Last Chance for Players: Cash-Out Before Oklahoma's Sweepstakes Ban

Urgent Cash-Out Warning Issued Ahead of Oklahoma's Sweepstakes Ban

Gamblers have just a few weeks left to make sure they clear their balances before online sweepstake casinos are shut down for good. It comes after lawmakers in Oklahoma approved a bill that bans the dual-currency casinos.

The Shift in State Gambling Definitions

The forums that allow players to use virtual currency for casino-style games and sweeps coins that can then be converted into cash prizes have been compared to unregulated online casinos.

This is because operators could claim they were not offering real-money gambling, but now Senate Bill 1589 has been signed, the definition of gambling in the state now includes virtual money and credits.

In other words, anything that is “representative of value” that players risk in online casino games, now falls under the state’s gambling laws.

Penalties and Operator Shutdowns

As a result, after November 1, operators who continue to offer such games will be guilty of a felony crime with fines between $500 and $2,000.

This means many operators will begin winding down sites ahead of the ban, so players need to prepare for loss of access to stored coins and rewards.

What Players Need to Do Now

Players should use their time now to get KYC-verified and clear all balances ahead of the ban date.

Operators may issue exit dates if they close down ahead of November 1, so it is worth keeping an eye out for those.

Nationwide Trends and Responsible Gaming

Oklahoma has become the fourth state this year to ban such casinos, alongside Maine, Tennessee, and Indiana.

A slew of other states are looking to roll out various other gambling laws, in a nationwide push to protect players.

Remember to gamble responsibly