The Washington DC sweepstakes ban proposed under B26-0656 would prohibit unlicensed sweepstakes gaming and certain dual-currency gaming products while creating a legal framework for regulated iGaming in the District. However, the proposal has not been enacted, has no current effective date, and remains under consideration by the D.C. Council.
Known as the Internet Gaming and Consumer Protection Act of 2026, B26-0656 was introduced on April 9, 2026, by Ward 7 Councilmember Wendell Felder. The proposal combines two major gaming-policy changes: authorizing regulated online casino gaming and prohibiting specified forms of unlicensed sweepstakes and dual-currency gaming.
Washington DC Sweepstakes Ban Is Still Only a Proposal
The most important point for players and operators is that the Washington DC sweepstakes ban is not currently in effect under B26-0656.
As of August 19, 2026, the bill remains listed as introduced. Its latest tracked legislative action is the public hearing held on May 4, 2026, before the Committee on Human Services.
Because lawmakers have not enacted B26-0656, there is currently no effective date for the proposed restriction.
If the Council ultimately approves the bill, it would then require mayoral approval—or a Council override of a mayoral veto—followed by a 60-day congressional review period before taking effect.
That distinction matters when reading headlines about proposed gaming restrictions. Introducing a bill or holding a public hearing does not make its proposed restrictions current law.
Players following changing access rules may also want to review our guide to sweepstakes casino eligibility for other factors that can affect participation.
What the Washington DC Sweepstakes Ban Would Do
B26-0656 addresses both regulated iGaming and sweepstakes casino-style gaming.
If enacted, the proposal would authorize licensed internet casino games such as:
- Slots
- Poker
- Blackjack
- Roulette
- Baccarat
- Craps
- Video poker
- Live-dealer games
The legislation would place the regulated market under the Office of Lottery and Gaming, or OLG. It proposes a 25% tax on adjusted gross internet gaming revenue.
An operator applying for a license would pay a $2 million non-refundable application fee. An operator license would remain valid for five years, with a proposed $500,000 renewal fee for each additional five-year term.
At the same time, the bill would prohibit specified forms of unlicensed sweepstakes gaming and dual-currency gaming.
The introduced legislation defines a dual-currency gaming product as a game, promotional scheme, or platform using two or more forms of currency, credits, tokens, entries, points, or similar units where at least one may ultimately be used or exchanged for cash, prizes, or equivalents. It separately defines sweepstakes gaming for purposes of the proposed law.
For additional industry reporting on the proposal, see Gambling Insider’s coverage of B26-0656.
How the Washington DC Sweepstakes Ban Would Be Enforced
If lawmakers enact the Washington DC sweepstakes ban, B26-0656 would give the OLG several enforcement tools.
The OLG could issue cease-and-desist orders to people engaged in unlicensed internet gaming, unlawful sweepstakes gaming, or other conduct prohibited by the legislation. It could also seek injunctive relief and other appropriate remedies in court.
The Attorney General for the District of Columbia could bring civil actions seeking remedies that include injunctive relief, civil penalties, restitution, and disgorgement.
The bill also contains monetary penalties for violations by licensees. These should be distinguished from the enforcement provisions specifically directed at unlicensed sweepstakes operators.
| Proposed provision | B26-0656 details |
|---|---|
| Primary regulator | Office of Lottery and Gaming |
| Unlawful sweepstakes enforcement | Cease-and-desist orders |
| Court remedies | Injunctive relief and other appropriate remedies |
| Attorney General authority | Civil actions, including civil penalties, restitution, disgorgement, and injunctive relief |
| Fine for a licensee violation | Up to $100,000 per violation |
| Aggregated licensee violations | Up to $500,000 for violations arising from the same transaction, occurrence, pattern, or practice |
| Current effective date | None — bill remains pending |
The $100,000 and $500,000 figures apply to the bill’s provisions governing licensee violations; they should not be described simply as automatic penalties imposed on sweepstakes operators.
Casino Reports’ coverage of B26-0656 also discusses the distinction between the proposed licensee fines and the OLG’s cease-and-desist authority involving sweepstakes gaming.
Why the Washington DC Sweepstakes Ban Treats iGaming Differently
One notable feature of B26-0656 is that it would not simply prohibit online casino-style gaming across the board.
Instead, the proposal would create a regulated licensing system for iGaming while separately restricting unlicensed sweepstakes gaming and certain dual-currency products.
Under the introduced legislation, approved operators could offer internet casino games within the proposed licensing, taxation, consumer-protection, age-verification, and regulatory framework.
Meanwhile, the bill states that, unless conducted by a licensed operator or otherwise expressly authorized by District law, a person could not offer, promote, or conduct covered sweepstakes gaming, dual-currency gaming products, or similar casino-style products when consideration is provided for the opportunity to win a prize or prize equivalent.
That distinction makes the proposal particularly relevant to both regulated gaming businesses and sweepstakes operators.
Players who want additional background on different platform structures can read our overview of how sweepstakes gaming platforms are structured.
Washington DC Sweepstakes Ban: What Happens Next?
For now, the Washington DC sweepstakes ban remains a legislative proposal rather than an enacted restriction.
B26-0656 would need to advance through the D.C. Council and receive final approval. If passed, the legislation would then move through mayoral consideration. A mayoral veto could also be overridden by the Council.
After mayoral approval or a successful veto override, the legislation provides for a 60-day congressional review period before taking effect.
The bill also states that its provisions would become applicable when their fiscal effect is included in an approved budget and financial plan.
Until the required steps occur, B26-0656 has no current effective date.
Players and businesses should therefore distinguish carefully between what B26-0656 would do if enacted and what District law currently requires. The bill’s language may also change during the legislative process, so any later amended or final version would need to be reviewed separately.
Washington DC Sweepstakes Ban: What Players Should Know
B26-0656 could significantly change Washington, D.C.’s online gaming landscape by establishing regulated iGaming while restricting covered unlicensed sweepstakes and dual-currency gaming.
For now, players should remember three key points:
- B26-0656 was introduced on April 9, 2026.
- A public hearing was held on May 4, 2026, and the proposal remains pending.
- The proposed Washington DC sweepstakes ban does not currently have an effective date and would not take effect unless the legislation completes the required lawmaking process.
Players comparing available gaming options can also review our guide to choosing a sweepstakes casino platform to see what access, eligibility, and platform details are worth checking before participating.. Following the bill’s actual legislative status is more reliable than treating a proposed restriction as an existing prohibition.
Explore Sweepstakes Gaming Options
Players interested in exploring currently available sweepstakes-style gaming options can visit GameSweeps to learn more about participating platforms and games while keeping local eligibility requirements in mind.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. 18+ only. Sweepstakes and gaming availability vary by location and are void where prohibited. No purchase necessary for eligible sweepstakes promotions. Laws, proposals, and platform availability may change.