SPGA Shifts Strategy on New York Sweepstakes Law
The Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA) tweaked its stance on New York’s sweepstakes casino bill, SB 5935. After “constructive talks” with state officials, the group flipped from criticizing the Senate vote to seeking a middle ground.
New Approach After Talks
The bill, still under review, aims to ban online sweepstakes casino games in New York. SPGA now wants to work with lawmakers to craft a compromise, hoping to mirror the state’s handling of fantasy sports rules from years back.
Initially, SPGA slammed SB 5935’s push, which passed the Senate in early 2025 but awaits Assembly action. The shift came after meetings showed regulators open to discussion.
The group sees this as a chance to shape clear, workable rules for promotional sweepstakes games. Each SPGA member will chart its own course based on legal advice and priorities, but all are urged to back the broader goal of collaboration. The organization’s optimistic, betting on dialogue to find a solid fix.
This pivot’s got context. New York’s gambling scene already packs $2.5 billion in yearly sports betting revenue, per 2024 state data, with online casinos still off-limits outside tribal deals.
Sweepstakes games, using dual-currency models like “sweeps coins” for cash prizes, sit in a gray area, legal for now, but targeted by SB 5935. SPGA’s new play aims to keep that space open, not kill it.
Balancing Act and Industry Stakes
SPGA’s take is strategic. It argues SB 5935’s existence proves sweepstakes games are legal in New York, why ban something already outlawed? The group’s pushing for rules over a shutdown, noting the bill could ripple beyond gaming.
Brands like Starbucks and Marriott use sweepstakes for promotions, while mobile games lean on similar setups. A blanket ban, per SPGA, might mess with more than just casino-style platforms.
The organization’s got skin in the game. It speaks for millions of U.S. adults who play sweepstakes casinos—$1-$2 billion in yearly stakes, per industry estimates, untaxed and unregulated.
SPGA wants that activity recognized, not erased. “We’re glad New York sees the need for careful decisions here,” a statement read, nodding to the state’s measured pace. The group is banking on talks to avoid a hasty clampdown that could set a precedent elsewhere.
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