Montana Becomes the First State to Ban Sweepstakes Gaming
Tuesday 27 de May 2025 / 12:00
⏱ 1 min read
(Montana).- Montana makes history as the first U.S. state to ban sweepstakes gaming, with Governor Greg Gianforte signing SB 555 into law.
Montana has enacted Bill SB555, a broad measure aimed at stopping all forms of online gambling, including sweepstakes games, despite the bill not explicitly mentioning them.
The bill defines "internet gaming" as any platform, website, or app that allows users to place bets using any form of currency. This definition is crucial in banning sweepstakes games that use dual currencies to bypass state gaming regulations.
Industry Backlash Over Vague Language
Opponents, including the Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA), have criticized the bill as reckless, arguing that its vague wording could criminalize everyday digital promotions.
Despite the ban, social casinos that allow players to play for free with no chance of winning real money will still be permitted under the new law.
The sweepstakes industry had previously seen multiple legal victories, with bills in Arkansas, Maryland, and Mississippi failing before reaching debate. Florida also rejected two separate bills aimed at banning sweepstakes games.
New Wave of Legal Challenges
Following Montana’s decision, other states have ramped up efforts to regulate sweepstakes gaming:
- Louisiana introduced Bill SB181 targeting sweepstakes operators.
- New York is fast-tracking Bill S5935 toward adoption.
- Pennsylvania issued cease-and-desist letters to 18 sweepstakes operators.
Categoría:Legislation
Tags: Sin tags
País: United States
Región: North America
Event
BiS SiGMA South America 2026
06 de April 2026
Viviana David Discusses IGT PlayDigital's LATAM Growth Strategy
(São Paulo, SoloAzar Exclusive).- At BiS SiGMA South America, Viviana David, Head of Commercial LATAM at IGT PlayDigital, shared insights on the company’s vision for Brazil and the wider Latin American market. In this interview, she discusses the opportunities driving IGT’s participation, the business connections forged, and how innovative digital solutions are shaping the future of iGaming across the region.
Monday 18 May 2026 / 12:00
Fast Track Showcases AI-Powered CRM Innovation at BIS Sigma South America 2026
(São Paulo, SoloAzar Exclusive).- At the recent BIS Sigma Edition, Fast Track highlighted how its AI-driven CRM solutions are reshaping operator strategies in Brazil’s newly regulated iGaming market. Muriel Le Senechal, Regional Commercial Manager for LatAm, shared insights on the industry’s shift from acquisition to retention, emphasizing the role of automation, personalization, and real-time engagement in driving sustainable growth.
Tuesday 12 May 2026 / 12:00
Pay4Fun’s Leonardo Baptista on BiS SiGMA South America 2026: Regulation, Market Maturity and Brazil’s Expanding Opportunities
(São Paulo, SoloAzar Exclusive).-In this interview at BiS SiGMA South America 2026, Leonardo Baptista, CEO and co-founder of Pay4Fun, shares insights on the event’s strategic importance for the Latin American gaming industry. He highlights the growing maturity of regulatory discussions, the increasing focus on compliance and sustainability, and the expanding opportunities in Brazil—one of the most promising regulated markets globally.
Thursday 07 May 2026 / 12:00
SUSCRIBIRSE
Para suscribirse a nuestro newsletter, complete sus datos
Reciba todo el contenido más reciente en su correo electrónico varias veces al mes.
