The World Poker Tour's (WPT) online poker product, ClubWPT Gold, has exited Tennessee following a period of regulatory pressure that is altering the state’s sweepstakes gaming landscape.
Key Takeaways
- ClubWPT Gold exited Tennessee after regulatory pressure reshaped the state's sweepstakes gaming market.
- The platform had already shifted away from dual-currency play toward a poker training product.
- Tennessee cleared major sweepstakes operators through cease-and-desist letters, avoiding changes to gambling laws.
Unlike competitors Global Poker and Stake.us, which departed after reportedly receiving cease-and-desist letters from the state attorney general's office, ClubWPT Gold responded late to the broader legislative environment.
Late last month, Tennessee lawmakers approved legislation to ban sweepstakes casinos. Senate Bill 2136 and companion House Bill 1885 are now waiting for the signature of Gov. Bill Lee.
As a result, ClubWPT halted all purchases of its gold currency on May 2. As of May 6, it ended all sweepstakes games that offered real money prizes. Prize redemptions, however, are still available.
“Customers located in Tennessee will no longer be able to access certain account features, including Chips gameplay. However, you will still be able to submit redemption requests, which will be processed in accordance with our standard procedures,” the statement read.
Tennessee’s anti-sweepstakes bill and its House companion were introduced in January and are sponsored by Sen. Ferrell Haile and Rep. Scott Cepicky. On April 23, the measures received a majority 69-17 vote, advancing the bill to the governor.
The bill amends the definition of a sweepstakes casino to include “gambling in the form of a game, contest, or promotion that utilizes a virtual-currency, dual-currency, or multi-currency system” and brings violations under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act of 1977. Those who violate the act may face penalties of up to $1,000.
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Iowa, Oklahoma, and Louisiana move to formalize sweepstakes restrictions
Tennessee isn’t the only state awaiting a governor’s signature to officially outlaw sweepstakes casinos. Recent states that have advanced legislation include Iowa, Oklahoma, and Louisiana.
Iowa lawmakers passed Senate File 2289 during an extended legislative session, granting the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission the authority to issue cease-and-desist orders and seek court injunctions against unlicensed operators, including sweepstakes casino platforms.
The bill cleared both chambers unanimously and heads to Gov. Kim Reynolds. Under existing Iowa law, the commission's authority had been limited to licensed casinos and sportsbooks, leaving sweepstakes operators effectively outside its regulatory reach.
Oklahoma's House passed Senate Bill 1589 by a 65-21 vote, sending it to Gov. Kevin Stitt after the Senate had already approved it unanimously in March 2026. The bill broadens the state's definition of gambling to capture dual-currency systems, making sweepstakes casinos that aren't affiliated with tribal entities ineligible to operate under Oklahoma law. If signed, the law would take effect on Nov. 1.
Louisiana has pursued the most aggressive approach of the three. House Bill 53 classifies sweepstakes casino operations as racketeering under state law and carries criminal penalties of up to 50 years in prison for operators found in violation, placing them in the same legal category as organized crime enterprises. The bill has passed both legislative chambers and also awaits a signature from the state’s governor.
