Warning: Undefined array key "post_type_share_twitter_account" in /var/www/vhosts/casinonewsblogger.com/public_html/wp-content/themes/cryptocurrency/vslmd/share/share.php on line 24
Indiana’s ban on online sweepstakes casinos using a dual-currency model took effect on Wednesday after House Bill 1052 became law, prompting many of the industry’s largest operators to stop offering redeemable sweepstakes games in the state.
The legislation prohibits online sweepstakes casino-style platforms that use Gold Coins for gameplay and Sweeps Coins that can be redeemed for cash or gift cards. State lawmakers concluded that the model closely resembled gambling while operating outside Indiana’s casino licensing framework.
The law allows civil penalties of up to $100,000 per violation for operators that fail to comply. It does not provide a licensing option or transition period, requiring companies either to discontinue redeemable sweepstakes games in Indiana or leave the market.
Industry leader VGW withdrew all of its brands from the state, including Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Slots, LuckyLand Casino, Global Poker and United Slots. Other operators that exited include Sweepstakes Ltd. with Stake.us; B-Two Operations with McLuck, Hello Millions, Jackpota, Mega Bonanza, PlayFame and SpinBlitz; and MW Services Ltd. with WOW Vegas, Rolla and MetaWin.
Several companies had already started winding down their Indiana operations during May and June before the compliance deadline.
Blazesoft ended sweepstakes play for Fortune Wins, Zula Casino, Sportzino, Yay Casino, American Luck, Luck Party and Win Bonanza. Yellow Social withdrew Pulsz Casino and Pulsz Bingo, while ARB Interactive removed Modo.us. High 5 Entertainment exited with High 5 Casino, and Woopla Inc. discontinued Funzpoints.
Additional operators reported to have ended sweepstakes play include Fliff Inc. with Fliff and Sidepot, Golden Hearts Inc. with Golden Hearts, Rolling Riches, Smiles Casino, Thrillz and Dara Casino.
According to industry tracking, other platforms that left the Indiana market before the July 1 deadline include Ruby Sweeps, Baba Casino, ACE Casino, Cider Casino, Lucky Bunny Casino and Lavish Luck.
Despite the withdrawals, dozens of sweepstakes casino platforms reportedly still appeared to be accepting Indiana players as of July 2, with no geoblocking or updated restricted-state language yet in place.
Entertainment-only model remains available
Not every operator chose to leave Indiana.
Utech Solutions converted several of its brands to entertainment-only Gold Coin play, including Sweepico, VegasWay, MrGoodwin, FireSevens, JackpotRabbit, DexyPlay, Scarlet Sands, Playtana and SweepShark. The platforms continue to operate without prize redemption, reports Gambling Insider.
A1 Development also removed sweepstakes promotional play from Funrize, Fortune Wheelz, FunzCity, NoLimitCoins, StormRush and TaoFortune. Those sites now offer gameplay using Tournament Points and Gold Coins without redeemable sweepstakes features.
Game library changes and other states
The operator departures have also affected game availability.
Indiana players reported losing access to Hacksaw Gaming titles before the July 1 deadline. The provider’s catalog includes Wanted: Dead or Alive, Le Bandit, Le Zeus, Chaos Crew and Pickle Bandits.
Indiana’s implementation of House Bill 1052 is drawing attention from other states considering similar action against dual-currency sweepstakes platforms.
Maine’s sweepstakes casino ban is scheduled to take effect on July 15. Several operators, including Blazesoft, ARB Interactive, Yellow Social and Woopla Inc., have already restricted access for users in the state ahead of the deadline.
Louisiana is also expected to see additional operator withdrawals before its ban takes effect on August 1, although many platforms had already begun leaving the market earlier this year following increased scrutiny from state regulators and enforcement agencies.