Maine has banned online sweepstakes casinos. Governor Janet Mills signed LD 2007 on April 6, 2026, and the ban took effect on July 29, 2026. This guide covers what the law changed, which operators left, and the legal alternatives for Maine players.
Legal status in Maine
Sweepstakes casinos are banned in Maine. The law makes operating an online sweepstakes casino unlawful in Maine, with civil penalties of $10,000 to $100,000 per violation. Governor Janet Mills signed LD 2007 on April 6, 2026, and it took effect on July 29, 2026.
Maine has commercial casinos and tribal gaming. LD 1164 gave the four Wabanaki Nations exclusive online casino rights from July 29, 2026, the same day the sweepstakes ban took effect, but a launch has not been confirmed yet. Until one goes live, there is no legal online casino product for Maine residents.
This is not legal advice. For specific questions, consult a licensed attorney or your state regulator.
Minimum age requirements
Age limits are moot while the ban is in force, because there is no legal online sweepstakes casino operating in Maine. Across the US, most major brands now require players to be 21 or older, and a few smaller sites accept 18+.
Can you still play in Maine?
No. Following the ban, most major operators have stopped accepting Maine players.
If a site still lets you sign up from a Maine address, it is operating against state law; avoid it.
Taxes on sweepstakes winnings in Maine
Sweepstakes prize winnings are taxable as "other income" under US federal law (IRS Publication 525). Operators typically issue Form 1099-MISC if your cumulative redemptions from that operator hit $2,000 or more in a calendar year (the threshold was $600 for payments made before 2026). You're responsible for reporting prize income on your federal return regardless of whether a 1099 is issued.
Maine imposes state income tax on top of federal. Your sweepstakes prize income is typically treated as ordinary income at the state level. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Responsible play resources in Maine
The federal 1-800-GAMBLER 24/7 helpline (operated by the National Council on Problem Gambling) is available to anyone in the US, including Maine residents. State-specific helpline for Maine: 1-207-773-4357 (Maine).
Self-exclusion in the sweepstakes model is per-operator, there is no nationwide equivalent of the UK's GamStop. NCPG maintains a state-by-state directory of state-level self-exclusion programs and resources at ncpgambling.org/programs-resources/state-resources.
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Support is free, confidential, and available 24/7.
Maine sweepstakes FAQ
Q: Are sweepstakes casinos legal in Maine? A: No. Maine banned them under LD 2007, which took effect on July 29, 2026.
Q: Can I still sign up or redeem Sweeps Coins in Maine? A: No. Most major operators have stopped accepting Maine players, and any site still doing so is operating outside state law.
Q: When did the Maine ban take effect? A: Governor Janet Mills signed LD 2007 on April 6, 2026; it took effect on July 29, 2026.
Q: What can I play legally in Maine? A: Maine's commercial casinos (Oxford and Hollywood Bangor) and tribal venues offer in-person play, and the tribes run the state's legal online sports betting. Once a Wabanaki online casino launches under LD 1164, it will be the only legal online casino in Maine.