Lawmakers in Florida have stepped away from two bills that aimed to ban or restrict digital sweepstakes gaming. Both House Bill 1467 and Senate Bill 1404 failed to move forward in the state legislature. Across the country, sweepstakes models have come under greater attention from regulators, especially where users can purchase coins and redeem winnings for cash or prizes. However, the Florida outcome signals continued resistance to sweeping new rules at the state level.
Good to know
- Similar bills have recently failed in Arkansas, Maryland, and Mississippi.
- The Florida bills would have criminalized free-to-play sweepstakes games.
- Governor DeSantis still has the power to revive the bills, but it looks unlikely.
The Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA), which advocates for the sweepstakes industry, reacted quickly to the outcome. In its statement, the group said the rejection followed a clear national pattern of lawmakers saying no to proposals they called “anti-innovation” and “anti-business.”
The SPGA noted, “The defeat of these bills continues a clear national trend. In the past few weeks, similar bills have been rejected in Arkansas, Maryland and Mississippi. Lawmakers across the country are rejecting these anti-innovation, anti-business efforts that attempt to dictate what games American adults can play on their phones.”
The group also pointed out the possible impact on businesses and consumers. According to the SPGA, the proposed Florida laws would have “criminalized free-to-play digital entertainment, recklessly expanded government control over lawful consumer activity and needlessly restricted business and innovation.”
Even though Governor Ron DeSantis has the option to extend the legislative session and revisit the bills, the SPGA believes that is unlikely. “There is no appetite for such anti-sweepstakes proposals,” they said.
Calling the decision a clear message from lawmakers, the group added, “This is a huge win, not just for the industry, but for every Floridian who values economic freedom and digital innovation.”
The group also pushed back against the reasoning behind the legislation. “Once again, a state has seen through the scare tactics and rejected legislation that would have harmed consumers, businesses and Florida’s economy.”
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