Maine Bans Sweepstakes Casino Websites

New law imposes steep fines and criminal penalties for online casino-style gambling platforms.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 7:12pm

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A serene, photorealistic painting of the Maine State House in Augusta, with the historic building bathed in warm, golden sunlight and surrounded by deep shadows, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and civic responsibility.Maine's legislative action to ban sweepstakes casino websites reflects a growing national effort to regulate the industry and protect consumers.Augusta Today

Maine's legislature has passed a bill prohibiting online sweepstakes casinos and websites that mimic casino gambling through promotional methods. The new law, which awaits the governor's signature, introduces civil fines up to $100,000 and enables criminal prosecution for operators of such platforms.

Why it matters

Maine joins a growing number of states seeking to regulate the sweepstakes casino industry, which has exploited legal loopholes to offer casino-style gambling without proper licensing or consumer protections. The crackdown comes as Maine develops a regulated online gaming framework led by tribal operators, reflecting the complex legal landscape around tribal sovereignty.

The details

The bill, introduced by Sen. Craig Hickman, clearly defines online sweepstakes casino gambling and targets websites that offer casino games like slots, poker, and sports betting using a dual currency system of virtual coins and promotional credits. Lawmakers said the legislation removes ambiguity that operators have used to argue compliance with gambling laws. Penalties for violation include civil fines ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 per violation, as well as potential criminal prosecution. Licensed gambling entities found supporting sweepstakes platforms also face mandatory license revocation.

  • The bill passed the Maine Senate on March 12, 2026.
  • The bill passed the Maine House on March 26, 2026 with a vote of 87-55.
  • The bill now awaits the signature of Gov. Janet Mills.

The players

Sen. Craig Hickman

The senator who introduced the bill to ban online sweepstakes casinos in Maine.

Gov. Janet Mills

The governor of Maine who is expected to sign the bill into law.

Wabanaki Nations

The tribal groups in Maine that now hold exclusive rights to internet gaming under recent legislation supported by Gov. Mills.

Kirk Francis

The Penobscot Nation Chief who described the tribal internet gaming legislation as a step toward economic self-governance.

Sheila McCormack

The Mi'kmaq Chief who said the tribal internet gaming framework would deliver sustainable revenue for essential services.

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What they’re saying

“This is a step toward economic self-governance.”

— Kirk Francis, Penobscot Nation Chief

“It would deliver sustainable revenue for essential services.”

— Sheila McCormack, Mi'kmaq Chief

What’s next

Gov. Janet Mills is expected to sign the bill into law in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Maine's crackdown on sweepstakes casino websites reflects a broader trend of states seeking to regulate the industry and close legal loopholes. The issue also highlights the complex relationship between tribal sovereignty and state authority over gaming, which will likely remain a salient political issue in Maine's upcoming gubernatorial election.