SPGA Responds to Mississippi Senate's Decision to Ban Sweepstakes Casinos

The Senate in Mississippi has approved SB 2510, which intends to block sweepstakes from operating in the state. In response to this ruling, the Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA) released a statement saying it strongly opposes the bill because it unjustly targets sweepstakes gaming and mischaracterizes its function.

The bill, approved on Feb. 13, expands existing gaming prohibitions to include any online, interactive, or computerized game. The SPGA described the bill as unjust, incorrectly categorizing sweepstakes as illegal gambling rather than a legitimate and legal form of entertainment. 

The SPGA statement reads, "The SPGA is deeply disappointed by the Mississippi Senate’s decision to advance SB 2510, which unjustly targets sweepstakes and conflates a safe and legal form of entertainment with illegal operations. This bill not only misrepresents the nature of sweepstakes gaming—an established and consumer-friendly model—but also sets a troubling precedent by equating these operations with illicit gambling."

The group emphasized that sweepstakes gaming is well-established as a lawful and consumer-friendly enterprise. However, according to the SPGA, the bill sets a problematic precedent by equating social sweepstakes with illicit gambling schemes despite their differences.

The group also questioned whether Mississippi voters agree to allow their political representatives to decide what games adults will or won't be allowed to play on their cell phones. The SPGA characterized the legislation as a protectionist bill drafted to benefit the retro casino economy rather than advancing the consumer’s welfare.

Moreover, the SPGA criticized lawmakers for passing what it called slot machine makers' agendas over freedoms. The group called for a system of regulation that is transparent and consumer-friendly yet allows Mississippi adults to continue enjoying and gaining access to social sweepstakes gaming.

Sweepstakes operators fight to be recognized

Sweepstakes casinos operate under a free-to-play model, where participants do not have to purchase to win. The SPGA stated that these games are a well-established industry enjoyed by millions of adults across the US. 

The SPGA has also collaborated to develop industry practices in the last few months. On December 13, the group introduced a new Code of Conduct for operator members. This initiative encourages existing consumer protection measures and responsible gaming technologies used by SPGA-member sites and most social casino sites.

The SPGA has also been monitoring actions from other legislatures. Recently, the group made a statement about a pending New Jersey bill regulating the State's sweepstakes gaming sector.

Introduced on January 16 by Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese, the bill would regulate sweepstakes casinos in the same way as New Jersey's current iGaming industry. Under the bill, sweepstakes sites would be subject to the same licensing, regulation, and taxation as other forms of online gaming in the state.

The SPGA remains committed to regulatory models balancing consumer protection with industry growth. As more states consider new laws on sweepstakes gaming, for or against, the association remains engaged in arguments about how best to provide a fair and accountable gaming policy.