Indiana state representative Ethan Manning has introduced legislation that would prohibit the operation of sweepstakes casinos in the state.

The proposal, filed as part of House Bill 1052, seeks to define and penalize certain dual-currency gaming platforms that resemble traditional casino gambling. If passed, the measure would represent a significant shift in how Indiana regulates sweepstakes-based gaming models.

This language is designed to limit the ability of sweepstakes casino operators to avoid regulation through rebranding strategies, such as labeling platforms as “social casinos” or modifying virtual currency names.

If operators are caught running sweepstakes casinos under this definition, they could face a $100,000 fine per violation. The bill does not specify civil penalties for affiliates or payment processors.

By focusing on the underlying mechanics, including the use of dual currencies and the simulation of traditional gambling formats, the definition centers on how the games function rather than how they are marketed. This reduces potential avenues for legal loopholes.

This framing follows recent efforts within the industry to reposition sweepstakes casino models, including the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance’s move to rebrand such platforms as “social plus.”

The bill seeks to establish a clear legal distinction between traditional sweepstakes or promotional contests, such as giveaways offering non-cash prizes, along with platforms that use dual-currency systems to replicate casino-style gambling. Lawmakers argue that these models closely resemble real-money wagering despite being marketed as sweepstakes.