New York State Sen. Joseph Addabbo has proposed an explicit ban on sweepstakes casinos by introducing Senate Bill S5935.
The bill was proposed to the New York State Senate on March 4, 2025. If passed, it would prohibit online sweepstakes games and revenue on illegal markets.
The bill provides a robust definition of online sweepstakes games, describing them as:
“Any game, contest or promotion that is available on the internet and/or accessible on a mobile phone, computer terminal or similar access device, that utilizes a dual-currency system of payment allowing the player to exchange the currency for any prize, award, cash or cash equivalents, or any chance to win any price [sic], award, cash or cash equivalents and simulates casino-style games including but not limited to draw games, instant win games, keno, and bingo, and sports wagering. A sweepstake shall not include a game which does not award cash prizes or cash equivalents.”
