Verified Oct 12, 2026
Are Sweepstakes Casinos Legal in New York? (2026)
New York
BannedSweepstakes casinos are banned in New York: S5935-A (Chapter 605 of 2025) prohibits online sweepstakes games and took effect immediately on December 5, 2025.
S5935-A / A6745-A (Chapter 605 of 2025) Effective Dec 5, 2025
Full details for this stateCasinos that exclude New York
Not available here: Stake.us, Chumba Casino, McLuck, Pulsz, WOW Vegas, High 5 Casino, Hello Millions, Mega Bonanza, LoneStar Casino, RealPrize, Fortune Coins (now Fortune Wins), Modo.us, Spree
The short version
No. Governor Hochul signed S5935-A as Chapter 605 of 2025 on Dec 5, 2025, and it took effect immediately. It prohibits online sweepstakes games in New York.
One bill, two numbers
You will see S5935-A and A6745-A. They are the same bill: the Assembly substituted S5935-A for A6745-A on Jun 13, 2025, per the Senate bill page. Some outlets report Dec 8 because that is when news coverage ran; the bill page shows it was signed on Dec 5.
Enforcement: the $8 million VGW settlement
On Sep 9, 2026, Attorney General Letitia James announced an $8 million settlement with VGW, operator of Chumba Casino, Global Poker and LuckyLand, covering disgorgement, penalties and costs. VGW had already stopped selling sweeps coins in New York after the AG’s 2025 cease-and-desist letters.
What it means for players
All active casinos we review exclude New York: Stake.us, Chumba Casino, McLuck, Pulsz, WOW Vegas, High 5 Casino, Hello Millions, Mega Bonanza, LoneStar Casino, RealPrize, Fortune Coins (now Fortune Wins), Modo.us, Spree. Crown Coins limits New York to social (non-sweeps) play.
Related
See the banned states list and our Chumba Casino review for how the settlement fits into VGW’s wider legal pressure.
Timeline
AG Letitia James announced an $8 million settlement with VGW (Chumba, Global Poker, LuckyLand) covering disgorgement, penalties and costs; VGW had already stopped selling sweeps coins in NY after 2025 AG cease-and-desist letters
Source: ag.ny.gov (opens in a new tab)Governor Hochul signed S5935-A as Chapter 605; takes effect immediately
Source: www.nysenate.gov (opens in a new tab)
Where sources disagree
Resolved: the Senate bill page lists S5935-A as same-as A6745-A (the Assembly substituted S5935-A for A6745-A on Jun 13, 2025), so both numbers are correct. Signing date is Dec 5, 2025 ('signed chap.605'); Dec 8 reports reflect the date of news coverage.
Questions people ask
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in New York?
No. S5935-A (Chapter 605 of 2025) prohibits online sweepstakes games and took effect immediately when signed on Dec 5, 2025.
What is the New York sweepstakes ban bill number?
S5935-A, which is the same bill as A6745-A. The Assembly substituted the Senate version on Jun 13, 2025.
Did Chumba Casino settle with New York?
Yes. VGW, Chumba's operator, agreed to an $8 million settlement with the New York attorney general, announced Sep 9, 2026.
Can I play sweepstakes casinos in New York?
None of the 13 active casinos we review accept New York players for sweepstakes play.
Play for fun, never to fix money problems
Set a spending limit before you buy coins. If it stops being fun, take a break. Free, confidential help is available 24/7.