SGLA believes Louisiana lawmakers were ‘misled’ by false claims
The Association believes online social games operate under established sweepstakes law used by ‘countless mainstream brands.’
Key Points
- Lawmakers in the state recently passed Senate Bill 181 which aims to ban online sweepstakes games throughout Louisiana
- The SGLA also issued a statement after the Connecticut House of Representatives passed SB1235, banning online social games with sweepstakes promotions in the state
The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance has issued a statement regarding Louisiana Senate Bill 181, believing the legislation to “deprive the state’s residents of popular, free-to-play entertainment enjoyed by millions nationwide.”
“Louisiana residents will be abruptly cut off from popular, free-to-play online games enjoyed by millions nationwide after lawmakers fell for a campaign of deliberate misinformation from parties with clear vested interests that was designed to eliminate legitimate competition,” SGLA Executive Director Jeff Duncan said.
“This legislation was rushed through the legislature without providing the industry any meaningful opportunity to engage, while competitors and critics were given ample voice in a concerted effort that prevented a commonsense solution.
“It’s unfortunate that this legislation was hastily passed based on incomplete information because the result is that residents lose access to safe, fair and free-to-play entertainment enjoyed by millions of Americans while black market operators laugh all the way to the bank.”
The Association believes online social games operate under established sweepstakes law used by ‘countless mainstream brands’ and stated claims that players report “never getting their money back” are “categorically false.”
“The SGLA is supportive of appropriate oversight and common-sense regulatory frameworks but SB 181 is an attack on economic activity, freedom of choice, innovation and competition,” Duncan said.
“We look forward to engaging with policymakers in Louisiana to right this wrong so that its residents can enjoy the same free-to-play entertainment as other Americans as well as the economic benefits the industry can provide.”
Good to know: The Social and Promotional Games Association expressed its disappointment at the Louisiana House vote for SB 181 on June 3
The SGLA also issued a statement after the Connecticut House of Representatives passed SB1235, banning online social games with sweepstakes promotions in the state.
“It is disappointing that Connecticut residents have lost access to popular, free-to-play online games enjoyed by millions nationwide. It’s unfortunate that this legislation was hastily passed based on incomplete information with little attempt to engage with legitimate industry operators that prioritize player protections,” Duncan said.
“The result is a win for the black market, and other groups with vested interests that campaigned for this bill with falsehoods and misinformation. It is a loss for innovation, competition, free choice and potential benefits for the State of Connecticut.”
Louisiana and Connecticut joined Montana in recently passing legislation which prohibited the use of online casino games with sweepstakes promotions.
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