New York bans online sweepstakes casinos, shutting down a $750M-plus a year industry

Monday, December 8, 2025 3:59 PM
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  • Ian St. Clair, Play USA

The sweeping ban on online sweepstakes casinos in New York was finalized when Gov. Kathy Hochul signed Seante Bill 5935 into law last week. Sponsored by State Sen. Joseph Addabbo, the legislation passed with minimal opposition earlier in June.

This law effectively outlaws sweepstakes casinos in the Empire State, joining a growing list of states that have legislated against this gaming form in 2025.

The move follows months of regulatory activity, including cease-and-desist orders issued by the New York attorney general to numerous operators earlier in the year. This legislation notably coincides with ongoing developments in New York’s downstate casino licensing and could usher in real-money online casinos in the near future.