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The Minnesota Legislature has introduced two bills aiming to ban online sweepstakes in the state, a move that has drawn swift pushback from the industry’s largest trade association.
The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) criticized Senate File 4474 and House File 441o, which seek to restrict or outright ban online sweepstakes and casino-style gaming. The SGLA argues that a large portion of the Minnesota population enjoys what the group calls “Social Plus” games, and claims the legislation would inadvertently hand the industry over to illegal offshore operators.
“Social Plus games are a popular form of entertainment enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans and have been operating lawfully in the state for over a decade,” said Sean Ostrow, managing director of the SGLA.
“SF 4474 and HF 4410 would ban these games entirely, punishing law-abiding businesses and the Minnesotans who responsibly enjoy them. It does nothing to address illegal offshore operators and shuts down the potential for the games to generate $20 million or more in state revenues. We urge Minnesota lawmakers to pursue smart regulation rather than prohibition.”
Following Indiana’s lead in 2026
The legality of online sweepstakes casinos has become a hot-button issue this year. If Minnesota’s efforts succeed, it would follow Indiana as the second state to enact legislation against the industry in 2026.
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun signed HB 1052 into law earlier this month, banning online sweepstakes casinos, a significant signal that other states may follow suit.
Should Minnesota’s governor sign SF 4474 or HF 4410 into law, the state would align with Indiana’s stance on the industry.
Industry group proposes regulatory alternative
Rather than a total ban, the SGLA is advocating for the Minnesota Legislature to enact a stronger regulatory framework. Proposed provisions include strict age verification, enhanced data security, and mandated responsible gaming resources.
The bills currently sit with the House and Senate Commerce committees. With the legislative session set to adjourn on May 18, lawmakers have less than two months to reconcile the industry’s concerns with the proposed ban.
