Montana Sweeps Ban Edges Closer
Montana is poised to crack down on sweepstakes gaming operations after lawmakers pushed Senate Bill SB555 through with minimal opposition. The legislation now awaits Governor Gianforte’s signature, which most industry observers believe is a formality.
Once enacted, the consequences will be severe: operating sweepstakes casinos will become a felony offense carrying potential decade-long prison sentences and financial penalties reaching $50,000. Numerous sweepstakes platforms have already suspended Montana operations, while remaining holdouts scramble to withdraw before enforcement begins.
Regional Regulatory Roundup
New York
New York’s S5935 cleared another hurdle on April 30th with third-reading adjustments that narrowed its focus specifically to sweepstakes casinos. These modifications intentionally carved out exceptions for traditional promotional sweepstakes run by mainstream companies, removing a potential roadblock.
Several procedural steps remain before a conclusive floor vote, with legislators facing a June 12th session deadline to complete the process.
Connecticut
Connecticut’s SB1235 recently sailed through Judiciary Committee review without a single dissenting vote (37-0). Time pressures remain significant with the June 4th session conclusion approaching rapidly. The comprehensive language mirrors Louisiana’s approach by targeting any unlicensed entity that “facilitates participation in any real or simulated online casino gaming or sports wagering.”
Florida
Senator Corey Simon’s February introduction of Florida’s SB1404 (alongside companion House measure HB953) aims to prohibit sweepstakes casinos while preserving the Seminole Tribe’s exclusive sports betting arrangement. The proposal would categorize operator violations as third-degree felonies warranting 5-year sentences and $5,000 fines, while players could face misdemeanor charges. Despite unanimous committee approvals, the legislation still awaits full chamber consideration.
New Jersey
New Jersey’s approach underwent dramatic transformation when Assemblyman Calabrese abandoned initial regulatory proposals in favor of outright prohibition – with a crucial exception. The revised A5447 would eliminate independent sweepstakes platforms while preserving Atlantic City casinos’ rights to operate such games. Industry insiders report substantial lobbying efforts by licensed gaming establishments have generated considerable support, though voting remains pending.
Recent legislative failures in Arkansas and Mississippi demonstrate these initiatives aren’t guaranteed success. Nevertheless, sweepstakes gaming faces mounting scrutiny across additional jurisdictions including Texas, California, and Illinois. Meanwhile, states like West Virginia and Kentucky have employed cease-and-desist directives and investigative subpoenas, prompting leading sweepstakes operators to withdraw from multiple markets to mitigate legal exposure.
Nick Hall
Senior Editor
Nick's passion for fast paced action has seen him test Bugattis for professional car reviews for the world's biggest car magazine, to covering the high octane world of online casinos, gambling regulation and emerging Web3 trends.
