With the uncertainty surrounding the sweepstakes casinos sector in the United States, Mississippi has become the latest state to act in an antagonistic way.

The state seems determined to push through a piece of legislation that would effectively outlaw the sector and impose strict penalties on anyone who continues to provide such games to consumers in the Magnolia State.

New bill set to criminalize sweepstakes casinos

A new bill, Senate Bill 2510, has passed through the Senate with an overwhelming majority – 44-1 in favor of cracking down on the sweepstakes casinos sector, and effectively outlawing it. Although sweepstakes have been a normal part of the gaming landscape and have not required special regulation under normal gambling laws, this may soon change in Mississippi.

The next step would be for the House of Representatives to vote or send the bill back for reconsideration to the Senate. Should both chambers clear the measure, however, it will be down to the governor’s office to enforce it.

The passage of SB 2510 through the Senate has prompted a swift response from the SPGA, a recently set-up association which has been formed to oppose antagonistic legislation and to raise awareness for why the sweepstakes casinos model did not break any rules, has issued a statement regarding the events in the state.

"Social sweepstakes are free-to-play games that never require a purchase for a player to win a game. They're part of a long-established industry of social casino games enjoyed by tens of millions of adults across America.

We doubt voters in Mississippi appreciate their elected officials dictating what games adults can and can't play on their phones. It's a waste of time and a transparent and misguided attempt to pay out protectionist favors for the casino industry. Voters deserve better than lawmakers who prioritize the protection of a slot machine maker over individual freedom."

SPGA reacts against the proposal, but chances of resistance limited

The SPGA has time and again explained that criminalizing sweepstakes casinos was not rooted in principle, and chose to penalize as a criminal activity something that Mississippi adults have enjoyed as fun, fair, and free-to-play entertainment options.

SB 2510 wants to treat sweepstakes casinos as a crime, slapping felony charges on operators and individuals, and threatening fines of up to $100,000 as well as up to ten years in prison. The SPGA has criticized the law as too harsh and unjustified.

However, given that the Senate is controlled by the Republican Party, and so is the House and governor’s office, this new bill may be a shoo-in.

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