Several sweepstakes casino operators have exited from New York, with some operators sending emails to customers ahead of the proposed crackdown by legislators. Sweepstakes operators like PlayFame, SportsMillions, Hello Millions, Rolling Riches, and SpinBlitz are now starting to withdraw from the New York gaming market starting on March 25.

In a major shake-up for the online sweepstakes casino industry, multiple operators are pulling out of New York following the introduction of SB S9226, which aims to explicitly ban online sweepstakes casinos in New York. Emails announcing the closures surfaced on March 25, revealing that platforms such as SportsMillions, Hello Millions, PlayFame, Rolling Riches, and SpinBlitz are winding down services for New York residents.

Phased exit strategies unveiled

Reddit users have reported getting almost identical email notices from several sweepstakes casino operators, each detailing a phased withdrawal strategy that culminates in full account closures come April. There was one such user, u/Ok-Pineapple5625, who shared their disappointment in the r/ChumbaCasino subreddit, stating: "Well, it was fun while it lasted, New York. Got other sweep site emails as well. Looks like I will be headed back to the land casinos. Will save $$ anyways."

This wave of withdrawals signals the industry's acknowledgment of the shifting regulatory landscape in New York, where lawmakers are intensifying efforts to curtail online sweepstakes gaming.

PlayFame and Rolling Riches among latest exits

In an official communication to its users, PlayFame has announced that it would cease service access for players in New York as of the 30th of April, 2025. The company cited updates to its Terms of Service and a revision of "prohibited territories" as reasons for the exit. Starting April 3, players will no longer be able to get Gold Coin packages, while prize redemptions and sweepstakes gameplay will remain available until the 29th of April. After that, all accounts will be automatically closed, and any remaining balances forfeited.

PlayFame wrote in its message to affected users: "We are disappointed to advise that as of April 30, players in New York will no longer have access to our social gaming services."

Similarly, Rolling Riches Casino has confirmed its departure from the New York market. A notice posted by Reddit user u/Zestyclose-Leader-73 outlined the company's exit strategy, citing "regulatory changes" as the primary reason. The platform ceased new player purchases and registrations on March 20 and plans to close all New York-based accounts by April 20. Any unredeemed Sweepstakes Coins will be forfeited after this deadline. "It's with a heavy heart that we must inform you that... Rolling Riches services in New York are coming to an end," the company stated in its email to users.

What lies ahead for players?

With these abrupt departures, the industry's outlook in New York appears increasingly uncertain, and operators seem to be acknowledging that negotiations with lawmakers may yield little room for compromise. In response, some platforms are telling New York players that they should redeem their prizes as well as close their accounts before their respective deadlines in April.

For many New Yorkers, this mass exodus of sweepstakes casinos may lead to a shift toward traditional, land-based casinos. However, some players are exploring alternative online options, including offshore casinos. "This will just push everyone to offshore crypto casinos," stated Reddit user u/Bluberryrain in one discussion thread.

Unlike sweepstakes operators, offshore crypto casinos operate outside US regulatory frameworks, often providing limited consumer protections. The potential rise of these unregulated platforms could pose significant challenges for state authorities and players as they navigate a legal grey area.

A defining moment for sweepstakes gaming

The unfolding situation in New York could set a precedent for other states considering similar regulatory measures. The battle over the legality of sweepstakes gaming is intensifying, and New York has emerged as a critical battleground in this ongoing debate.

As the industry braces for further legislative scrutiny, the long-term future of online sweepstakes casinos in the US remains uncertain. For now, New York players must decide whether to transition to land-based gaming, seek alternative platforms, or exit the scene altogether.