Anti-Sweepstakes Bills Fail in Florida

By John Isaac,
Editor at online-gambling.com

John Isaac Editor at online-gambling.com

John Isaac is an editor with many years of experience in the gambling industry. He writes expert articles on card games like blackjack and poker. In addition, he is also well aware of the US gambling laws and the Indian and Dutch gambling markets. You can rely on verified information and insightful details.

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Last updated: May 24, 2025

Two anti-sweepstakes bills have failed to advance in Florida recently, killing any anti-sweepstakes movements in the state for 2025. The SPGA (Social and Promotional Games Association) is celebrating these shortfalls, following similar recent outcomes in a few states across the US.

Senate Bill 1404 and House Bill 1467 Fall Short

Florida Senate Bill 1404 and House Bill 1467, which aimed to criminalize sweepstakes promotions, have failed to progress in the state legislature. The SPGA is pleased with the news, noting that the defeat of both bills stops any efforts to ban sweepstakes in Florida for the rest of 2025.

Speaking on this latest update, an SPGA spokesperson said: “The defeat of these bills continues a clear national trend. 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.”

The SPGA stated that the outcome was a significant victory for the industry and all Floridians who value economic freedom and digital innovation. They noted that, once again, a state had recognized the scare tactics at play and rejected legislation that could have negatively impacted consumers, businesses, and the state’s economy.

They went on to emphasize that the proposed bills would have made sweepstakes promotions a criminal offense and introduced new penalties for Floridians using their phones to access unlicensed games. Additionally, the association pointed out that the legislation could have affected Florida’s already growing multi-billion-dollar budget deficit.

The SPGA recently said that the New York sweepstakes bill amendments were ‘catastrophic’.

What Was at Stake for These Bills?

Bill 1404 aimed to prohibit all sweepstakes games not run under the Hard Rock brand, which is associated with the Seminole Tribe. Under the terms of the Tribe’s compact with the state, they hold exclusive rights to offer sports betting in Florida through a “hub and spoke” system. This arrangement allows wagers placed via mobile apps (the spokes) to be considered legal as long as the server processing the bets (the hub) is located on tribal land.

Sweepstakes Games Still Have a Tough Road Ahead

Despite its recent victories, the sweepstakes industry still has many challenges ahead. Just last week, Louisiana advanced SB 181, a bill prohibiting dual-currency games in the state. Sponsored by Representative Adam Bass, the bill passed the Senate unanimously with a 39-0 vote and now awaits consideration in the House. Sweepstakes and social casino operators are working to persuade lawmakers that the proposed legislation is not in the state’s best interest.

Connecticut’s SB 1235 recently passed the Judiciary Committee with a unanimous 37-0 vote in favor of banning sweepstakes games in the state. The bill now moves to the House for further consideration.

There is still an opportunity for Louisiana and Connecticut to reconsider their positions. Unfortunately, that window has closed in Montana, where SB 555 has already passed through both legislative chambers and now awaits final enrollment in the Senate, which is the last step before becoming law. Sponsored by Senator Vince Ricci, the bill bans online casinos that allow players to wager using any form of currency.