Virginia joins growing number of states trying to ban sweepstakes casinos

Virginia has become the latest in an ever-growing line of states moving to block online sweepstakes casinos.

Joining states like Mississippi, New York, Indiana, and more, Virginia Delegate Marcus Simon pre-filed House Bill 161 (HB161) on January 6, with plans to introduce it to the state’s House of Delegates on January 14. The bill would prohibit any form of sweepstakes gambling not conducted by a licensed operator in Virginia, outside of online casino gambling.

Virginia becomes the 5th state to propose a ban on sweepstakes casinos in the 2026 legislative session, joining Maine, Indiana, Florida and Mississippi. Virginia's proposed sweeps ban is part of the iGaming bill introduced earlier this week. HB 161: https://t.co/SsJ5rUHZs1 pic.twitter.com/QtxWrtkgC9

— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) January 11, 2026

Any violations of this bill, if approved, would lead to “a civil penalty of not more than $100,000 for the first offense and not more than $250,000 for the second and each subsequent offense. Each day that such violation continues shall be deemed a separate offense”.

“The Board, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Department of State Police may conduct investigations into violations of this section,” reads HB161. “The Board and the Office of the Attorney General shall have the authority to enforce the provisions of this section, including conducting hearings, issuing cease and desist letters, and issuing subpoenas to ensure compliance with the provisions of this section.”

A wave of anti-sweepstakes bills

In the first two weeks of 2026 alone, Virginia is the fifth state to propose such a ban, alongside Florida, Indiana, and Maine. Further states also pursued such legislation in 2025, including New York.

If approved, HB161 would allow approved operators to pursue internet gaming outside of sweepstakes, according to certain regulations. They would be required to pay an initial licensing fee of $500,000 and a renewal fee of $250,000, as well as a 15% tax on adjusted gross internet gaming revenue. That increased tax revenue for the state would go to funds associated with problem gambling, among other state priorities.

In Mississippi, lawmakers are trying to shut down online sweepstakes casinos completely. Under the proposal, pretty much any kind of online or computer-based gambling would be illegal, and that could mean hefty fines, possible jail time, and even having assets seized.

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