Lawmakers in Louisiana and Connecticut have recently approved new bills that ban online social games linked to sweepstakes promotions. These decisions have triggered backlash from the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA), which includes some of the biggest names in the social casino space.
The group, made up of leading sweepstakes casino operators and founded just weeks ago to fight back against the nationwide crackdown on sweepstakes casinos, argues the new laws restrict access to free online games that millions across the United States already enjoy. According to the SGLA, the bills were pushed through without proper dialogue with industry representatives, allowing other interest groups to shape the outcome unfairly.
Good to know
- The SGLA believes SB 181 in Louisiana and SB1235 in Connecticut were passed based on misleading claims.
- The organization warns that black market operators benefit when regulated platforms are shut out.
- The group says it supports oversight but rejects laws that ignore player protections and competition.
SGLA Executive Director Jeff Duncan did not hold back. After Louisiana passed SB 181, Duncan said the legislation was rushed and based on misinformation. “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,” he said.
He added that the industry was not given a fair opportunity to be part of the conversation. “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.”
Duncan also responded to the Connecticut vote, calling the outcome “a win for the black market” and a loss for “innovation, competition, free choice and potential benefits for the State of Connecticut.”
The SGLA argues that the online games in question operate under sweepstakes law, just like many mainstream brands. It also pushed back on accusations that players often lose money and never recover it, calling such claims “categorically false.”
While Montana was the first to pass similar restrictions earlier this year, Louisiana and Connecticut are now the latest states to act. The SGLA says it hopes to work with policymakers in both states to find a better approach—one that preserves free access to entertainment while also offering oversight.
“We look forward to engaging with policymakers in Louisiana to right this wrong,” Duncan said, adding that the state could still benefit economically from a thriving, regulated industry.
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