Indiana becomes the first state in 2026 to outright ban sweepstakes casinos with the signing of HB 1052 by Governor Mike Braun.
At the start of March we saw some of the biggest brands in the sweeps space (Pulsz, McLuck, Hello Millions etc.) already pulling out of the Hoosier State, and it turns out their suspicions proved to be correct.
Governor Braun’s signature means HB 1052 will become effective July 1 this year, leaving less than four months for all other sweeps casinos to make their exits. Any that choose to continue operating in Indiana will likely be at risk of the penalties specified in the bill.
HB 1052 is a Gambling-related Omnibus Bill
HB 1052 was prefiled in December 2025 by a bipartisan group of lawmakers: Representatives Ethan Manning, Peggy Mayfield, and Justin Moed.
It’s actually an omnibus bill with sections relating to horse racing, the sale of tobacco and alcohol, and sports betting. However, sweepstakes operators and players will be most interested in SECTION 15 – IC 4-33-10-7, which defines sweepstakes casinos and designates them as unlawful.
The definition points to casino-style games online which utilize a:
“dual-currency or multi-currency system of payment allowing a player to exchange currency for:
(A) a cash prize, a cash award, or cash equivalents; or
(B) a chance to win a cash prize, a cash award, or cash equivalents;”
Later amendments expanded the wording to include “multi-currency” systems after the original draft referred only to “dual-currency” – some sweepstakes casinos do indeed use more than two currencies.
The result is that, from July onwards, any operators in Indiana will be subject to a potential fine if they fall under the bill’s definition. Enforcement authority will sit with the Indiana Gaming Commission, which will be able to issue penalties of up to $100,000 per violation. Therefore, SweepsKings expects a full exodus of all legitimate operators, shutting out yet another state from the US sweeps market.
Indiana Residents Will be Left Without Sweeps Casinos on July 1st
With a population of nearly 7 million, Indiana is the 17th most populous US state. While not among the largest markets, this news still removes a meaningful player base for sweepstakes operators.
Before this year, almost all sweepstakes operators offered their platform in Indiana, but now players there will be without a source for legal sweepstakes gaming – some industry observers argue that bans like this risk pushing players toward offshore or unregulated sites.
We recommend players look out for any emails and notifications from brands over the coming weeks and months outlining their timelines for withdrawal.
Looking further afield, other states, including Maine, Maryland, and Tennessee are considering their own similar bills this year, while a proposal in Mississippi recently failed. Last year we saw Montana, Connecticut, New York, California, and New Jersey all implement similar legislation for the first time.
Author: Mike F.
Updated:
