The Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA) has released an official statement on Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont signing Senate Bill 1235 into law, outlawing online sweepstakes casino operators.
“The Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA) is frustrated by Governor Lamont’s decision to sign Senate Bill 1235 into law, making Connecticut the second state to ban sweepstakes-based gaming platforms,” said an SPGA spokesperson.
“These platforms have long operated under well-established legal frameworks and provide safe, free-to-play entertainment for millions of American adults.”
Connecticut SB 1235 Prohibits Online Sweepstakes Casinos
SB 1235 prohibits lottery ticket resales and ticket courier services, modifies the Commissioner of Consumer Protection’s disciplinary authority concerning gaming licensees, requires vendor and affiliate licensees to provide books and records, bans certain advertising, and authorizes certain bets on boxing and mixed martial arts.
Moreover, SB 1235 modifies provisions concerning wagers on sporting events involving Connecticut intercollegiate teams, and provide that “certain persons conducting sweepstakes or promotional drawings shall not allow or facilitate participation in certain real or simulated online casino gaming or sports wagering.”
Any resident or entity who engages in illegal gambling will be guilty of a Class D felony. Those crimes are punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Lawmakers in both Connecticut chambers unanimously passed SB 1235 by a 146-0 vote in the Senate and 36-0 in the House. The sweepstakes ban goes into effect Oct. 1.
SPGA Says SB 1235 Harms Innovation, Limits Consumer Choice
Although sweepstakes casinos are banned, promotions are allowed if the prizes are non-cash and only serve as store discounts on grocery purchases at retailers with five or more locations.
“Unfortunately, Connecticut’s sweeping legislation fails to distinguish between lawful promotional sweepstakes and unregulated gambling, despite the absence of any meaningful evidence of consumer harm,” the SPGA added.
“Instead of engaging with operators who prioritize consumer protections, compliance, and responsible standards, lawmakers have chosen a path that will harm innovation, limit consumer choice, and push compliant businesses out of the state.
“SPGA remains committed to advocating for sound, informed policy that reflects the clear legal distinctions between sweepstakes and gambling.”
Last month, Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte became the first governor to sign an anti-sweepstakes bill into law. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry also vetoed his legislature’s bill last week.