In a significant development for the online gaming industry in New York, three popular sweepstakes casinos – McLuck, Jackpota, and Spree – are set to cease operations in the state starting April 1, 2025. This move comes in the wake of recent legislative actions targeting the sweepstakes casino industry in New York.
Background
The New York State Senate Racing, Gaming, and Wagering Committee recently voted unanimously to approve SB5935, a bill aimed at banning online sweepstakes casino games in the state. If enacted into law, this legislation would prohibit games that use special currencies to win prizes or cash, resembling traditional casino games. The bill also targets supporting businesses, including payment processors and promotional companies, with potential penalties ranging from $10,000 to $100,000.
Impact on Popular Sweepstakes Casinos
McLuck
McLuck, which has been growing steadily since its launch in March 2023, will be significantly affected by this closure. The platform, known for its extensive game library and frequent promotions, had been active in 36 states and most Canadian provinces. Recent updates from McLuck included new game launches and various competitions, highlighting its popularity among players.
Jackpota
Jackpota, a relatively new entrant in the sweepstakes casino market, had quickly gained traction with its impressive offering of over 800 slot titles from top developers like PlayTech and Pragmatic Play. The casino was particularly noted for its progressive jackpots and generous welcome bonuses, which will no longer be available to New York players.
Spree
Spree had distinguished itself with a user-friendly platform featuring over 700 games, including live dealer options. The casino’s focus on creating a social gaming environment and its attractive promotions had made it a favorite among New York players seeking both entertainment and social interaction.
Implications for Players
New York players will lose access to these platforms’ extensive game libraries, promotional offers, and the opportunity to win real cash prizes through sweepstakes mechanics. This closure aligns with a broader trend of increased scrutiny on sweepstakes casinos across several states, including New Jersey and Connecticut.
Future of Sweepstakes Casinos in New York
The closure of these popular platforms in New York reflects the changing regulatory landscape for online gaming in the state. As legislators and regulators continue to grapple with the legal status of sweepstakes casinos, players and industry observers will be watching closely to see how this impacts the broader online gaming market in New York and potentially sets precedents for other states.
This development marks a significant shift in the availability of online gaming options for New York residents and could potentially influence the strategies of other sweepstakes casino operators in the state and beyond.
New Bonusses on McLuck
Yes, McLuck offers exclusive bonuses for new players. Here are some of the current promotions:
- No Deposit Bonus: New players can receive a no-deposit bonus of 7,500 Gold Coins (GC) and 2.5 to 5 Sweepstakes Coins (SC) upon signing up. This bonus varies depending on the promo code used, such as CORGBONUS, POKERNEWS, PLAYBONUS, or DEADSPIN134.
- First Purchase Bonus: For a purchase of just $9.99, new players can get a significant bonus. This typically includes 50,000 to 100,000 GC and 25 to 30 SC. The exact amount can vary based on the promo code used138.
- Welcome Bundle: Some offers provide a total of up to 57,500 GC and 27.5 to 35 SC when combining the no-deposit and first purchase bonuses234.
These bonuses are designed to give new players a substantial start at McLuck, allowing them to explore the platform’s extensive game library without needing to spend a lot of money upfront. Unfortunately not applicable for New Tork
