State Availability & Restrictions
Check if sweepstakes casinos are legal in your state
Check Your State Availability
State Restrictions Overview
Prohibited States
Sweepstakes gaming is prohibited by state law in these jurisdictions.
Limited Availability
Some restrictions may apply. Check with individual operators for availability.
Why Are Sweepstakes Casinos Restricted in Some States?
Sweepstakes casinos operate under a different legal framework than traditional online gambling. However, some states have chosen to restrict or ban these platforms for various reasons:
Regulatory Concerns
States like Nevada and New Jersey have well-established regulated gambling industries. These states often restrict sweepstakes casinos to protect their existing gaming frameworks and ensure all gambling activities fall under their regulatory oversight.
Recent Legislative Changes
In 2025, several states including California, Connecticut, Montana, and New York enacted new legislation specifically targeting sweepstakes casinos. These laws were passed amid concerns about consumer protection and the rapid growth of the sweepstakes gaming industry.
Dual-Currency Model Restrictions
Some states specifically banned the dual-currency model (Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins) used by sweepstakes casinos. For example, New Jersey's A 5447 legislation specifically targeted this business model, leading to a statewide ban in August 2025.
Consumer Protection Efforts
States have expressed concerns about player protection, responsible gaming measures, and the potential for problem gambling. Some jurisdictions prefer to wait for more comprehensive federal guidance before allowing these platforms to operate.
What Can You Do If You're in a Restricted State?
1. Check Legal Alternatives
If you're in a state with regulated online gambling (like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, or West Virginia), you can access licensed online casinos and sportsbooks instead. These platforms offer real money gambling with proper consumer protections.
2. Stay Informed About Legislative Changes
State laws regarding sweepstakes casinos are constantly evolving. Some states that currently have partial restrictions may change their stance in the future. Bookmark this page and check back regularly for updates on your state's status.
3. Travel to Available States
If you travel to a state where sweepstakes casinos are legal, you can access these platforms while physically located in that jurisdiction. However, you may need to verify your location through geolocation technology.
4. Explore Other Entertainment Options
Consider free-to-play casino apps that don't involve real prize redemption, social casino games, or other forms of online entertainment that are available in all states.
Frequently Asked Questions About State Restrictions
No, using a VPN to bypass geographic restrictions is against the terms of service of all sweepstakes casinos and is not recommended. Casinos use sophisticated geolocation technology and require identity verification. If you're caught using a VPN, your account will be closed and any winnings will be forfeited. Additionally, this may violate state laws.
Several states including Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, and Pennsylvania have pending legislation or increased regulatory scrutiny. The legal landscape is rapidly evolving, and more states may introduce restrictions. We continuously monitor legislative changes and update this page accordingly.
Both California and New York enacted sweepstakes casino bans in 2025. These were major developments given the large populations of these states. The bans were driven by concerns about consumer protection and the lack of regulatory oversight. Players in these states can no longer access sweepstakes casinos legally.
Tribal gaming operates under different legal frameworks than sweepstakes casinos. While tribal casinos have sovereignty in some gaming matters, sweepstakes casinos are typically private companies operating under state sweepstakes laws. State restrictions on sweepstakes casinos generally apply regardless of whether you're on tribal land, though this is a complex legal area that varies by jurisdiction.
Yes, if you move from a restricted state to a state where sweepstakes casinos are legal, you can create a new account and claim welcome bonuses. You'll need to verify your current address and location. Note that you cannot have previously created an account in a restricted state, as this would violate the platform's terms of service.
We update this page regularly as new legislation is passed or regulatory changes occur. Our team monitors state legislatures, gaming commission announcements, and industry news daily. However, laws can change quickly, so we recommend verifying current regulations with the specific casino you wish to join before creating an account.