By State›Indiana

Sweepstakes Casinos in Indiana

BANNED in IN6.8M residentsStatus verified September 1, 2026

Banned since July 1, 2026 — HB 1052 made Indiana the first state to enact a sweepstakes casino ban in 2026, with $100,000-per-violation penalties. Peer-to-peer skill-based poker is explicitly exempt.

Legal Status in Indiana

Sweepstakes casinos are banned in Indiana. HB 1052, signed by Gov. Mike Braun on March 13, 2026, took effect on July 1, 2026 and prohibits any online game, contest, or promotion that uses a dual- or multi-currency system, allows virtual credits or tokens to be exchanged for cash, and simulates casino-style gaming. That is a precise description of the Gold Coins/Sweeps Coins model, and it made Indiana the first state to enact a sweepstakes ban in 2026.

Enforcement belongs to the Indiana Gaming Commission, which can impose civil penalties of up to $100,000 per violation on operators or individuals who knowingly conduct a prohibited sweepstakes game over the internet — and the law’s reach explicitly extends to companies located outside Indiana that serve players within the state. During the bill’s passage, an amendment proposing a regulatory framework instead of an outright ban was rejected.

Two carve-outs matter for players. The law exempts promotions offered by the Indiana Lottery, and — unusually among state bans — it explicitly exempts peer-to-peer skill-based poker games. Casino-style sweepstakes content is what had to go; whether any given poker platform keeps serving Indiana under that exemption is each operator’s call, so check current terms before registering.

Before the effective date, Indiana already sat in a gray zone: the state’s strict gambling statutes (Indiana Code 35-45-5) had pushed many operators to restrict access proactively. HB 1052 replaced that ambiguity with a statute. Operator responses now vary from full exit to Gold Coin-only social modes — MegaBonanza’s terms list Indiana as a prohibited territory outright (verified September 1, 2026), while some other brands are still winding down or run free-play-only modes. If you have an unredeemed Sweeps Coins balance from before the exits, contact that operator’s support about redemption options.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws change — verify current requirements with your state before playing.

How Indiana Got Here: Bill Timeline

Early 2026
HB 1052 — a broad gaming administration bill carrying an explicit sweepstakes casino prohibition — moves through the Indiana General Assembly. An amendment seeking a regulatory framework instead of a ban is rejected.
Mar 2026
Both chambers pass HB 1052 and send it to the governor’s desk.
Mar 13, 2026
Gov. Mike Braun signs HB 1052 into law — the first statutory sweepstakes casino ban enacted anywhere in the US in 2026.
Jul 1, 2026
The ban takes effect. Dual-currency sweepstakes casino games are illegal in Indiana; the Indiana Gaming Commission can levy civil penalties of up to $100,000 per violation, including against out-of-state operators. Indiana Lottery promotions and peer-to-peer skill-based poker are exempt.

Indiana FAQ

Are sweepstakes casinos legal in Indiana?
No. HB 1052 — signed March 13, 2026, effective July 1, 2026 — bans online dual-currency games that simulate casino gaming and allow credits to be exchanged for cash. The Indiana Gaming Commission can fine operators up to $100,000 per violation, including companies located outside the state.
Is sweepstakes poker legal in Indiana?
HB 1052 explicitly exempts peer-to-peer skill-based poker games and Indiana Lottery promotions. The ban is aimed at casino-style sweepstakes games. Whether a specific poker platform still serves Indiana is up to that operator — check its current terms.
Can Indiana players still play Gold Coin social casino games?
Free-to-play social gaming with no cash redemption falls outside the ban’s dual-currency definition, and some operators offer Gold Coin-only modes. Others block Indiana entirely — MegaBonanza lists Indiana as a prohibited territory in its terms (verified September 1, 2026). Always check each platform’s current terms.
What are the penalties under HB 1052?
Civil penalties of up to $100,000 per violation, imposed by the Indiana Gaming Commission on operators who knowingly conduct prohibited sweepstakes games with Indiana players. The law describes no new penalties for players.

Related Coverage

Why Indiana players can't access most sweepstakes casinos: news coverage →Sweepstakes legality in all 50 states: our By State tracker →Casinos that publish clear state-eligibility terms: our reviews →

Check other states:

OhioPennsylvaniaTexasLouisianaNew Jersey