With pending legislation banning sweepstakes games from New York, leading sweeps brand VGW decided to voluntarily pull its sweepstakes offerings from the Empire State at the end of June.
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Free-to-play versions of VGW's favorite games like Chumba Casino and LuckyLand Slots will remain in New York.
Why Is VGW Pulling Sweepstakes Options From New York?
A spokesperson for VGW confirmed to Odds Shark that pulling their sweepstakes offerings from New York was entirely voluntary, pledging a smooth and seamless transition to free-to-play games only, but also stressed their desire to engage in regulatory discussions.
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We can confirm that following careful consideration, we’ve informed players of a decision to phase out Promotional Play (sweepstakes promotions) in the state of New York. Our valued players in New York will still be able to enjoy all their favorite free-to-play games using Gold Coins, and we are 100 percent focused on ensuring players are fully informed about the changes, and that this transition is as smooth and seamless as possible.” -VGW Spokesperson |
With that being said, Bill S5935, a bill drafted by Senator Joseph Abbado Jr. to ban sweepstakes games, has now advanced to its third reading in the New York Senate and is on the verge of ing the state's upper chamber, where it would be a stone's throw from becoming law.
The bill was labeled as catastrophic by the Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA), saying: "This was already bad legislation. Lawmakers have taken a mess and made it into a catastrophe."
The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA), of which VGW is a partner, was reached for comment on this story, but the SGLA hadn't replied before publishing.
This isn't the only time the firm has voluntarily left a state, having left Maryland in April.
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Sweepstakes Games Legal Troubles
Bill S5935 isn't the only anti-sweeps bill that is either close to becoming law or has become law recently.
In Louisiana, Bill SB181 would also ban dual-currency games and has moved out of the Senate with a unanimous 39-0 vote to be presented to state representatives.
Last week, Connecticut's Senate unanimously voted in favor of Bill SB1235. It will now proceed to the state house for State Representatives' consideration. If the House agrees to the bill as is, it will become law.
Montana was the first state to ban sweepstakes games, with Governor Greg Gianforte g Bill SB555 into law on May 12, though not without controversy. The SPGA was quick to criticize the bill for failing to properly define a sweepstakes game.
Though the sweeps industry has seen a few legal wins, with two anti-sweepstakes bills dying in Florida. That's on top of bills in Arkansas, Maryland, and Mississippi coming to the same fate.
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