SPGA releases statement regarding Mississippi Senate’s decision on sweepstakes
The Mississippi Senate recently passed SB 2510, which includes any online, interactive or computerized version of games within the prohibition on betting, gaming or wagering.
Key Points
- The SPGA stated that SB 2510 “unjustly targets sweepstakes and conflates a safe and legal form of entertainment with illegal operations”
- The Association went on to state that it has “doubt” as to whether voters in Mississippi appreciate their elected officials deciding which games adult can and cannot play
After the Mississippi Senate passed bill SB 2510 on February 12, which includes any online, interactive or computerized version of games within the prohibition on gaming, the Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA) has released a statement in response to the ruling.
“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 Association said.
“Social sweepstakes are free-to-play games that never require a purchase for a player to win a game. They’re part of a long-established industry of social casino games enjoyed by tens of millions of adults across America.”
The SPGA also doubts as to whether “voters in Mississippi appreciate their elected officials dictating what games adults can and can’t play on their phones. It’s a waste of time and a transparent and misguided attempt to pay out protectionist favors for the casino industry.
“Voters deserve better than lawmakers who prioritize the protection of a slot machine maker over individual freedom. Rather than enacting punitive measures that reduce innovation and consumer choice, we urge lawmakers to consider a regulatory approach that enshrines transparency and consumer protections while allowing Mississippi adults to continue enjoying the fun, fair, and free-to-play games offered by social sweepstakes operators.”
Good to know: The SPGA implemented a new Code of Conduct for its operator members on December 13, designed to spotlight the processes and technologies already in place at both SPGA member sites and the majority of social casinos
Recently, the SPGA issued an exclusive statement to Gaming America regarding a potential sweepstakes market forming in New Jersey after Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese introduced a new sweepstakes bill on January 16.
The bill would require sweepstakes casinos to fall under the same regulation, licensure, oversight and taxation as the state’s current iGaming framework.
Players trust our reporting due to our commitment to unbiased and professional evaluations of the iGaming sector. We track hundreds of platforms and industry updates daily to ensure our news feed and leaderboards reflect the most recent market shifts. With nearly two decades of experience within iGaming, our team provides a wealth of expert knowledge. This long-standing expertise enables us to deliver thorough, reliable news and guidance to our readers.
Latest News
