- Two bills to ban sweepstakes gaming in Maryland and Arkansas have both failed
- Maryland sine die came and went without a vote on a Senate-approved bill to ban sweepstakes gaming
- An Arkansas Senator withdrew his bill to ban sweepstakes gaming and legalize iGaming
Two state efforts to ban dual-currency sweepstakes gaming that mirrors sports betting and casino-style games have both failed.
An Arkansas bill introduced in the House that attempted to prohibit dual-currency sweepstakes games and legalize iGaming in Arkansas for the state’s three casinos has been withdrawn by its author.
Additionally, Maryland sine die came and went earlier this week without a vote on a Senate-approved bill to ban dual-currency sweepstakes game in the state.
Sweepstakes Bans Fail
Rep. Matt Duffield (R-53) introduced HB 1861 to ban sweepstakes gaming and legalize iGaming in Arkansas on Wednesday, March 19. Sen. Dave Wallace (R-19) introduced SB 524, a companion bill, in the Senate as well.
However, Wallace withdrew his Senate bill on March 20 from the Senate Insurance and Commerce Committee. Duffield withdrew his own bill on Monday, April 7. The legislation has been recommended for study in the interim by the House Judiciary Committee.
Both pieces of legislation attempted to prohibit sweepstakes gaming that utilizes a “dual-currency system of payment that allows the player to exchange the currency for a prize, aware, cash, or cash equivalent, or a chance to win any prize, award, cash, or cash equivalent.”
They also prohibited casino style gaming, including slots, video poker, or table games such as blackjack, roulette, craps or poker. It also prohibits sweepstakes games that simulate lotter and sports wagering as well. Sweepstakes that do not award cash or a cash equivalent were not prohibited under the legislation.
The bills also served a dual purpose, as they attempted to legalize iGaming for the state’s three licensed casinos.
In Maryland, the final day of the 2025 session came and went without a vote on Senate-approved SB 860, legislation to ban online sweepstakes gaming and casinos. The Maryland Senate approved the bill in early March by a 47-0 vote.
Paul D. Corderman’s (R-2) bill attempted to ban online sweepstakes gaming, while also allowing the State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission to deny any individual or operator a gaming license or to continue to operate in the state if they accept revenue that is directly or indirectly connected to sweepstakes gaming.
A person who violates the new law would have been subjected to a fine between $10,000 and $100,000, while also facing up to three years imprisonment.
Delegate Eric Ebersole (D-44A) introduced HB 1140 in the House as a companion bill to Corderman’s legislation.
Both efforts failed on the final day of the state’s session.
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SPGA Celebrates Bill Deaths
The Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA) celebrated the deaths of the bills, noting that lawmakers “across the country rejected misguided efforts to ban social and sweepstakes games.”
“These bills shared the same fatal flaw: no facts and no foundation. Legislators are consistently rejecting efforts to criminalize safe, digital entertainment enjoyed by millions of adults across the U.S.,” said a spokesperson for the SPGA.
The SPGA noted that both bills threatened potential rewards and loyalty programs from airlines and coffee businesses.
In a recent turn of events, bills in both Maryland and Arkansas that aimed to ban sweepstakes gaming have failed to pass. The proposed legislation in both states sought to prohibit businesses from offering sweepstakes games, which are often seen as a form of gambling.
In Maryland, the bill was introduced in response to concerns about the proliferation of sweepstakes gaming establishments in the state. Proponents of the bill argued that these businesses were operating in a legal gray area and were contributing to problem gambling issues in the community. However, the bill ultimately failed to gain enough support in the state legislature.
Similarly, in Arkansas, a bill to ban sweepstakes gaming also faced opposition from lawmakers. The proposed legislation was met with pushback from businesses that offer sweepstakes games, as well as from some members of the public who enjoy playing these games. Ultimately, the bill did not pass, leaving the status of sweepstakes gaming in the state unchanged.
The failure of these bills highlights the complex and contentious nature of regulating gambling and gaming activities. While some argue that sweepstakes gaming should be banned due to its potential negative impacts, others believe that individuals should have the freedom to participate in these activities if they choose to do so.
It remains to be seen whether similar legislation will be introduced in other states in the future. In the meantime, businesses that offer sweepstakes games will continue to operate in Maryland and Arkansas, providing entertainment for some and controversy for others.
