Indiana Governor Signs Sweepstakes Casino Ban

Indiana has enacted legislation targeting online sweepstakes-style gambling establishment platforms, marking another state-level relocation versus dual-currency video gaming models. House Bill 1052 has now been signed into law by Gov. Mike Braun, introducing charges for operators who use particular online sweepstakes games to Indiana citizens.


- Indiana has actually enacted House Bill 1052, targeting online sweepstakes-style gambling establishment platforms that use dual-currency systems.


- The law defines these platforms as internet-based video games mimicing casino or lottery game products.


- The legislation takes result July 1, 2026, and faced opposition from the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance.


Under the procedure, sweepstakes are defined as internet-based video games that imitate gambling establishment or lotto products, using dual - or multi-currency systems that can be exchanged for prizes or money equivalents. The Indiana Gaming Commission will likewise have the power to impose considerable civil charges of approximately $100,000 on operators who intentionally take part in such activities within the state.


Before making its method to the Governor's desk, it had actually passed the House on Feb. 2 with a vote of 87-11, and then followed with a Senate vote on Feb. 17, which saw 37-8 in favor of the step's passage.


The legislation has actually also dealt with arranged opposition during its journey through the legislature, especially from the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance, which unsuccessfully prompted lawmakers to regulate social-plus video gaming rather than prohibit it outright.


The law goes into effect on July 1, 2026. Indiana joins the similarity Connecticut and Montana, which have actually currently prohibited sweepstakes gambling establishments.


Other states advance anti-sweepstakes bills


Legislative action targeting sweepstakes casinos is likewise accelerating elsewhere. Tennessee and Oklahoma recently advanced costs through their state senates that target comparable dual-currency online gaming platforms.


In Tennessee, Senate Bill 2136 approaches the problem through customer security law. The costs specifies online sweepstakes games as internet gaming that uses virtual currencies to permit players to exchange that currency for prizes, money, or cash equivalents, or simply the opportunity to win them.


The proposition positions these activities within the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act, permitting infractions to be categorized as unjust or deceptive practices.


SB 2136 now relocates to the Tennessee House of Representatives. Lawmakers are likewise considering a companion measure, House Bill 1885, which might be combined into the Senate expense if both chambers approve similar language.


Oklahoma is pursuing a more stringent criminal approach. Senate Bill 1589 amends the state's gaming statutes to explicitly include online casino-style video games. The expense broadens liability to business supplying services to sweepstakes operators, consisting of geolocation providers, video gaming providers, platform hosts, promoters, and media affiliates.


Violations would be categorized as Class C2 felonies, carrying fines between $500 and $2,000 and possible jail time. The now advances to the Oklahoma Legislature, where lawmakers are examining a related proposal that has already cleared 2 committees.