LegislationIn effect
Maine's online sweepstakes ban takes effect as regulator warns players
LD 2007, signed by Gov. Janet Mills in April, is now in force, making it unlawful gambling to operate or promote dual-currency sweepstakes games in Maine, with fines of $10,000 to $100,000.
- Law
- LD 2007 (Public Law 2025, ch. 645)
- Signed
- April 6, 2026
- Effective
- July 29, 2026
- Penalty
- $10,000 to $100,000 per violation
- Agency
- Gambling Control Unit, Department of Public Safety
Maine's ban on online sweepstakes casinos took effect July 29, the general effective date for non-emergency laws passed in the Legislature's 2026 session. The state's Gambling Control Unit marked the date with an advisory warning residents and visitors about illegal online sweepstakes operators.
LD 2007 was sponsored by Sen. Craig Hickman at the request of the Department of Public Safety and signed by Gov. Janet Mills on April 6. It declares that operating or promoting an online sweepstakes game is unlawful gambling under the Maine Criminal Code. It applies to games that use a dual-currency payment system and simulate casino-style gaming, including slot machines, poker and other table games, lottery games, bingo and sports wagering.
Violators face fines of $10,000 to $100,000, and the money goes to the state's Gambling Addiction Prevention and Treatment Fund. A company holding a license from the Gambling Control Unit or Gambling Control Board that operates or promotes such a game must have that license revoked and becomes ineligible for certain licenses.
The Gambling Control Unit said it cannot assist players with disputes over winnings or account problems on illegal gambling sites. Maine was the second state to enact a sweepstakes ban in 2026, after Indiana. Mills also signed LD 2080, which prohibits using credit cards to fund online sports betting and internet gaming accounts.
What it means for players
- Dual-currency sweepstakes casinos may no longer legally serve Maine players.
- State regulators will not step in on disputes over winnings or accounts at unlicensed sites.
- Free-to-play social casinos without redeemable prizes are outside the law's dual-currency definition.
Sources
- Enacted law summaries, Joint Standing Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs (LD 2007) — Maine State Legislature
- Press release: Sweeps and online gambling — Maine Department of Public Safety, Jul 29, 2026
- Maine Becomes Second State in 2026 to Ban Sweepstakes Casinos as Governor Signs LD 2007 — Gambling Insider
This summary is for information only and isn't legal advice. Laws and operator policies change; check the primary sources above and each casino's current sweepstakes rules.