Maine has officially become the second state in 2026 to ban sweepstakes casinos after Governor Janet Mills signed Legislative Document 2007 (LD2007) into law. The legislation targets the dual-currency sweepstakes model used by many popular operators and is now officially in effect, preventing sweepstakes casinos from offering Sweeps Coin gameplay in the state.
Maine Officially Bans Sweepstakes Casinos
Governor Janet Mills signed LD2007 on April 6, 2026, following its approval by the Maine Legislature in late March. The new law prohibits the operation of sweepstakes casinos that use dual-currency systems, where players purchase one type of virtual currency while receiving another redeemable currency through promotions or bonuses.
Unlike some other state proposals, Maine’s legislation specifically focuses on how these platforms operate. The law distinguishes between currencies that are purchased directly and promotional currencies that can later be redeemed for cash prizes. Because most sweepstakes casinos rely on this system, operators have now removed Sweeps Coin gameplay or exited Maine entirely to comply with the new law.
Why Maine Passed the Law
Supporters of LD2007 argued that sweepstakes casinos operate outside Maine’s regulated gambling framework while offering casino-style games that closely resemble traditional online gambling. State lawmakers said the legislation closes legal loopholes and strengthens consumer protections by ensuring that online casino gaming is offered only through properly licensed operators.
The bill also follows Maine’s recent legalization of regulated real-money online casino gaming. Licensed gaming companies argued that unregulated sweepstakes platforms compete with legal operators without following the same regulatory standards, taxation requirements, or responsible gaming rules.
Opponents, including representatives from the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA), warned that banning legitimate sweepstakes operators could have unintended consequences. They argued that compliant companies would leave the state while illegal offshore gambling websites could continue targeting Maine residents without regulatory oversight.
What This Means for Players
Maine residents can no longer legally access Sweeps Coin gameplay from participating sweepstakes casinos. Most major operators have already withdrawn from the state or converted Maine into a Gold Coin only market to comply with the new law. You can read more about which sweepstakes casinos have exited Indiana and Maine.
Players interested in this style of gaming can stay informed by following changes to the legality of sweepstakes casinos across the United States. Residents in states where sweepstakes casinos remain legal can still explore new sweepstakes casinos and platforms offering free Sweeps Coins, provided they operate legally in their jurisdiction.
