SGLA offers statement on vetoed anti-sweepstakes legislation in Louisiana

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry rejected Senate Bill 181 on June 13, which would have declared sweepstakes casinos illegal throughout the state.
Key Points
- The Louisiana House had unanimously approved instituting a ban on sweepstakes, a measure also passed through the state’s Senate committee
- SGLA Executive Director Jeff Duncan described the veto as a “win for innovation, competition (and) freedom of choice”
The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) has released an official statement regarding Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry’s decision to reject Senate Bill 181 on June 13, which looked to prohibit online social games utilizing sweepstakes promotions across the state.
“On behalf of the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) and the Louisiana residents who enjoy free-to-play online social games, we sincerely appreciate the opportunity to continue the conversation about online social gaming in Louisiana,” SGLA Executive Director Jeff Duncan said.
“Gov. Landry’s veto gives all stakeholders an opportunity to pursue a sensible solution to allow Louisiana residents to continue playing online social games, explore revenue streams for the state and create a licensing and regulatory environment which applies the highest standards of player protections and responsible social gaming.”
The SGLA also noted how the veto in Louisiana follows similar decisions made in Mississippi, Maryland, Arkansas and Florida, all of which failed to pass legislation prohibiting the social gaming type.
Good to know: Louisiana lawmakers recently passed legislation that will increase the tax rate for online sports wagering from 15% to 21.5% on June 9
Duncan continued: “We thank the Governor for his consideration of the problems with this bill and agree with his comments that ‘this bill is a solution in search of a problem.’
“This decision is a win for innovation, competition, freedom of choice and ultimately, the many Louisianans who enjoy our operators’ free to play online social games. Louisiana now has a chance to craft innovative legislation that balances these interests and benefits the state and its communities.”
The Alliance had also issued a statement regarding SB181 on June 5, believing the legislation “deprive(d) the state’s residents of popular, free-to-play entertainment enjoyed by millions nationwide.”
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