SF 4474 Minnesota Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Online sweepstakes games prohibition

This bill prohibits the operation of online sweepstakes games in Minnesota, which are defined as internet-based games that use a dual-currency system allowing players to exchange virtual currency for prizes or cash equivalents while simulating gambling. The law directly affects game operators, payment processors, financial institutions, and other entities that support these games by banning them from conducting or promoting such activities within the state. Key provisions require the commissioner of public safety and attorney general to deny licenses to anyone knowingly accepting revenue from these prohibited games and to enforce penalties for violations. The bill also establishes clear definitions for terms like "dual-currency" and "online sweepstakes game" to ensure consistent enforcement.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2026
Committee Review
May 2026
Senate Passage
Apr 2026
House Passage
Governor
Introduced Mar 17, 2026 Last action May 4, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduction 1st Engrossment · 4 edits · Apr 7, 2026
MODERATE
The bill was updated from its introduction to its first engrossment, reflecting a revision in its legislative status and a specific date change. The most significant substantive change involves renaming the enforcement section from 'Violations' to 'Penalties and remedies' and expanding the commissioner of public safety's authority to explicitly include issuing notices of violation and bringing enforcement actions.
Scope change
The bill's scope regarding the specific date of posting changed from April 6, 2026, to May 1, 2026, while the core prohibition on online sweepstakes games remains the same.
ENFORCEMENT

The section title was changed from 'Violations' to 'Penalties and remedies' to better reflect the range of legal consequences available.

The commissioner of public safety was granted explicit authority to issue notices of violation and bring enforcement actions, in addition to existing powers to impose civil fines.

TECHNICAL

The header was updated to indicate this is the '1st Engrossment' version rather than the 'Introduction' version.

The posting date was updated from April 6, 2026, to May 1, 2026.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
13
Key actions
6
Committee
8
May 4, 2026
Committee
Senate file first reading, referred to Public Safety Finance and Policy
lower
May 4, 2026
Introduced
Received from Senate
lower
Apr 30, 2026
Upper · Passed
Third reading Passed
upper
Apr 27, 2026
Upper · Passed
Comm report: To pass
upper
Apr 13, 2026
Upper · Passed
Senate Concurrent Resolution 6 Suspended adopt previous committee report
upper
Apr 9, 2026
Committee
Pursuant to Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 6, referred to Rules and Administration
upper
Apr 9, 2026
Upper · Passed
Comm report: To pass and re-referred to Finance
upper
Apr 7, 2026
Upper · Passed
Comm report: To pass as amended and re-refer to State and Local Government
upper
Mar 25, 2026
Upper · Passed
Comm report: To pass and re-referred to Judiciary and Public Safety
upper
Mar 17, 2026
Committee
Referred to Commerce and Consumer Protection
upper
Mar 17, 2026
Introduced
Introduction and first reading
upper
1 primary · 11 co-sponsors

Sponsors