The Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA) is celebrating a significant win for “consumer choice and common sense” as Florida’s Senate Bill 1404 and House Bill 1467 failed to advance in the 2025 legislative session.
SPGA Says Free-To-Play Games Should Remain Legal
The anti-sweepstakes bills aimed to “criminalize free-to-play digital entertainment, recklessly expand government control over lawful consumer activity, and needlessly restrict business and innovation,” the SPGA announced in its news release.
“The defeat of these bills continues a clear national trend,” said a spokesperson for the SPGA. “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.”
Florida Bills Would Have Impacted Sweepstakes Promotions
The Florida bills would have criminalized popular sweepstakes promotions run by major brands such as Marriott, McDonald’s, and Starbucks; worsened Florida’s multi-billion-dollar budget deficit by eliminating economic activity; and created new criminal penalties for residents.
“This is a huge win, not just for the industry, but for every Floridian who values economic freedom and digital innovation,” the SPGA spokesperson added.
“Once again, a state has seen through the scare tactics and rejected legislation that would have harmed consumers, businesses, and Florida’s economy.”
The SPGA is urging lawmakers nationwide to work together with social sweeps stakeholders on establishing “smart, balanced regulation, not political theater that stifles innovation and undermines consumer choice.”
SB 1404 proposed stricter penalties for illegal gambling operators, including making it a third-degree felony to operate or promote wagering on an event knowing the results “are prearranged or predetermined.”
HB 1467 would have revised provisions concerning the conduct of live racing, prohibited betting on athletic contests with knowledge that results are prearranged or predetermined, and increased criminal penalties for specified offenses.
What Are Sweepstakes Casinos?
Sweepstakes casinos are free online gaming platforms that allow players to enjoy casino-style games, such as blackjack, roulette, and slots, without spending real money.
They operate under a sweepstakes model, allowing players to win real cash prizes using virtual currencies like Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins.
Although sweeps operators do not require gambling with real money, the platforms also allow players to redeem their virtual coins for real money or prizes.
Last week, the Louisiana Senate unanimously approved SB 181 in a 39-to-0 vote to ban sweepstakes gambling and penalize operators, affiliates, suppliers, and investors.