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Best Maine sweepstakes casinos in 2025

Let’s get right to the point. In June 2025, the Maine Gambling Control Unit (GCU) issued a public warning that the state considers sweepstakes casinos to be illegal interactive gaming platforms, which fall under the category of unlicensed iGaming.

Renzo A.

Content Writer

Fact checked by

Velibor N. Kevin V.

Last updated

18 December 2025

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Quick facts for Maine sweepstakes casino players

✅ In December 2025, Maine officially established its position regarding sweepstakes casinos

Through LD 2007, the Department of Public Safety stated that online sweepstakes games fall under the definition of unlawful gambling in the Maine Criminal Code.

✅ Inside LD 2007, the state explains exactly why

Maine defines both purchased tokens and promotional tokens as consideration. Under state law, once consideration appears, the sweepstakes setup would then fall under illegal gambling.

✅ The bill lays out a clear penalty structure

Any operator or promoter offering such games in Maine would face fines totaling between $10,000 and $100,000. Fines collected then would go directly into the state’s Gambling Addiction Prevention and Treatment Fund.

✅ LD 2007 has not yet taken effect, but progress is being made

The bill still needs full approval and the governor’s signature. If it passes in the 2026 session, it will take effect ninety days after adjournment. While the state built the timeline, the model sits inside it.

✅ The bill follows the warning that authorities issued earlier

In June 2025, the Maine Gambling Control Unit revealed its position regarding sweepstakes sites. According to the Unit, platforms that use coin substitutes, redemption systems, or a dual currency setup are operating as unlicensed iGaming providers. LD 2007 does not introduce a new idea. It simply adopts that warning and establishes it as law.

✅ What the GCU warns about

You’re putting yourself out there without any real protection. If your account freezes, a payout never arrives, or a site just disappears, the state will not step in to help you out.

✅ The state approach fits its gambling framework

In Maine, only the Wabanaki tribes and their partners, such as DraftKings and Caesars, are permitted to engage in legal gambling. Anything else is classified as unlawful.

✅ Some platforms continue to operate anyway

Despite these statements from the state, quite a few services still accept users from Maine. These services offer activities that fall squarely within the scope LD 2007 aims to close.

✅ Maine is not acting alone

In 2025, states like New York, Michigan, or Louisiana started treating the dual currency sweepstakes format as gambling and putting limits on the companies that support it. Maine is moving in a similar direction. So the pressure you see here isn’t the only thing going on. It’s part of a bigger trend that’s happening in several states at the same time.

What the new Maine sweepstakes law (LD 2007) proposes

It defines the sweepstakes model in law

LD 2007 explains what an online sweepstakes game is. Under the bill, a site becomes an online sweepstakes game if it is available online, uses a dual currency setup, and simulates casino style games such as slots, poker, bingo, lottery games or sports wagering.

It explains the dual currency system clearly

The bill breaks the system into two parts. Direct consideration refers to coins or tokens that you can purchase or receive through promotions. Indirect consideration refers to the free or bonus tokens that can still be used to win prizes, awards or cash equivalents. If a site uses either form of consideration, Maine treats it as gambling.

It creates a clear penalty structure

Anyone that operates or promotes an online sweepstakes game would commit a civil violation. The fines range from ten thousand dollars to one hundred thousand dollars. All fines are paid into the Gambling Addiction Prevention and Treatment Fund.

It ties the sweepstakes model to unlawful gambling

LD 2007 amends the Maine Criminal Code so that operating or promoting an online sweepstakes game becomes unlawful gambling. It also requires the Gambling Control Unit or Gambling Control Board to revoke the license of any person or business that engages in this activity.

It closes the door on future licensing

A person that violates the prohibition becomes ineligible to receive any of the gambling related licenses listed in the bill.

Big-name sweeps sites you can’t use in Maine

My Jackpot

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Risks for Maine players when playing at sweepstakes casinos

Sweepstakes casinos operate outside of traditional gambling regulations. Even in states where they are still accessible, the system places all responsibility on the player, not the operator. Risks exist right now, and they may increase if legislative changes move forward. You have to understand both conditions before taking part in any sweepstakes gaming activity.

Risks you face right now

You do not have guaranteed protection

If a payout is delayed, if your account is restricted or if your balance disappears, there is no state agency that will intervene on your behalf. Every issue is handled privately between you and the operator.

❌ You do not have stable access to your account

Operators can allow or block you and your fellow Maine sweepstakes casino players at any point. They are not required to notify you before limiting your access or withdrawing from your state.

❌ You do not have secured balances

Your Gold Coins, Sweeps Coins and prize credits are stored on systems that are not audited or regulated. Redemptions depend entirely on internal approval from the platform.

❌ You do not have a clear dispute process

If a platform denies a withdrawal, rejects your verification documents or freezes your profile, your only pathway is the operator’s support team. There is no external body that reviews or enforces decisions.

❌ You do not have long term certainty

Terms of service, game design and verification requirements may change at any time. Your current access is not a guarantee of future access.

Risks in the possible future (with LD 2007 in effect)

❌ You may lose complete access if laws change

Should lawmakers decide to regulate or restrict sweepstakes casinos, operators have the power to block you and other Maine players with no warning. This could happen before the law takes effect and without a transition period.

❌ You may not be able to redeem your existing balances

If a site withdraws from your state, any pending Sweeps Coin redemptions or prize conversions may be suspended.

❌ You do not have secured balances

Your Gold Coins, Sweeps Coins and prize credits are stored on systems that are not audited or regulated. Redemptions depend entirely on internal approval from the platform.

❌ You may not have access to the services on which the platform relies.

As regulatory pressure increases, payment processors, verification providers, and affiliate partners often suspend support. This can result in unannounced interruptions to deposits, withdrawals, or account verification.

Maine vs. neighboring state

Compare Maine’s sweepstakes rules and top sites with those of its neighboring U.S. state.

New Hampshire sweeps casinos

Maine sweepstakes casino FAQ

Are sweepstakes casinos legal in Maine?

No, the Maine Gambling Control Unit has stated that sweepstakes casinos operate as unlicensed iGaming providers. This position was made public in the June 2025 warning. LD 2007 adopts and codifies this interpretation. According to the bill, any online sweepstakes game using a dual currency structure would be considered unlawful gambling under state law.

Can I get in trouble for playing at a sweepstakes casino in Maine?

Maine isn’t going after any individual players. The state is trying to crack down on businesses that use or promote these systems, not the people who use them. LD 2007 suggests giving fines to operators and promoters, so if the bill moves forward, the companies would be the ones under pressure to follow the rules, not you. So, your risk is more of a practical, not criminal, nature. The state is just letting you know that you’re using an unlicensed platform and that you won’t be protected if something goes wrong.

Why do some sweepstakes casinos still let me sign up in Maine?

Some platforms still let you sign up because that decision comes from the operator, not the state. The company is simply deciding how much legal risk it is willing to accept, even after the GCU warning made Maine’s position clear.

What happens if a sweepstakes casino exits Maine before LD 2007 takes effect?

If a platform exits early, your access could end right away. If operators don’t finish paying out all the pending redemptions, they won’t have to finish the payouts once they leave a state. Your account could close at any time, and the state won’t step in to help. That’s exactly why the GCU told players to be careful. When a site exits, it’s the operator’s responsibility, not Maine’s.

Can a sweepstakes casino in Maine refuse my payout?

Yes, since there are no sweepstakes casinos with real licenses in Maine, they can reject, delay, or cancel a payout request. The GCU has said that they won’t get involved in disputes, which gives the operator full control. If the company decides not to honor a prize, there is no state authority to turn to for help.

Other Sources

Capewell, C. (2025, December 5). Maine proposes bans, fines for sweepstakes operators. Yahoo News. Link
Gatto, J. (2025, June 10). Maine Gambling Control Unit issues warning on illegal online gaming including certain sweepstakes models. Law of The Ledger (Sheppard Mullin).Link
Maine Department of Health and Human Services. (2024). Gambling Addiction Prevention and Treatment Fund: Annual report, 10/1/2023 to 9/30/2024. Link

About the Author

Renzo A. •

Content Writer

Renzo is one of the newest additions to the crew. With a extensive background in data gathering and with valuable insights on casinos, he’s your go to person for questions about the iGaming industry. He’s worked hard to develop his skill for discovering trends as well as crafting well put together reviews. In his spare time, Renzo is a crypto enthusiast/trader who like to explore the exciting and endless possibilities of blockchain technology.

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