Social and Promotional Games Association urges New Jersey governor to veto sweepstakes ban

Source: Shutterstock

The Social and Promotional Games Association has urged New Jersey’s governor, Phil Murphy, to veto a bill that would ban sweepstakes gaming, including promotional sweepstakes. 

The New Jersey legislature has approved Assembly Bill 5447 and is the latest example of state-level lawmakers tackling the sweepstakes sector, which operates outside of state gambling law.

According to the Social and Promotional Games Association, however, the bill will outlaw promotional sweepstakes-style gaming, which does not require a purchase to play and which is currently legal under federal law.

A spokesperson for the Social and Promotional Games Association said, “Governor Murphy has an opportunity to do what the Legislature would not; listen to facts, not fear. This bill misrepresents an entire industry and threatens New Jersey’s leadership in innovation and tech.”

Promotional sweepstakes platforms, which are similar to those run by brands like Microsoft and Marriott, are common across the US and already include a series of safeguards, including geolocation and age verification.

Article continues below ad

The Social and Promotional Games Association has argued that casino lobbyists have prompted the bill and would effectively stifle consumer choice.

The group previously supported a regulatory framework suggested by assemblyman Clinton Calabrese, which would have introduced oversight and taxation of sweepstakes.

Dig deeper

2025/04/09: Social and Promotional Games Association celebrates withdrawal of “out of touch” legislation targeting sweepstakes 2025/05/26: Social and Promotional Games Association condemns Montana anti-sweepstakes bill 2025/06/16: Louisiana governor vetoes sweepstakes ban 2025/05/12: New Jersey comes closer to banning sweepstakes casinos