If Calabrese’s bill passes, New Jersey would become the first state to officially regulate sweepstakes games
The Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA), a newly-founded body that seeks to champion the interests of the sweepstakes gaming sector, has hailed Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese’s new bill in New Jersey. According to the body, the lawmaker’s measure aligns with its core ideals.
Calabrese Wants to Legalize and Regulate Sweepstakes
For context, Calabrese just introduced a measure that would regulate the controversial sweepstakes games in The Garden State. Under his measure, sweepstakes casinos would be regulated similarly to online casinos.
As a result, sweepstakes operators would have to follow the same licensing process, regulations and taxation rules as the iGaming sector. This would acknowledge the rapidly growing sweepstakes sector while still having it follow a clear regulatory framework.
If Calabrese’s bill passes, New Jersey would become the first state to officially regulate sweepstakes games.
SPGA Praised Calabrese’s Measure
The SPGA released an official statement, in which it praised Calabrese’s motion to regulate sweepstakes games. Operators of such games have long sought recognition amid fierce pushback from the regulated gambling industry, which believes that their products constitute illegal gambling.
The SPGA said that Calabrese’s bill aligns with the organization’s goal to cement sweepstakes as a legitimate and legal type of gaming, allowing millions of adults in the USA to continue enjoying such products.
The SPGA welcomes Assemblyman Calabrese’s New Jersey bill. The SPGA and its members are advocates for clear regulations that enable transparent, innovative, and responsible social and promotional gaming experiences.
SPGA statement
The SPGA was founded not only to champion sweepstakes but also to promote responsible sweepstakes gaming among its member operators. It was founded by eleven companies, namely Ten Gaming, Blazesoft, Fliff, FSG Digital, Gold Coin Group, High 5 Entertainment, KHK Games, Kickr Games, Octacom, Rolling Riches, and Woopla Gaming.
Sweepstakes Remain a Point of Contention
The COVID-19 lockdowns led to a spike in sweepstakes activity, boosting the sector significantly. However, this also attracted the attention of gaming industry stakeholders, who were unhappy to have an unregulated competitor.
The National Council of Legislators from Gambling States, on the other hand, recently drafted a new iGaming ruleset that promotes a ban on sweepstakes games.
VGW, one of the most prominent sweepstakes companies, meanwhile, has consistently attracted the ire of regulators and is facing legal challenges.
In any case, the SPGA hopes to change how people feel toward sweepstakes by promoting responsibility within the sector. To that end, its Code of Conduct ensures that member operators have measures that protect their players and allow them to enjoy social gaming safely.
