SPGA Responds to New Jersey’s Teetering on Banning Sweepstakes

The advancement of Assembly Bill 5447 in New Jersey has seen the Social and Promotional Gaming Association (SPGA), a trade group defending the interests of sweepstakes casinos, issue a statement issuing firm appeal to Governor Phil Murphy not to sign the bill into law.

Bill Seeking to Strike Down Sweepstakes in NJ at Governor’s Desk

Following near-unanimous approval by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, AB 5447 is now sitting on the governor’s desk and awaiting his veto or signature.

In its address to the governor, the SPGA said that Gov. Murphy is uniquely placed to do something that lawmakers would not – listen to the facts, not fear. The bill, argues the SPGA, fails to use actionable data and “mischaracterizes” the industry, that is, the sweepstakes casino model.

The SPGA further notes that by outlawing sweepstakes casino platforms, lawmakers are depriving millions of Americans of the opportunity to enjoy a hobby that is responsible, safe, and does not require a financial commitment to participate in.

“The bill is a direct contradiction to the sensible regulatory framework introduced earlier this year by Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese, an approach that emphasized oversight, licensing, and taxation over prohibition,” the trade group said.

Not least, the SPGA believes that there is a powerful push from casino lobbyists who wish to further diminish the opportunity for gaming that is not dependent on spending money at real money casinos. Gov. Murphy, the SPGA says, is uniquely placed to look through all of this and make the right decision – that is, veto the bill.

This news comes at the same time that another bill has made it to the governor’s desk and is seeking to increase the tax payable by online gambling operators in the Garden State.