How Does LD 2007 Compare to Other Anti-Sweeps Bills?
We’ve seen multiple states table bills like this one in 2025. Some of them have passed their legislatures and been signed into law – most recently in New York – while others have fizzled out.
The text of LD 2007 is lucid, giving detailed but clear definitions of relevant terms. For example, it describes a “dual currency system of payment” as one where players are encouraged to:
“purchase services, products, coins, tokens or other representations of value that are not exchangeable for a prize, award, cash or cash equivalents or a chance to win a prize, award, cash or cash equivalents in order for that person to obtain the coins, tokens or other representations of value that are exchangeable for prizes, awards, cash or cash equivalents or a chance to win a prize, award, cash or cash equivalents.”
This is one of the most detailed descriptions of the sweepstakes dual-currency system we’ve seen yet, making LD 2007 a watertight bill.
Sweepstakes casinos allow players to buy bundles of Gold Coins (GC) with free Sweeps Coins (SC) included. However, it’s the Sweeps Coins which are used to play in promotional mode, potentially leading to real cash redemptions.
Much like the recently passed New York bill, illegal sweepstakes casino operators could face fines of up to $100,000, plus revocation of or ineligibility for a gaming license.
Another similarity with the NY bill is that LD 2007 marks out revenue from fines to be used in fighting gambling addiction in the state; in this case, the money would go to Maine’s Gambling Addiction Prevention and Treatment Fund.
SGLA Pushes Back Against LD 2007
This is all, of course, unwelcome news for sweepstakes casino brands present in Maine. That includes the vast majority of operators – Maine is one of the most rarely restricted states. It’s also potentially bad news for players who enjoy sweepstakes gaming in the Pine Tree State.
Sweeps trade group, the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA), released a statement countering the intent of LD 2007 as the news of its filing broke. Managing Director Sean Ostrow:
“Social Plus games are a longstanding online product that tens of thousands of Maine adults currently enjoy. LD 2007 would ban this social games category entirely, stifling innovation and stripping millions of dollars of economic activity from small businesses, advertisers and – ultimately – the state.”
Ostrow went on to urge the state legislature to “take a more considered, long-term approach”, rather than banning the format outright.
For now, the bill is sitting in the queue and its fate will be in the hands of lawmakers over the coming months. This is because, even though LD 2007 has been introduced and referred to a committee, the Maine legislature has already adjourned for the year. That means no real action will happen until the lawmakers return in 2026.
Even so, Maine now becomes another state to watch for all stakeholders in the sweeps space.
Author: Mike F.
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