- New York lawmakers will contemplate a bill to ban sweepstakes gaming in the state
- Sen. Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. introduced the bill
- The legislation sets potential fines for offering sweepstakes gaming from $10,000 to $100,000
New York lawmakers are going to take a deep dive in the world of sweepstakes gaming and decide if a ban on the games is necessary.
Sen. Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. (D-15) today introduced SB 5935, the latest bill to take aim at online sweepstakes games and prohibit them in a state.
The bill officially prohibits online sweepstakes games and revenue from illegal markets, plus it lays out potential fines for operators or affiliates who offer or accept revenue from the prohibited games.
Latest State to Consider Ban
Addabbo Jr.’s bill provides the following definition of an online sweepstakes game:
“Any game, contest, or promotion that is available on the internet and/or accessible on a mobile phone, computer terminal, or similar access device, that utilizes a dual-currency system of payment allowing the player to exchange the currency for any prize, award, cash or cash equivalents, or any chance to win any price, award, cash or cash equivalents, and simulates casino-style gaming, including but not limited to, slot machines, video poker, table games including but not limited to blackjack, roulette, craps, and poker, lottery games including but not limited to draw games, instant win games, keno, and bingo, and sports wagering.”
Sweepstakes games will not include a game which does not award cash prizes or cash equivalents.
The “dual-currency” system is the key part of the definition, as sweepstakes casinos games allow users to play for free or purchase “sweepstakes coins” to play their games and exchange them for real cash prizes.
The bill sets fines of a minimum of $10,000 or a maximum of $100,000 for an operator or affiliate offering a sweepstakes casino game in the state, or accepting revenues from a sweepstakes casino company.
The New York State Gaming Commission or New York State Attorney General will be required to uphold the new law if approved.
Several Other States Considering Ban
New York joins Florida, Maryland, Connecticut, and Mississippi as states examining a potential ban on sweepstakes casinos.
Florida recently saw introduced companion bills in both the House of Representatives and Senate to ban “internet gambling” and “internet sports betting,” targeting sweepstakes gaming companies in the state.
If approved, the legislation will make both a third-degree felony. It will not affect the Seminole Tribe’s ability to offer Florida sports betting, however.
The Mississippi Senate approved a bill banning sweepstakes earlier this month, forwarding SB 2510 to the House by a 44-1 vote. Sen. Joey Fillingane’s (R-41) legislation places online sweepstakes games and sweepstakes casinos on the state’s prohibited games list.
Two companion bills in Maryland were introduced this month in the Senate and House of Representatives to ban online sweepstakes games. Sen. Paul D. Corderman (R-2) introduced SB 860 and Delegate Eric Ebersole (D-44A) introduced HB 1140 as companion bills to ban the form of gaming.
In addition to banning online sweepstakes gaming, the bills will allow 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.
In Connecticut, the Connecticut General Law Committee introduced SB 1235, which prohibits unlicensed participation “in certain real or simulated online casino gaming or sports wagering.”
The bill also prohibits lottery ticket resales and ticket courier services.
New York State lawmakers are currently considering a ban on sweepstakes gaming, a form of gambling that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Sweepstakes gaming involves players purchasing virtual currency or credits in order to play games of chance with the opportunity to win cash prizes.
Proponents of the ban argue that sweepstakes gaming is a form of illegal gambling that preys on vulnerable individuals, particularly those with gambling addictions. They argue that these games are designed to be highly addictive and can lead to financial ruin for those who are unable to control their impulses.
Opponents of the ban, on the other hand, argue that sweepstakes gaming is a harmless form of entertainment that provides a fun and exciting experience for players. They argue that these games are no different than other forms of entertainment, such as playing the lottery or going to a casino.
The debate over whether to ban sweepstakes gaming in New York State is a contentious one, with both sides presenting compelling arguments. Ultimately, it will be up to lawmakers to decide whether or not to pass legislation that would prohibit these games from being offered in the state.
In the meantime, those who enjoy playing sweepstakes games should be aware of the potential risks involved and make sure to gamble responsibly. It is important to set limits on how much money and time you are willing to spend on these games, and to seek help if you feel that your gambling habits are becoming problematic.
Overall, the issue of whether or not to ban sweepstakes gaming in New York State is a complex one that will require careful consideration by lawmakers. In the meantime, it is important for individuals to educate themselves about the potential risks of these games and to make informed decisions about their participation in them.
