Montana to Pass Anti Sweeps Bill?
Montana looks set to sign its anti-sweepstakes legislation into law after Senate Bill SB555 successfully passed through the Senate with only a handful of objections.
All that remains is for Governor Greg Gianforte to sign off on the new legislation. He could technically veto it, but it looks far more likely that he will put pen to paper and turn operating a sweepstakes casino into a felony that comes with up to 10 years of jail time and $50,000 in fines.
Most sweeps casino operators have already pulled out of Montana, and the rest should follow suit in a hurry if they want to avoid the regulators’ wrath.
How Other Bills are Progressing
New York – S5935
In New York, anti-sweepstakes proposal S5935 is heading to a final floor vote in the Senate after minor amendments in the third reading on April 30th. These were minor amendments to specifically target sweepstakes casinos and exclude sweepstakes competitions offered by major brands that could have torpedoed the legislation.
There are still a number of steps to go before a full vote, and the lawmakers have until the end of session on June 12th to get it all passed.
Louisiana – SB181
SB181 has unanimously passed the Senate, and it’s savage legislation that holds geolocation providers, game suppliers and even affiliates responsible for any transgressions. This bill proposes up to five years in prison and fines of up to $100,000 for virtually any company involved in the operation, promotion or support of a sweeps casino within Louisiana’s borders.
Connecticut – SB1235
The Judiciary Committee has recently approved the bill with a 37-0 vote, so this one looks likely to succeed. Still, anything can happen and the legislative session comes to an end on June 4th, so there isn’t much time to push the bills through. The bill contains some heavy wording, like the Louisiana bill it targetss any unlicensed company that ‘facilitates participation in any real or simulated online casino gaming or sports wagering.’
Florida – SB1404
Florida’s Senate Bill SB1404, introduced by Senator Corey Simon on February 26, 2025, alongside House Bill HB953, aims to ban sweepstakes casinos, and online sports betting outside the Seminole Tribe’s unique deal. The bill aims to turn sweeps casino operation into a third-degree felony with up to 5 years in prison, $5,000 fines, and player participation as a misdemeanor. It has passed two Senate committees unanimously but awaits a full Senate vote and progress in the House.
New Jersey – A5447
After first proposing radical legislation to bring sweepstakes casinos under the same gambling regulations as real money casinos, Assemblyman Clinto Calabrese then did a total U-turn and tabled a bill to ban sweeps casinos completely. All standalone platforms will be prohibited under the proposed laws, with land-based casinos in Atlantic City retaining the right to run sweeps casinos.
The vote hasn’t taken place yet, but significant lobbying by local casinos and real-money gaming sites that operate legally in New Jersey has garnered support.
Bills in Arkansas and Mississippi recently failed, so there is no guarantee that all of these bills will become law. Sweeps casinos are facing increasing scrutiny, though, and the likes of Texas, California and Illinois are all looking into new legislation. The likes of West Virginian and Kentucky have opted for cease-and-desist letters and subpoenas, and the best sweeps casinos have pulled out of multiple states to avoid legal issues.
