The Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA) recently addressed the news regarding the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) issuing 18 cease-and-desist letters to sweepstakes casinos operating in the Keystone State.
The SPGA strongly opposes the PGCB’s latest anti-sweepstakes campaign, stating, “this broad regulatory action is out of step with legal precedent and industry standards.”
SPGA Argues Promotional Sweepstakes Are Legal, Safe
The SPGA added that “promotional sweepstakes are legal, safe, and widely enjoyed by American adults.”
“What games are Pennsylvania regulators going to ban next — Candy Crush? Solitaire?” said an SPGA spokesperson. “Thousands of games in the App Store mix play and prizes. It’s regulatory overreach to start picking and choosing which ones they simply don’t like.”
According to Pennsylvania law, the PGCB does not have the authority to take legal action or act against these companies as it could against real-money online casinos and sports betting operators. It can only issue cease-and-desist letters, but all 18 recipients have reportedly complied with the order.
“Banning social sweepstakes threatens more than just entertainment — it puts at risk a growing digital sector that supports innovation, creates jobs, generates tax revenue, and helps both large and small businesses reach and retain customers,” the SPGA said.
“This kind of heavy-handed approach sends the wrong signal to companies investing in Pennsylvania’s economy and digital future. Sweepstakes have long served as a legitimate promotional tool, used across industries from retail to hospitality.
“Challenging their legality now raises broader questions about the future of consumer promotions. We urge Pennsylvania regulators to pursue open, fact-based dialogue with industry stakeholders. A collaborative approach will better protect consumers, support businesses, and foster innovation in the digital economy.”
Three State Legislatures Rejected Sweepstakes Ban Proposals
Although the Pennsylvania legislature has yet to ban sweepstakes gaming, the PGCB has taken upon itself to crack down on sweeps platforms to protect residents and licensed operators.
Three state legislatures have recently rejected sweepstakes ban proposals: Arkansas, Maryland, and Mississippi.
Arkansas House Bill 1861 would have classified sweepstakes gaming as “illegal gambling” and allowed the state’s three licensed casinos — Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort Hotel, Saracen Casino Resort, and Southland Casino Hotel — to offer online casino gaming.
Maryland Sen. Paul Corderman’s Senate Bill 860 also died last week as the 2025 legislative session came to a close. The bill was approved unanimously by the full Senate last month and sent to the House. There, it had a hearing in the Ways and Means Committee but never made it to a vote.
In addition, Mississippi Sen. Joey Fillingane’s SB 2510 died earlier this month. Fillingane’s bill would have increased criminal penalties for offering illegal online gambling in the state while also banning online sweepstakes gaming.