This bill clarifies that operating or promoting an online sweepstakes game constitutes "unlawful gambling" within the meaning of the Maine Criminal Code and establishes additional civil penalties related to that unlawful conduct. The bill impacts online games or contests that use a dual-currency system of payment and that simulate casino-style gaming, including, but not limited to, slot machines, poker and other table games, lottery games, bingo or sports wagering. "Dual-currency system of payment" refers to the practice of using more than one system of coins or tokens to facilitate game play and is further defined in the bill. The bill provides that a person that operates or promotes an online sweepstakes game is subject to a fine of not less than $10,000 and not more than $100,000. The bill requires that all fines collected be distributed to the Gambling Addiction Prevention and Treatment Fund. Under the bill, if a person is found to operate or promote an online sweepstakes game and that person holds a license with the Gambling Control Unit or Gambling Control Board within the Department of Public Safety to operate certain gambling activities, the licensing entity must revoke that license. A person that violates the online sweepstakes games prohibition is also ineligible to receive one of the licenses specified by the bill.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text LD 2007, SP 825: 5.20006