Attempts to ban social and sweepstakes gaming in Maryland, Arkansas, and Mississippi have failed, drawing praise from the Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA). In a new statement, the group said these legislative efforts lacked evidence and public support.
“These bills shared the same fatal flaw: no facts and no foundation,” said an SPGA spokesperson. “Legislators are consistently rejecting efforts to criminalize safe, digital entertainment enjoyed by millions of adults across the US.”
Arkansas House Bill 1861 was withdrawn in April 2025, while similar proposals in Maryland and Mississippi did not pass through their respective legislative sessions.
Industry Defends Legal Entertainment Platforms
The SPGA said lawmakers are recognizing that these games are part of everyday digital entertainment, not gambling. The group pointed out that platforms offering social and sweepstakes games operate legally, involve no risk to consumer safety, and support a range of jobs.
“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,” the spokesperson added.
The group also warned that proposed laws would have harmed entire ecosystems that include software vendors, game developers, financial partners, and payment services. Thousands of jobs were potentially at risk.
Lawmakers Cited Lack of Data and Possible Side Effects
The SPGA noted that Maryland’s Senate Bill 860 tried to ban sweepstakes entirely but provided no data to support claims of harm to consumers or competition with casinos. In Arkansas, House Bill 1861 sought to restrict dual-currency online gaming and would have granted exclusive digital control to licensed casino operators. Neither bill reached a full vote.
Some lawmakers also expressed concern that these bills could unintentionally affect reward programs like those offered by airlines, hotels, and coffee shops. These programs rely on digital point systems that could fall under broad legal definitions used in the proposed laws.
Less than two weeks ago, the SPGA said its members in New York will now choose their own approach to sweepstakes based on legal advice and strategy, commenting on the New York situation.
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