If you’ve been browsing online casinos here and there, you already know many US states have really tight rules on online gambling (in other words, in plenty of places, it’s outright illegal).
But sweepstakes casinos are a whole different ball game. Since nobody asks you to pay to be able to play, sweepstakes are not even considered gambling in most states.
For players, this means access to risk-free play, but with ID checks often being lax, it’s a whole new can of worms when it comes to stuff like gambling responsibly or keeping minors out.
Possibly because of all that (plus the not-so-minor issue of zero tax dollars going to the state), Montana decided to pull the rug out on sweepstakes.
Montana’s governor, Greg Gianforta, just signed Bill SB555 into law, banning every form of internet gambling that allows players to bet using any form of currency. Yes, this means even the free virtual currency, and stakeholders that break the law could face felony charges, fines reaching as high as $50,000, and up to 10 years in prison.
The Social and Promotional Games Association, on the other hand, pushes back hard against Montana’s new bill. They say it’ll crack down on legal and regular digital promotions that have nothing to do with gambling.
Despite the SPGA being quite vocal about this, it doesn’t seem likely that Montana’s officials will change the course. But will other states follow suit? That’s something to keep an eye on.
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