LegislationIn effect
Hochul signs New York ban on online sweepstakes casinos, effective immediately
Gov. Kathy Hochul signed S5935-A, adding a prohibition on online sweepstakes games to New York's racing and gaming law, with fines of $10,000 to $100,000 per violation.
- Bill
- S5935-A / A6745-A (Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr.)
- Signed
- Dec. 5, 2025 (Chapter 605 of 2025)
- Effective
- Immediately
- Penalty
- $10,000 to $100,000 per violation
- Enforcement
- Gaming Commission, State Police, Attorney General
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation on Dec. 5, 2025 banning online sweepstakes casinos, enacted as Chapter 605 of the Laws of 2025. The bill, S5935-A by Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr., passed the Senate on June 11 and the Assembly on June 17 but was not delivered to the governor until Dec. 1.
The law adds section 912 to the Racing, Pari-Mutuel Wagering and Breeding Law, prohibiting online sweepstakes games and revenue from illegal markets. Violators face fines of $10,000 to $100,000 per violation and can lose, or be barred from obtaining, a state gaming license. Fines go to the Commercial Gaming Revenue Fund for problem gambling education and treatment.
The State Gaming Commission, State Police and attorney general can enforce the section through investigations, hearings, cease-and-desist letters and subpoenas. An amendment replaced the bill's original delayed start date, so the ban applied immediately.
Much of the market had already left New York after warnings from Attorney General Letitia James's office earlier in 2025; VGW, for example, stopped offering Sweeps Coins to New Yorkers in June 2025. The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance criticized the legislation, saying the industry was not consulted and that it restricts economic and innovation opportunities.
What it means for players
- Dual-currency sweepstakes casinos are illegal in New York, with no wind-down period.
- Some former VGW players can still request redemption of old Sweeps Coins under the 2026 attorney general settlement.
- Licensed New York sports betting and the state lottery are not affected.
Sources
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.