SPGA releases statement on failed sweepstakes bans across the US

The Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA) has released a statement in response to legislative victories in Maryland, Arkansas and Mississippi, where attempts to prohibit social and sweepstakes gaming offerings failed to pass. 

“These bills shared the same fatal flaw: no facts and no foundation. Legislators are consistently rejecting efforts to criminalize safe, digital entertainment enjoyed by millions of adults across the US,” an SPGA spokesperson said. 

“When legislation threatens everyday perks from airlines, hotels and your local coffee shop, it’s clear the bills aren’t just misguided, they’re dangerously out of touch.”

Arkansas House Bill 1861 was officially withdrawn during April 2025, while legislation in both Maryland and Mississippi also failed to pass. 

The Association also shared how lawmakers across the country “reject misguided efforts to ban social and sweepstakes games” and are not “buying the hype” of attempting to prohibit such offerings. 

Good to know: The SPGA voiced its opposition to a new bill from the Louisiana Senate on April 7 which has criminalized sweepstakes, further threatening travel loyalty and rewards programs

“These bills also sought to dismantle an entire ecosystem of legitimate businesses, including game developers, payment processors, software vendors, banks and more—threatening thousands of jobs and undermining innovation across the economy,” the SPGA spokesperson said. 

“In Maryland, SB0860 aimed to ban sweepstakes entirely but offered no data, no evidence of consumer harm and no proof of casino cannibalization. In Arkansas, HB1861 included provisions that would have restricted dual-currency online gaming and handed exclusive control to licensed casino operators. Both bills died without a floor vote.”

Some lawmakers reportedly raised concerns about potential unintended consequences of the legislation, including the risk of outlawing popular travel rewards and loyalty programs used by millions of US residents.

Kirk Geller

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