By gerald · April 30, 2026

Maine Sweepstakes Casinos 2026 — Banned Effective April 8

Maine became the fourth US state to ban dual-currency sweepstakes casinos in 2026, with LD 1898 signed into law by Governor Janet Mills and effective April 8, 2026.

What Happened: Maine LD 1898 Explained

Maine's LD 1898 amended the state's gaming laws to explicitly prohibit dual-currency sweepstakes games.

Key facts: - Effective date: April 8, 2026 - Signed by: Governor Janet Mills - What's banned: Dual-currency sweepstakes casino games (Gold Coin + Sweepstakes Coin model) - What's still legal: Free social casino games (no purchase, no SC redemptions)

Maine joins Indiana (January 2026), Tennessee (April 2026), and Mississippi (March 2026) in banning the dual-currency sweepstakes model.

Which Sweepstakes Casinos Have Left Maine?

Following the April 8 effective date, major sweepstakes operators have blocked Maine IP addresses. Confirmed affected: Chumba Casino, Pulsz, WowVegas, BetRivers.net, High 5 Casino.

Alternatives for Maine Residents

  • Free Social Casino Games: Zynga Poker, Slotomania (free mode), Double Down Casino remain legal
  • DraftKings Fantasy Sports: Legal daily fantasy sports in Maine
  • Maine State Lottery: Online Keno and instant tickets available
  • Out-of-State Access: When physically in NH, MA, or other eligible states, sweepstakes casinos may be available under those states' laws

Frequently Asked Questions

Are sweepstakes casinos legal in Maine? No. As of April 8, 2026, dual-currency sweepstakes casino games are banned in Maine under LD 1898.

Can I use a VPN to access sweepstakes casinos in Maine? Using a VPN violates platform terms of service. Most operators use additional verification beyond IP geolocation. Not recommended — risk of account bans and forfeiture of accumulated coins.

What states still allow sweepstakes casinos? Most US states still permit sweepstakes casinos. For a full state-by-state breakdown, see our Sweepstakes Casino Legal States 2026 guide.

Last updated: April 30, 2026.