Governor Janet Mills has announced that she will sign a bill to give state tribes a monopoly on online casinos, making Maine the eighth state in the U.S. to legalize iGaming....
Tennessee Attorney General shuts down 40 sweepstakes casinos
Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti has shut down over 40 online sweepstakes casinos as part of a nationwide action against sweepstakes.
Skrmetti’s office stated that the sweepstakes model is an illegal lottery that violates gambling and consumer protection laws. The office also showed that the websites received cease-and-desist orders but noted operators’ intent to comply.
Skrmetti stated:
“The only thing you can be sure about with an online sweepstakes casino is that it’s going to take your money. They work hard to make these sweepstakes casinos look legitimate, but at the end of the day, they are not. They avoid any oversight that could ensure honesty or fairness. Our office was glad to chase these shady operations out of Tennessee and will keep working to protect Tennesseans from illegal gambling.”
The AG pointed to the nationwide fight against sweepstakes and stressed that his actions should serve as a warning to other sweepstakes casinos.
Other states like New York and California have sent cease-and-desist letters to operators throughout 2025, while Connecticut, Montana, and New Jersey have passed bans.
West Virginia Delegate Shawn Fluharty said:
“This issue has brought lawmakers together because it represents illegal gambling and revenue theft in many states.”
Regulators are already planning for more bills against sweepstakes in 2026. Florida, Maine, and Indiana legislators have filed prohibition bills.
Republican state senator Clay Yarborough has filed a new gambling reform package, called SB 1164, aimed at tightening penalties for illegal gaming in Florida.If passed,...
