Multiple Sweepstakes Gaming Sites Exit New York

After New York lawmakers introduced Senate Bill S9226 to ban online sweepstakes gaming, several sweeps operators including Hello Millions, SportsMillions, PlayFame, SpinBlitz, and now Rolling Riches have each announced plans to leave the Empire State next month. High 5 Casino ceased new registrations and transactions on March 27 as well.

Hello Millions, High 5 Casino, PlayFame, Rolling Riches, SpinBlitz, And SportsMillions Each Announced Phased Exit Strategies

In emails shared across Reddit last week, users posted final closure notices from multiple sweepstakes platforms. Each site announced a phased exit strategy leading up to full account closures by late April.

“We are disappointed to advise that as of April 30, players in New York will no longer have access to our social gaming services,” PlayFame announced in an email to players. “From April 3, you will not be able to purchase any further Gold Coin packages.

“… On April 30, your account will be automatically closed, and any remaining Gold Coins and Sweepstakes Coins will expire. … This was a difficult decision for us to make, and we understand that this may be disappointing news.”

In a separate announcement posted by Reddit user u/Zestyclose-Leader-73, Rolling Riches Casino cited “regulatory changes” in New York as its main reason for ceasing operations. The platform ended new player registrations and purchases on March 20 and will close all New York-based accounts on April 20.

High 5 Casino also informed its New York players that the platform will no longer be available to residents on April 10.

“We regret to inform you that High 5 Casino will discontinue service in New York,” the statement reads. “Existing players can continue to play and redeem until April 10, 2025, but purchases will no longer be allowed starting March 27, 2025.”

Sweepstakes casinos allow players to engage in virtual casino-style games for free, while allowing them to purchase virtual Gold Coins that can later be redeemed for cash prizes. Both Gold Coins and Sweep Coins are available for players to purchase, but neither currency holds real-world cash value.

SPGA Exchanged Informed Dialogue With State Officials

The Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA) responded to the sweeps operators’ exit with an announcement, stating that its members will adjust their strategy in New York after exchanging “constructive and informed dialogue” with state officials.

The SPGA highlighted daily fantasy sports (DFS) as the perfect business model for sweepstakes gaming to follow moving forward. Sweeps operators argue that their free-to-play games should be classified as “promotional sweepstakes” rather than casino gambling.

An SPGA spokesperson said:

“Innovation in digital entertainment often requires a constructive and informed dialogue with lawmakers and policymakers. We saw that dynamic with fantasy sports, and we believe the same approach will help shape smart policy around sweepstakes promotions.

“A proposal to ban sweepstakes games would be unnecessary if they were already prohibited under state law. … We know New York officials recognize the need to get this right…

“… Any decisions about social sweepstakes could have broader implications, not only for promotions by companies like Starbucks and Marriott, but also for any mobile game where consumers spend money, from Candy Crush and Coin Master to Clash of Clans and Monopoly Go.

“Unlike online casino products, social sweepstakes games include a no-purchase-necessary option. Most players participate for free, and the games offer a low-pressure, low-risk entertainment experience, one of the reasons they enjoy such broad consumer appeal.”

SB S5935, introduced by Senator Joseph Addabbo, calls for violating operators to receive fines as high as $100,000 and license losses. The bill also grants authority to the New York State Gaming Commission and the Attorney General to enforce penalties against violators.