Connecticut and New Jersey Intensify Their Crackdown on Sweepstakes Casinos
Legislative proposals aiming to ban sweepstakes casinos have made progress this week in both Connecticut and New Jersey.
Connecticut Advances SB 1235 to Ban Sweepstakes Casinos
Connecticut's Senate Bill 1235 (SB 1235) is progressing through the legislative process, aiming to ban online sweepstakes casinos and lottery courier services. The bill has passed the Judiciary Committee unanimously and is now awaiting a full Senate vote. If enacted, SB 1235 would classify the facilitation of unlicensed online casino gaming or sports wagering as a felony offense.
This legislative move follows the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection's suspension of High 5 Games' license for operating an unlicensed online casino, High 5 Casino, which led to over 1,000 criminal charges against the company.
New Jersey's A5447 Bill Targets Sweepstakes Casinos
In New Jersey, Assembly Bill 5447 (A5447) has advanced out of the Assembly's Tourism, Gaming, and the Arts Committee. Introduced by Assemblymen Clinton Calabrese and Sterley Stanley, the bill seeks to prohibit the operation of sweepstakes casinos that utilize a dual-currency system to award prizes.
The bill defines prohibited activities as any game that mimics or simulates casino-style games or sports wagering, effectively targeting platforms that operate outside the state's regulated gambling framework. The legislation is now under review by the Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee.
Implications for Sweepstakes Casino Operators
The legislative actions in Connecticut and New Jersey reflect a growing trend among states to scrutinize and regulate online sweepstakes casinos more strictly. Operators using dual-currency models to simulate gambling experiences may need to reassess their business models to comply with emerging legal standards.
These developments underscore the importance for sweepstakes casino operators to stay informed about state-specific regulations and to ensure compliance to avoid legal repercussions.
For more information on legal sweepstakes casinos and to stay updated on regulatory changes, visit our Top Sweepstakes Casinos list.