system that will license operators and impose shopper protections. The group says a regulated market might produce greater than $3 million yearly for the state whereas introducing safeguards comparable to age verification, geolocation controls, and accountable gaming instruments.

Throughout the US, policymakers, comparable to in Indiana, have more and more begun analyzing sweepstakes-style on line casino platforms because the business grows.

Supporters of tighter guidelines say the video games mirror real-money playing however function exterior established licensing programs. Firms behind the platforms argue they perform as promotional sweepstakes and must be handled otherwise from conventional playing merchandise.

As of Thursday (March 12), LD 2007 has cleared the Maine Senate and has been despatched ahead for concurrence, putting it roughly in the midst of the legislative course of.

If the measure in the end passes each chambers and receives the governor’s signature, working or selling on-line sweepstakes video games in Maine would turn into a violation of state playing regulation.

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The put up Maine lawmakers push bill banning online sweepstakes casino style games appeared first on ReadWrite.

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