Are Sweepstakes Casinos Legal in Indiana?

The law: HB 1052 (Public Law 153-2026)

House Bill 1052 passed the Indiana House and Senate in February 2026 and was signed into law by Governor Mike Braun, taking effect July 1, 2026. It creates a new statutory definition of "sweepstakes game" that captures platforms using a dual- or multi-currency system - the Gold Coin / Sweeps Coin structure our guide to how the model works describes - where one currency can be redeemed for cash or a cash-equivalent prize, and makes offering such games to Indiana residents unlawful going forward.

Notably, Indiana Gaming Commission staff testified before the bill passed that sweepstakes casinos were not clearly illegal under Indiana's prior law - which is part of why lawmakers wrote a dedicated statute rather than relying on existing gambling enforcement, the path states like Washington and Michigan have taken instead.

Civil penalties, not criminal

An early draft of the bill would have made operating a sweepstakes casino a criminal offense, but a committee amendment stripped that provision before passage. As enacted, violations are enforced civilly by the Indiana Gaming Commission, with fines of up to $100,000 per violation - there is no criminal penalty for operators or players under the final law.

What this means for you

If you're an Indiana resident, expect every legitimate sweepstakes casino to block your access, since the ban has already been in effect since mid-2026. A site that still lets an Indiana address through is not a loophole worth taking - it's a sign the operator isn't keeping up with current law.

Compiled from public reporting as of October 2026. Laws and enforcement can change - this is general information, not legal advice. If you have questions about your own situation, consult a licensed attorney.