RbPkr Field Reports
Sweepstakes Poker Sites Face New Legal Scrutiny
June 2025 marked a significant turning point in the legal landscape of American online poker. With traditional, regulated online poker still confined to a handful of states, many players have turned to sweepstakes poker models like Global Poker and ClubWPT to play legally for real prizes. However, that loophole is facing unprecedented pressure.
The Michigan Cease-and-Desist
As reported extensively by Poker.org, the Michigan Gaming Control Board recently issued cease-and-desist letters to several prominent sweepstakes casino and poker operators. The state argued that the sweepstakes model—which uses dual virtual currencies (like "Gold Coins" and "Sweeps Coins") to comply with federal sweepstakes laws—violates state-specific gambling regulations.
This move sent shockwaves through the r/poker community, as Michigan has historically been a trailblazer in regulated iGaming. Players in other states are now watching closely to see if their local gaming commissions will follow suit and attempt to close the sweepstakes loophole entirely.
The Safety of the Home Game
When the online landscape gets turbulent and confusing, the most reliable and legally sound way to play poker with your friends is the traditional home game.
Washington state explicitly outlaws online poker (making it a felony), and now sweepstakes sites are pulling out of states like Michigan and Idaho. But hosting a private, no-rake social game remains legal in almost every jurisdiction in the country.
Instead of worrying about whether your online sweepstakes coins are safe, invite your buddies over. To get the speed and convenience of online poker without the legal headaches, use RbPkr. Because the app doesn't handle any real money, betting, or rake—it simply acts as a digital replacement for your physical Bicycle Cards—it keeps your home game fast, legal, and stress-free.