Online Sweepstakes Games Prohibition
Summary
The Maine Legislature passed LD2007, prohibiting online sweepstakes games in the state. Sponsored by Senator Craig Hickman, the bill passed the House 87-55 after committee amendments and received enactment approval from the Senate. This establishes Maine as a jurisdiction banning online sweepstakes-style contests.
What changed
LD2007 enacts a prohibition on online sweepstakes games in Maine. The bill, amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-529), passed the House on March 26, 2026 with a vote of 87-55 and received final enactment concurrence in the Senate on April 2, 2026. The Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee recommended passage as amended.
Businesses operating online sweepstakes platforms accessible to Maine residents must cease operations upon the effective date. Operators, technology companies providing platform infrastructure, and retailers promoting such games face potential enforcement for violation. Legal professionals should advise clients in the online gaming and sweepstakes industry to assess compliance with this new prohibition.
What to do next
- Cease operation of online sweepstakes games accessible to Maine consumers
- Review marketing and promotional materials for sweepstakes-style contests that may violate the new prohibition
- Consult legal counsel on whether existing sweepstakes programs require modification or discontinuation
Penalties
Civil and criminal penalties for operating online sweepstakes games in violation of state law
Source document (simplified)
ChangeBridge / Maine / LD2007 Passed LD2007 LD Passed 2026-04-02
An Act Regarding the Prohibition of Online Sweepstakes Games
Bill Details
State Maine
Session 132nd Legislature
Chamber House
Official Source legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_...
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Sponsors
Craig Hickman (Sen - D)
Action History
2026-04-02 S PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence. 2026-03-30 H Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH. 2026-03-30 H PASSED TO BE ENACTED. 2026-03-26 H In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH. 2026-03-26 H The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-529). 2026-03-26 H Under suspension of the rules, the Bill was given its SECOND READING without REFERENCE to the Committee on Bills in the Second Reading. 2026-03-26 H Committee Amendment "A" (S-529) was READ and ADOPTED. 2026-03-26 H The Bill was READ ONCE. 2026-03-26 H ROLL CALL NO. 690 (Yeas 87 - Nays 55 - Absent 7 - Excused 1 - Vacant 1) 2026-03-26 H Subsequently, on motion of Representative SUPICA of Bangor, the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report was ACCEPTED. 2026-03-26 H Speaker laid before the House 2026-03-25 H Unfinished Business 2026-03-24 H Unfinished Business 2026-03-19 H Unfinished Business 2026-03-18 H Unfinished Business 2026-03-17 H Unfinished Business 2026-03-17 H Later today assigned. 2026-03-17 H On motion of Representative SUPICA of Bangor, TABLED pending ACCEPTANCE of Either Report. 2026-03-17 H Reports READ. 2026-03-12 S Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence. 2026-03-12 S READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-529) 2026-03-12 S COMMITTEE ON BILLS IN THE SECOND READING REPORTS NO FURTHER VERBAL AMENDMENTS NECESSARY. REPORT ACCEPTED. 2026-03-10 S ASSIGNED FOR SECOND READING NEXT LEGISLATIVE DAY. 2026-03-10 S Committee Amendment "A" (S-529) READ and ADOPTED. 2026-03-10 S Bill READ ONCE. 2026-03-10 S On motion by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec The Majority Ought to Pass As Amended Report ACCEPTED. 2026-03-10 S Reports READ. 2026-03-05 J Reported Out: OTP-AM/ONTP 2026-02-18 J Voted: Divided Report 2026-02-18 J Work Session Held 2025-12-03 S Received by the Secretary of the Senate on December 3, 2025 and REFERRED to the Committee on VETERANS AND LEGAL AFFAIRS pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2
Votes
2026-03-26 Acc Maj Otp As Amended Rep RC #690 Yea: 87 Nay: 55
Committee Referrals
2025-12-03 J Veterans And Legal Affairs
Amendments
0000-00-00 Senate: C-A (S-529) Adopted
Bill Text Versions
0000-00-00 Introduced
Subjects
Gambling Internet Legislative data powered by LegiScan (CC BY 4.0)
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