SPGA Opposes Legislative Bills on Sweepstakes Casinos in Arkansas

The Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA) strongly opposes two legislative bills introduced in Arkansas aimed at banning sweepstakes casinos. The association contends that if these bills are passed into law, they would significantly stifle both competition and innovation within the industry. According to the SPGA, the fear surrounding sweepstakes is unfounded as the sector neither targets nor facilitates real money gambling.

The Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA) has publicly voiced its disapproval through a statement disseminated via email, expressing opposition to HB 1861 and SB524 proposed in Arkansas.

This legislative action mirrors previous efforts in states such as New York, New Jersey, Mississippi, and Maryland, all seeking to outright ban sweepstakes gaming—a move the SPGA has criticized as ‘reckless.’

SPGA Confronts New Challenges in Arkansas

The proposed bills are seen as part of a broader anti-competitive movement led by established casino interests, according to the SPGA. These legal measures pose a threat to business growth and innovation, while simultaneously restricting consumer choice by limiting access to preferred gaming platforms and products.

The opposition to sweepstakes casinos in Arkansas mirrors sentiments expressed in other regions. Critics of the industry claim that the use of ‘dual-currency’ systems allows sweepstakes platforms to operate as unregulated gaming services.

The sector, however, refutes these allegations, insisting that the sweepstakes model is grounded in historical precedent and operates transparently. The SPGA highlights that this model is employed by major corporations in the United States, such as:

• Coca-Cola
• Burger King
• Amazon
• American Airlines
• Pepsi

Furthermore, the SPGA asserts that the sector complies fully with all relevant laws. In a statement objecting to the Arkansas bills, the association emphasized:

‘We recognize the state’s responsibility to oversee interactive gaming, but these bills are excessive. Social sweepstakes are not casinos. They provide free entertainment to millions of adults, with most participants never spending any money. It is misguided and unsupported by data to treat them as a public harm.’

Rising Opposition to Sweepstakes Across the United States

The SPGA also cites findings from Eilers & Krejcik Gaming to counter the argument that sweepstakes social casinos undermine traditional real-money casinos. According to the report, this claim is unfounded, as evidenced by the situation in Michigan.

In reality, sweepstakes have contributed to the growth of the iGaming industry in the Great Lakes State. In closing, the SPGA urges lawmakers to carefully consider their actions and reject these bills; however, it acknowledges that legal momentum against the sector is gaining traction nationwide.