A formal notice from a state attorney general or gaming regulator ordering a sweepstakes casino operator to stop offering services to residents of that state, typically issued before statutory legislation takes effect.
Cease-and-desist letters are the main early enforcement tool US states use. They target sweepstakes casino sites. The letter says the site breaks state gambling laws. It does this even before a dual-currency ban exists. The state tells the site to stop service to state residents. The threat is civil or criminal action. Major 2025-2026 actions include two big ones. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board sent June 17, 2025 notices. They went to 40+ sites. Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti sent letters in December 2025. They went to nearly 40 sites. Most sites that get a letter leave the state within 30 to 60 days. They do this rather than fight in court. For affiliate review sites, treat such states as de facto restricted. This applies even without a codified statutory ban.
No. A cease-and-desist is an enforcement action based on an AG's interpretation of existing law. A statutory ban requires legislation passed by the state legislature and signed by the governor. States often use cease-and-desist first, then codify a ban afterward.
The state AG or gaming regulator can file civil action, seek injunctions, assess penalties, or refer the matter for criminal prosecution depending on state law. Most operators exit voluntarily because affiliate networks and payment processors refuse to serve operators under active enforcement.
US federal and state regulations that govern sweepstakes promotions, enabling sweepstakes casinos to operate legally.
US states where sweepstakes casinos are either prohibited or have limited operations due to state-specific gambling laws.
A category of 2025-2026 US state laws that specifically target online platforms using two currencies — one promotional, one redeemable — by defining the combination itself as illegal gambling by computer.
Enforcement actions taken by a US state attorney general's office against online gambling or sweepstakes operators, typically including cease-and-desist letters, formal legal opinions, and civil actions for consumer-protection violations.
Explore the canonical pages for legal & compliance on SweepState.
Sweepstakes casino legality by state — color-coded with effective dates for pending bans.
Per-state pages covering legal status, restricted-state lists, and operator availability.
Self-exclusion, deposit limits, and responsible-play tools at sweepstakes casinos.