Florida’s New Sweepstakes Bills Fail to Pass

by Blake Roberts, May 14, 2025

Two bills that would have banned sweepstakes casinos in Florida, SB 1404 and HB 1467, did not pass the House in the last regular legislative session. Social and Promotional Games Association members rejoice for another victory against such bills in the US. Read on to learn more about the situation in Florida and other states.

Florida’s History with Gambling

Florida has had a turbulent history with gambling. While pari-mutuel betting was legalized in 1931, it took until 1970 for bingo to become legal. Meanwhile, slots would be narrowly legalized in 2004. The Seminole Tribe would also establish an agreement in 2010, giving them exclusive rights to slot machines outside pari-mutuel tracks for 20 years. Other legal gambling options include:

• Poker
• Blackjack
• Baccarat
• Lottery

Online casinos are still illegal in Florida, which is why online sweepstakes casinos are popular in the state. They allow players to try online slots or blackjack games using virtual currency. However, these sites are not explicitly legalized by the state, so state legislators are trying to establish laws to regulate them.

Florida’s Proposed Bills

For 2025, Florida legislators had to review several gambling bills. HB 1467 would legalize daily fantasy sports and would increase punishments for advertising illegal gambling. Meanwhile, SB 1404 would ban any online gambling platforms that the Seminole Tribe doesn’t offer. It would also prevent FGCC employees from working in the gambling industry for two years after leaving.

“We’re trying to curtail that unregulated gambling that can happen in the shadows.” – Florida Representative John Snyder

While the bills do not directly target sweepstake casinos, the SPGA believes the language is broad enough to affect them. According to the bills, gambling is when “money or other thing of value is awarded via an online-casino style game based on chance, regardless of any application of skill”. The SPGA believes these bills would create unnecessary restrictions on business

SPGA Members Relieved by Outcome

The SPGA group consists of several gaming operators, such as High 5 Games and Fliff, consistently advocating for online sweepstakes. While they agree that regulations can improve online sweepstakes, they believe that the current bills will only stifle the business. Other states like Maryland have also been trying to implement similar bills, which SPGA opposed.

“This is a huge win, not just for the industry, but for every Floridian who values economic freedom and digital innovation.” – SPGA spokesperson

It has also had disputes with the AGA, which claims sweepstake casinos promote illegal gambling and hinder the development of regulated gambling options. However, the SPGA argues that it provides all the necessary tools like age verification and that the gambling industry has been steadily growing, so sweepstake casinos do not harm revenue.

Legality in Other States

While Florida has been unsuccessful in banning sweepstakes, other states fared differently. New York is discussing two bills in the Assembly and Senate that would ban online sweepstakes in the state. According to the bill, gambling regulators would have to define what a dual-currency system is, which SPGA believes is a flawed piece of legislation.

“Senate Bill 181 is legislation to combat the proliferation of illegal online casinos, which are ripping off Louisiana citizens.” – Adam Bass, Louisiana Senator

New York’s bills are similar to Louisiana’s efforts to ban sweepstake casinos, including punishing any suppliers providing games to these sites. Meanwhile, Connecticut is also preparing similar legislation that would ban lottery courier services. However, Connecticut’s bill would also legalize specific sports betting markets like MMA and boxing.

Future of Sweepstakes

Many states aim to ban sweepstakes casinos, and while some have been unsuccessful, others are moving forward. New Jersey has also recently advanced a bill to make online sweepstakes casinos illegal. While the SPGA supports regulating the market, it opposes outright bans. We will keep you updated on future developments.