Minnesota Advances Bills Against Sweepstakes Casinos

Minnesota lawmakers advance bills to ban sweepstakes casinos, targeting dual-currency online gambling while protecting legal free-to-play games.Minnesota lawmakers advanced two bills aimed at online sweepstakes casinos, adding the state to a broader push against dual-currency gambling platforms.

Good to Know

• House and Senate bills cleared committee with bipartisan support.
• Lawmakers said free-to-play games like Candy Crush would stay legal.
• More than a dozen states have already acted against sweepstakes casinos.

Minnesota Bills Target Dual Currency Gambling

Minnesota is not at a final vote yet, but momentum is building. House and Senate committees approved bills that would ban online sweepstakes casinos, and both proposals now head to more committees before any floor action.

Supporters say the real issue is legal clarity. They argue many sweepstakes casino sites copy online gambling by using two forms of currency, while staying outside normal gaming rules. House File 4410 defines those products as digital contests using a dual-currency system to simulate casino-style gambling.

The House bill would not stop at operators. It would also bar payment processors, financial institutions, platform providers, and media affiliates from helping sweepstakes casino businesses run in Minnesota. Enforcement power would go to the Department of Public Safety and the office of the Attorney General.

Rep. Gregory Davids said during a House hearing: “What I want to be able to determine is who’s operating legally, who is not operating legally and let’s go after the ones that are not operating legally,”

Lawmakers also said the bills are written to avoid catching ordinary mobile games. In support testimony, Andy Platto of the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association said: “This bill protects Minnesota consumers and rightfully clarifies that these real money casinos are illegal,”

FAQ

What do the bills in Minnesota ban?

Online sweepstakes casino games that use dual-currency systems to simulate casino gambling.

Are free-to-play games included?

No. Lawmakers said games like Candy Crush would remain legal.

Who would enforce the law in Minnesota?

The Department of Public Safety and the office of the Attorney General.

Have the bills passed into law in Minnesota?

No. Both still need to clear more steps in the legislature.

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