Social and Promotional Games Association condemns Montana anti-sweepstakes bill
The Social and Promotional Games Association has released a statement condemning Montana for officially prohibiting sweepstakes.
Montana has become the first US state to effectively ban sweepstakes. Senate Bill 555 was introduced by Republican Senator Vince Ricci in 2024, with the state’s Governor, Greg Gianforte, signing the legislation into law on May 12.
The Social and Promotional Games Association described the action as ‘reckless’ in its statement, claiming that the bill did not specify any clear distinctions between sweepstakes casinos and real-money platforms.
A spokesperson for the Social and Promotional Games Association said, “Montana just criminalized everyday digital promotions with a law so broadly written it fails to name what it bans. It’s a dangerous precedent that could undermine consumer trust, business innovation, and long-standing legal marketing practices.”
The Social and Promotional Games Association continues to liken sweepstakes casinos to other sweepstakes promotions, such as Microsoft Rewards, which allows Microsoft users to earn points and enter various prize pools with them, including a US$2 million giveaway.
According to the Social and Promotional Games Association, SB555 implemented vague definitions surrounding what is classified as gambling with digital currency. Under the new law, promotions like Microsoft Rewards would now be illegal. The Social and Promotional Games Association concludes its statement by urging lawmakers to be more concise in their definitions of sweepstakes and to be mindful of the economic and consumer consequences that may arise from banning them.
Dig deeper
2025/04/09: Social and Promotional Games Association celebrates withdrawal of “out of touch” legislation targeting sweepstakes
2025/05/07: Play’n Go refuses to supply sweepstakes casinos
2025/05/12: New Jersey comes closer to banning sweepstakes casinos
2025/05/22: VGW launches Social Gaming Leadership Alliance
Charlotte Capewell brings her passion for storytelling and expertise in writing, researching, and the gambling industry to every article she writes. Her specialties include the US gambling industry, regulator legislation, igaming, and more.
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