Minnesota’s push to ban sweepstakes casinos has cleared a major hurdle. On April 30, 2026, the Minnesota Senate passed SF 4474 by a 62-3 vote. The bill would prohibit online sweepstakes games that use a dual-currency system and simulate casino-style gambling.
The Senate also passed a separate bill, SF 4511, aimed at banning most prediction market betting in the state. That measure passed by a 56-10 vote. Together, the two bills show Minnesota lawmakers are taking a wider look at online gambling-style products that operate outside the state’s current gambling system.
Neither bill is law yet. Both still need action in the House, where lawmakers can approve, amend, or stall the proposals before the session ends on May 18.
What SF 4474 Would Ban
SF 4474 defines an online sweepstakes game as a game, contest, or promotion that is available on the internet or through a mobile device and uses a dual-currency payment system. The bill focuses on platforms where players can exchange virtual currency for a prize, award, cash, cash equivalent, or a chance to win one.
That language targets the core model used by many sweepstakes casinos. These sites often use one currency for social play and another that can be redeemed under the site’s rules. Supporters of the bill argue that this setup makes the products too similar to gambling, even if operators describe them as promotions or free-to-play entertainment.
The bill affecting the legality of sweepstakes casinos also says the game must simulate casino-style or another form of gambling. In practical terms, that could include online games that look like slots, table games, bingo, lottery-style games, or similar casino products.
The Bill Also Targets Support Providers
The Minnesota bill was introduced on March 12, has been gaining momentum in recent weeks, and does not only focus on operators. It also reaches companies that help sweepstakes platforms run.
Under the proposal, a financial institution, payment processor, geolocation provider, gaming content supplier, platform provider, or media affiliate would be prohibited from supporting, conducting, or promoting an online sweepstakes game in Minnesota.
That wider language could make the bill more powerful than a simple operator ban. Even if a sweepstakes casino wanted to keep serving Minnesota, it could become harder if payment partners, game suppliers, or marketing affiliates face legal risk for helping.
The bill gives enforcement power to the Commissioner of Public Safety, who could investigate violations, issue notices, impose civil fines, and bring enforcement actions. The Attorney General would also play a role in enforcement, according to industry reports on the bill.
Prediction Markets Are Also in the Crosshairs
Minnesota senators also passed SF 4511, a separate bill aimed at prediction markets. These platforms let users trade contracts on whether future events will happen. Popular examples include markets tied to politics, sports, weather, pop culture, and other real-world outcomes.
Supporters of the bill argue that many prediction markets look too much like gambling and should not be available without state oversight. CBS Minnesota reported that the Senate vote would ban most bets placed on prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket.
The prediction market bill is separate from the sweepstakes casino bill, but the timing matters. By passing both measures on the same day, the Senate sent a clear signal that Minnesota wants to restrict newer online wagering products that sit outside traditional gambling regulation.
For players, nothing changes immediately. Sweepstakes casinos and prediction markets can still be available unless operators choose to block Minnesota early. But if the House follows the Senate, Minnesota could become one of the next states to pass a direct sweepstakes casino ban—and one of the first to move strongly against prediction market betting too.
