All digests

May 21, 2026 · 6 items

US casino and wagering headlines: prediction-market fights, sweepstakes bans, and online casino growth

Generated Thu, 21 May 2026 06:31:28 GMT

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Gaming America says licensed U.S. online casinos are more accessible than ever

Gaming America’s May 2026 roundup says hundreds of licensed casino sites now accept U.S. players across most states. It highlights strong bonuses, broader game libraries, faster payouts, and support for slots, live dealer, crash, and specialty games. The piece also notes that real-money access still varies by state and that players should check local laws.

Gaming AmericaSource
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Only seven states fully regulate online casino gaming, according to Gaming America

The Gaming America article says New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia, Rhode Island, and Connecticut are the only states with fully regulated legal online casino industries. It also explains that federal law does not outright ban online casino gaming but does restrict certain transactions and interstate activity under UIGEA and the Wire Act. The article frames offshore sites as alternatives in non-regulated states, while urging players to verify state-specific rules.

Gaming AmericaSource
Regulationsweepstakessocial-casinopromotion-contestvirtual-currencylegal-status

Sweepstakes casinos are described as legal nationwide except in eight states

Gaming America’s guide says sweepstakes casinos use virtual coins and promotional contest rules rather than direct real-money deposits, allowing them to operate in most U.S. states. The article says they are banned in eight states, though it does not list those states in the digest text. It contrasts sweepstakes models with real-money online casinos and notes they still can offer slot-style play and prize redemptions.

Gaming AmericaSource
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Ohio and Iowa push to curb sports-event contracts as prediction-market scrutiny rises

Gaming America’s May 1 legal update says Ohio and Iowa are pursuing a two-track response to sports-event contracts, seeking to stop them while also considering taxation and state regulation as backup policy. The note says the Commodity Futures Trading Commission is expected to oppose those efforts because it views designated contract markets as its domain. The update places the issue in the broader debate over integrity and insider-trading concerns.

Gaming AmericaSource
Regulationsweepstakesbanmaineregulationmarket-access

Maine becomes the latest state to ban sweepstakes casinos

Gaming America’s April 10 industry update says Maine has officially banned sweepstakes casinos. The note places the move alongside other gambling-policy actions in the state roundup, including Ohio’s sports betting rollback proposal and Tennessee’s possible felony treatment for prediction-market manipulation. The entry signals continued pressure on sweepstakes-style casino models in the U.S.

Gaming AmericaSource
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Gaming political spending is surging as lawmakers weigh iGaming and betting rules

Gaming America’s April 17 update says gambling-company political spending is rising sharply, with FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics driving a $42 million effort through Win for America and other PACs. The note says DraftKings has already spent more than $1 million in Ohio on primary-candidate ads. It also mentions a proposed federal iGaming tax and Washington, D.C. discussion of allowing online casinos.

Gaming AmericaSource

Article sources

  • https://gamingamerica.com/online-casinos
  • https://www.covers.com/casino
  • https://www.rotowire.com/betting/casinos
  • https://www.thelines.com/casino/sweepstakes/social-casinos/new
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Native_American_gaming