Summary
- New Jersey has taken a bold step by banning sweepstakes gambling, joining other US states in making this decisive move.
- This measure has been approved to strengthen player protection and help ensure that people gamble wisely and responsibly.
- Insiders in the industry assert that the law primarily serves to advance the agendas of certain gaming groups.
After careful consideration, Governor Phil Murphy has taken a decisive step by signing a new law that bans sweepstakes gambling in New Jersey. This decision follows intense debates over whether this approach was merely a way to sidestep regulations and offer online gambling without the usual oversight.
New Jersey goes after sweepstakes with a new law
In the eyes of New Jersey lawmakers and the governor, sweepstakes fit a particular mold. While legally acknowledged, there's a growing chorus questioning their true purpose, suggesting they're far from harmless fun. A recent survey by the American Gaming Association found that most participants join sweepstakes casinos in hopes of winning money rather than just having fun. New Jersey takes pride in its tradition of responsible gaming regulation, and we won't stand for bad actors exploiting loopholes at consumers' expense, stated Sen. John Burzichelli, one of the bill's co-sponsors. He added, This legislation ensures our laws are explicit, our penalties are tougher, and we have the means to shut down illegal sweepstakes gambling operations before they inflict more damage. However, not everyone is on board. The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance quickly criticized the decision, calling it out of touch. Jeff Duncan, the Executive Director of SGLA and a former Congressman, commented on the recent decision: New Jersey lawmakers have completely disregarded their constituents by passing a ban opposed by voters. This law exemplifies government overreach, stripping adults of their right to choose their form of entertainment.
It’s not about consumer protection, says trade group
Duncan criticized the law as insincere, arguing that it failed to truly enhance consumer protections. He saw the influence of the gaming industry's lobbying efforts, which seemed to prioritize strengthening its own interests while stripping Americans of a legal pastime they've enjoyed for years. New Jersey is now part of a growing wave of states taking a stand against this sector. States like Connecticut, Montana, and Washington have all implemented similar bans. Meanwhile, in places like Michigan, Ohio, Florida, Maryland, and New York, opposition among lawmakers against sweepstakes is intensifying. Michigan has even escalated its efforts by issuing cease-and-desist letters to sweepstake operators, demanding they vacate the market.
