USA
The SPGA, abbreviated from The Social and Promotional Games Association, is a new trade body formed by leading sweepstakes operators. They aim to improve transparency around responsible gaming and promotional practices in the booming sweepstakes industry.
The SPGA launch is undoubtedly a response to the increased tensions between the regulated real-money online casino industry and the sweepstakes industry.
SPGA is a Response to the Increased Criticism From the iGaming Industry
Notably, in 2024, iGaming organizations have been vocal about the presence of sweepstakes casinos in the United States while the real-money counterpart is banned in all but seven states.
Last month, the American Gaming Association (AGA) circulated a memo, which JustGamblers participated in. The memo called for a crackdown from gaming regulators and state attorneys general and urged them to investigate sweepstakes companies for illegal irregularities.
Earlier this summer, a plaintiff in Georgia (on behalf of all residents) filed a class-action lawsuit against the company behind some of the largest sweepstakes brands in the US: Chumba Casino, Luckyland Slots, and Global Poker. The lawsuit alleges that VGW Holdings Limited is actively offering and marketing internet gambling websites in Georgia, where online casinos are illegal, in breach of Georgia Code § 13-8-3.
Only yesterday, JustGamblers reported on a sudden change in legal age requirements for the sweepstakes platform High 5 Casino, raising the age to 21, which aligns with the legal gambling for real money online casinos.
Similarly, the launch of SPGA is an initiative that responds to recent developments to help sweepstakes operators align around responsible business practices that are fair and non-predatory and better in line with the laws and regulations for real money online casinos in the states where they’re legal.
It’s a Positive Initiative From Leading Sweepstakes Operators
While I’m a fan of all things gambling, including sweepstakes casinos, I can’t disagree with the criticism. While not explicitly breaking any laws, the criticism is warranted; sites operate under a loophole, and the US sweepstakes market is not far from being a shade of grey amidst the strict regulatory landscape of online casinos.
Close to one hundred different sweepstakes sites are available in the United States, and not all operate responsibly. There is a higher degree of illegitimate and flat-out scam sites available for sweepstakes casinos than real-money online casinos. This is one of the reasons why JustGamblers increased our focus on sweepstakes, which help provide reliable information and guide players to safe destinations.
Regardless of why the SPGA was launched, it’s a great initiative. The sweepstakes industry needs to improve in terms of responsible gaming and promotional aspects. There’s a need for transparency, fairness, and accountability. Without a regulatory body, an association like this is the next best thing. Sure, there’s a conflict of interest, but at the same time, the companies that are part of this organization must comply with SPGA’s guidelines. Considering the caliber of the companies included at the launch of SPGA:
- 10 Ten Gaming
- Blazesoft
- Fliff
- FSG Digital
- Gold Coin Group
- High 5 Entertainment
- KHK Games
- Kickr Games
- Octacom
- Rolling Riches
- Woopla Gaming
These companies should be able to efficiently advocate and raise the standards for the sweepstakes industry, making it a safer place for players from the US.
The SPGA couldn’t have arrived any sooner. From our perspective, we will consider the reputation and reliability of a sweepstakes operator enrolled in the SPGA to be safer than those not. This will be reflected in how we evaluate sweepstakes operators and the overall ratings.