The University of Mississippi has created the nation’s first academic centre that focuses on student gambling, called the Centre on Collegiate Gambling.The centre was...
Indiana House approves proposal to ban sweepstakes casinos
On January 22, 2026, the Indiana House Public Policy Committee approved HB 1052, which aims to ban online sweepstakes casinos in the state.
Ethan Manning, the chair of the committee, is the sponsor of the bill and a known supporter of legalizing iGaming in Indiana.
Before sending the bill to the House, it was amended to change the proposed penalties from criminal to civil, as well as to replace the term “multi-currency” with “dual-currency.” During an earlier hearing in January 2026, Indiana Gaming Commission General Counsel Natalie Huffman suggested fully prohibiting sweepstakes so that the regulator could send cease-and-desist orders.
Earlier, lawmakers had discussed the possibility that regulating the industry could have been a better option than a ban, as the sweepstakes industry advocated for regulation at the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS).
Additionally, Indiana lawmakers proposed legalizing online casinos, with legislative leaders showing openness to the idea.
Six states banned sweepstakes casinos in 2025, including New York, California, and New Jersey, while states like Florida and Maryland are considering similar bans in 2026 as well.
For instance, Maryland’s Senate and Assembly already have scheduled hearings on sweepstakes bans, following the passage of a prohibition bill in 2025.
Lawmakers in Maryland have pushed forward two gambling bills, HB 1226 and HB 295, sending both to the Senate for review.House Bill 1226 is the Maryland Illegal Online...
