Where Are Sweepstakes Casinos Legal? 2026 State List
As of July 2026, sweepstakes casinos can't legally operate in 14 US states. Eleven passed explicit bans in 2025–2026: California, Connecticut, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma and Tennessee. Idaho, Michigan and Washington block them under older gambling laws. They still operate in most other states.
Key facts
- 14 states block sweepstakes casinos as of July 2026 (Lines.com).
- Montana passed the first explicit statutory ban, in May 2025.
- California's AB 831 took effect on January 1, 2026.
- Oklahoma's ban (SB 1589) took effect on November 1, 2026.
- Operators can exclude more states on their own, so always check a site's terms.
This one gets no jokes. The rules on sweepstakes casinos have changed fast since 2025, and playing from the wrong state can cost you your account and your balance. Below is the list as of July 2026, with the law behind each ban and when it took effect.
States where sweepstakes casinos can't operate
XX ban in force (14) XX ban starts later (0) XX no statewide ban on our list
Source: the state list in this guide. Each operator also keeps its own list of excluded states, so check the rules of the site you want to join.
| State | Law | Effective |
|---|---|---|
| California | AB 831 | January 1, 2026 |
| Connecticut | SB 1235 (PA 25-112) | October 1, 2025 |
| Idaho | Article III, Section 20 (constitution) | Pre-existing |
| Indiana | HB 1052 | July 1, 2026 |
| Louisiana | HB 883 and HB 53 | August 1, 2026 |
| Maine | LD 2007 | July 14, 2026 |
| Michigan | Existing iGaming statute, enforced by the MGCB | Enforced since 2024 |
| Montana | SB 555 | October 1, 2025 |
| Nevada | SB 256 | October 1, 2025 |
| New Jersey | A 5447 | August 15, 2025 |
| New York | S 5935A | December 5, 2025 |
| Oklahoma | SB 1589 (veto override) | November 1, 2026 |
| Tennessee | SB 2136 | May 22, 2026 |
| Washington | RCW 9.46.240 | Pre-existing |
Source: Lines.com state tracker, updated July 2026. Always confirm with current news or the operator's terms.
Eleven of these states passed explicit bans in 2025 and 2026, starting with Montana in May 2025. Idaho, Michigan and Washington block sweepstakes casinos under gambling laws that were already on the books.
What about the other states?
In the remaining 36 states, sweepstakes casinos generally still operate. That doesn't mean every site is available everywhere: each operator keeps its own list of excluded states, and some exclude more than the law requires. The list on the operator's terms page is the one that decides whether you can play and redeem. Sweepstakes Casino Rules Compared puts those lists side by side for the brands we have read, with a state picker.
Once you know you can play, How to Get Free Sweeps Coins Without Buying lists every free way to start. Want a quick answer for your state? Use the state checker. For one brand's own excluded-state list and free routes, see Modo Casino Free SC.
Before you sign up, check three things
- The operator's list of excluded states, on its terms or sweepstakes rules page.
- The date on any "legal states" article you're reading. A list from early 2025 is already badly out of date.
- Whether a ban in your state has a future start date. Oklahoma's, for example, starts November 1, 2026.
VPNs don't fix this
Playing through a VPN from a banned state breaks every operator's terms. Sites check location at redemption, and accounts caught doing it can be closed with the balance forfeited. It isn't worth it.
Real-money casinos are a separate question
Real-money online casinos are licensed state by state, and only seven states had them live in September 2026. Sweepstakes vs Social vs Real-Money Casinos explains the difference, and Gold Coins vs Sweeps Coins covers how redemptions work where sweepstakes casinos are allowed.
Prizes you redeem are taxable income wherever you live: see Do You Pay Taxes on Sweepstakes Winnings?.
This guide is general information, not legal advice.
Where ReloadRush fits
ReloadRush isn't a casino and doesn't offer gambling. It's a free rewards site for US residents 18+: you play free games and apps from advertisers, and cash out crypto (LTC or USDT) from $5. Sign up free or read the FAQ.
Frequently asked questions
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in California?
No. California's AB 831 made them illegal starting January 1, 2026.
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in New York?
No. New York's S 5935A took effect on December 5, 2025, according to Lines.com's state tracker.
Can I use a VPN to play from a banned state?
No. It breaks every operator's terms, and accounts caught doing it can be closed with the balance forfeited. It can also put you on the wrong side of your state's law.
Will more states ban sweepstakes casinos?
Possibly. Bills have been filed in more states, and the list has grown every few months since 2025. Recheck before you sign up anywhere.
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in Texas?
Texas has no statewide ban on our list as of July 2026, and none of the 17 sweepstakes casinos whose own rules we read (checked October 2026) excludes Texas. That can change, and it is not legal advice, so check the operator's rules before you sign up.
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in Florida?
Florida has no statewide ban on our list as of July 2026, and none of the 17 casinos whose rules we read excludes it. Several of them cap what a single play can pay in Florida, so read the rules for the limit that applies to you.
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in Illinois?
Illinois has no statewide ban on our list as of July 2026, but 8 of the 17 casinos whose own rules we read (checked October 2026) list Illinois as excluded, so many sites won't accept you there. Check the rules of the site you want.
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in Kentucky?
Kentucky has no statewide ban on our list as of July 2026. Of the 17 casinos whose own rules we read (checked October 2026), 3 list Kentucky as excluded: High 5 Casino, Lavish Luck and Spree. The rest don't.
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in Ohio?
Ohio has no statewide ban on our list as of July 2026, and none of the 17 casinos whose own rules we read (checked October 2026) excludes Ohio. Legendz, for example, limits Ohio to casino games only, so a site's rules can differ by product.
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in Tennessee?
No. Tennessee's SB 2136 took effect on May 22, 2026, and all 17 casinos whose own rules we read (checked October 2026) list Tennessee as excluded.
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in New Jersey?
No. New Jersey's A 5447 took effect on August 15, 2025, and all 17 casinos whose own rules we read (checked October 2026) list New Jersey as excluded. New Jersey does license real-money online casinos, which are a separate thing.
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in Louisiana?
No. Louisiana's HB 883 and HB 53 took effect on August 1, 2026, and all 17 casinos whose own rules we read (checked October 2026) list Louisiana as excluded.
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in Indiana?
No. Indiana's HB 1052 took effect on July 1, 2026. Of the 17 casinos whose own rules we read (checked October 2026), 16 list Indiana as excluded. Legendz's rules don't list it, but with the state ban in force the safe assumption is that you can't play, so check the site before you sign up.
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in Oklahoma?
No. Oklahoma's SB 1589 took effect on November 1, 2026. Of the 17 casinos whose own rules we read (checked November 2026), 10 now list Oklahoma as excluded, and several others republished their rules on October 27 to add it.
Start earning free reloads
Free to join. No deposit, no card. Cash out in LTC or USDT from $5.
Sign up freeSources
- Sweepstakes Casinos Legal States, Lines.com (updated July 2026)
18+ only. ReloadRush is a free rewards site, not a casino: we do not offer gambling and do not sell coins or game credits. Not affiliated with any sweepstakes, social or online casino operator. Rules and state laws change, so check the operator's terms before you play.