Following Senate Bill S9226, which seeks to ban online sweepstakes casinos in the state explicitly, companies like Hello Millions, SportsMillions, PlayFame, SpinBlitz, and now Rolling Riches have begun winding down their services for New York residents. High 5 Games was added to the list of exits on March 27th.
In emails shared across Reddit today, users reported receiving nearly identical notices from multiple platforms, each outlining a phased exit strategy culminating in full account closures by late April.
One user, u/Ok-Pineapple5625, posted in the r/ChumbaCasino subreddit:
“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.”
High 5 Games, Rolling Riches and PlayFame join the exit parade
In an official message sent to users this week, popular social casino PlayFame announced it would terminate service access for New York players effective April 30, 2025, citing changes to its Terms of Service and an update to “prohibited territories.” Players will no longer be able to purchase Gold Coin packages after April 3, with sweepstakes gameplay and prize redemptions available only until April 29, after which all accounts will be automatically closed and balances forfeited.
“We are disappointed to advise that as of April 30, players in New York will no longer have access to our social gaming services,” the company wrote in a message to affected users.
PlayFame’s exit, however, is not isolated.
In a separate announcement posted by u/Zestyclose-Leader-73, Rolling Riches Casino confirmed its exit as well, citing “regulatory changes” in New York.
The company ended new player registrations and purchases on March 20 and will close all New York-based accounts on April 20. All unredeemed Sweepstakes Coins will be forfeited after that date.
“It’s with a heavy heart that we must inform you that… Rolling Riches services in New York are coming to an end,” the email read.
High 5 Games made a similar announcement but ceased all new registrations and transactions on March 27.
What’s next?
The coordinated exits of these operators suggest that the industry sees little room for negotiation. In the meantime, some operators are urging New York players to redeem their prizes and close out accounts before various April deadlines.
While some New Yorkers may turn to brick-and-mortar casinos to fill the void, others share sentiment around offshore crypto casinos.
“This will just push everyone to offshore crypto casinos,” warned Reddit user u/Bluberryrain in one thread.
Unlike their sweepstakes counterparts, offshore crypto casinos are largely unregulated and often lack consumer protections. Their rise in a regulatory vacuum could create new challenges for state authorities and consumers alike.
The implications for the broader US market are still unfolding, but one thing is clear: New York is shaping up to be the first major battleground in the fight over sweepstakes gaming’s legality.
March 29 update: This story included new information about High 5 Games.