Email communications from Chanced to Illinois-based players indicate that the sweeps brand (along with sister site Punt) has removed Sweepstakes Coin (SC) play from the Prairie State. This leaves only Gold Coin (GC) mode AKA free play, so no real money redemption will be possible going forward.
It should also be noted up top that the window to redeem any remaining SC balances is not very long here.
Chanced and Punt Email to Illinois Players
Yesterday’s email sent out to IL-based casino members read:
“Due to recent regulatory changes in Illinois, Sweepstakes Coins (SC) gameplay on Punt will no longer be available to Illinois players beginning May 12, 2026. However, you can still enjoy all your favorite games in Standard Play using Gold Coins.”
The email’s wording references Punt, and this is likely the same message that was sent to Punt users too. This is because Chanced and Punt are owned by the same operator, Gold Coin Group LLC.
While it would have been neater to change the name to Chanced in this case, operators generally use blanket rules across all of their brands and sometimes use the same messages too. In short, we should assume this new policy applies at both Chanced and Punt.
The email goes on to detail how the transition will play out:
“May 12, 2026 at 1:00 PM EST: Illinois players will no longer be able to acquire Gold Coin packages that contain promotional Sweepstakes Coins (SC). Alternative methods of entry (AMOE), including mail-in requests, will also be discontinued at that time.
Until May 20, 2026: Players will retain the ability to redeem qualifying balances in accordance with applicable Terms and Conditions.”
Essentially, Chanced and Punt players in Illinois can no longer obtain SC by any means, effective yesterday. Players should also be aware that any remaining SC balances should be redeemed before the end of May 20 – leaving only one week.
Unfortunately, this is quite a short period, and it’s sure to catch some players out who don’t check their emails often. If you’re a Chanced or Punt player in Illinois, make sure to submit any SC redemption requests ASAP to avoid disappointment.
Why are Chanced and Punt Removing SC Play in Illinois?
The email points to “recent regulatory changes in Illinois” as the reason for the SC withdrawal. There have been no new laws outlawing sweepstakes casinos introduced in the state recently, so it’s likely this wording refers to the wave of cease-and-desist letters sent out to sweepstakes operators in IL in February.
Yes, the state regulator, the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) issued C&Ds to over 60 operators, making it one of the most comprehensive waves we’ve seen in recent memory. The IGB website even shows the letters sent to each operator.
Sweepstakes casinos exist in a gray area of the law thanks to the dual-currency system which isn’t technically real money gambling. However, some states still claim the format violates gambling law, and take actions to enforce this.
The letter to Chanced opened with:
“The Illinois Gaming Board (the “IGB”) has reason to believe that Chanced is engaged in the operation of an illegal online casino in violation of the Illinois Criminal Code. 720 ILCS 5/28-1(a)(12).”
It went on to say:
“Accordingly, the IGB demands that you block Illinois residents from accessing your services or discontinue offering cash, gift cards, and other prizes through your service. Failure to do so may subject you, your affiliates, and business partners to civil or criminal penalties.”
Sweepstakes operators don’t always comply with C&Ds, and many brands are still active in IL, but, for whatever reason, Chanced sister sites have seen fit to withdraw at this point.
It’s also worth noting, the Illinois legislature did introduce a bill (HB 4797) designed to legalize and regulate iGaming in the state in February, a system which would not afford sweepstakes casinos regulation. However, that proposal remains stalled in committee, meaning it has not advanced to a vote or become law.
Overall, this suggests Chanced and Punt deciding to remove SC play in Illinois is a compliance response to regulatory pressure rather than being driven by a law change.
The same thing was announced by Stake.us back in March, and other sweeps brands like Mega Bonanza, Jackpota, and Spree have left too. We’ve even seen game providers like Hacksaw Gaming and Evolution pull out of Illinois.
For now, players in Illinois should monitor their inbox for further withdrawal announcements from any sweeps casinos they’re signed up to.
Author: Joseph Allen
Updated:
