Senator Addabbo Wants Sweepstakes Casino Ban as Gov. Hochul Weighs Final Decision

More than three months after New York lawmakers approved a ban on online sweepstakes casinos, the measure remains unsigned on Governor Kathy Hochul’s desk.

The legislation, sponsored by Senator Joe Addabbo, would outlaw dual-currency games that mimic casino, lottery, or sports betting formats and award players with cash or prizes. Senate Bill S5935 passed with near-unanimous support in June, clearing the chamber 57–2 before winning swift Assembly approval. 

Since then, Addabbo has pressed Hochul to act, pointing to momentum across the country as other states clamp down on similar operations. California enacted a ban in September, while New Jersey joined Montana and Connecticut earlier this summer in prohibiting sweepstakes gaming.

“I sent the article about Governor Murphy signing New Jersey’s version to my contact in the governor’s office. We are waiting for the governor to sign it,” said Addabbo in a recent interview with SBC Americas. 

The bill would criminalize operators, suppliers, and affiliates while carving out exemptions for traditional promotional sweepstakes run by retailers and hospitality businesses. Enforcement power would rest with the New York State Gaming Commission, state police, and Attorney General Letitia James’ office.

Addabbo, a longtime advocate for expanded legal gambling, insists his aim is not prohibition but regulation. While calling for a ban on illegal sweepstakes, he argues that legalizing and regulating iGaming would generate revenue, push out unlicensed operators, and protect consumers. 

Attorney General cracks down on illegal sweepstakes 

The senator’s push for a ban was reinforced by direct action by the Attorney General back in June, when she announced the dismantling of online sweepstakes casinos in the state. Working with the Gaming Commission, her office identified 26 platforms offering casino-style and sports betting games with virtual coins redeemable for cash or prizes, prohibited under New York law.

She credited Sen. Addabbo and the Gaming Commission for their partnership in tackling the problem. 

“I have been very vocal about the need to crack down on these operations, and I am thrilled that Attorney General James has taken this significant step to eradicate the illegal gambling market. We encourage those of age who wish to gamble to do so with legal operators,” said New York State Gaming Commission Chairman Brian O’Dwyer. 

Addabbo also welcomed the move at the time, warning that such platforms created pathways for gambling addiction, particularly among minors. Officials further expressed concern that such casinos expose players to fraud, rigged games, and identity theft without oversight. By contrast, licensed operators are subject to audits and consumer protection rules.

The platforms targeted by James’ office included well-known names such as Chumba, Global Poker, Luckyland, and Fortune Coins. All have agreed to stop selling sweepstakes coins in New York.

Meanwhile, Gov. Hochul has until the end of the year to decide on S5935. Her office has said only that she will review the measure. Her signature will determine the future of sweepstakes casinos and the direction of iGaming policy in the state.