Maryland’s Anti-Sweepstakes Bill Fades, SPGA Claims Win
Maryland’s push to ban sweepstakes casinos hit a wall as the 2025 legislative session wrapped. Senate Bill 860, championed by Sen. Paul Corderman, sailed through the Senate with a unanimous nod but never made it to a vote in the House of Representatives.
A Legislative Stumble in Annapolis
With the clock run out, the bill “died a natural death,” leaving online sweepstakes untouched. The Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA) wasted no time, hailing it as a victory for “safe, digital entertainment” and a sign lawmakers aren’t sold on blanket bans.
SB 860’s collapse wasn’t solo, efforts to greenlight full online casino gambling in Maryland tanked too. Corderman’s bill aimed to nix sweepstakes platforms entirely, arguing they skirt state gambling laws.
It had early juice: Senate approval signaled momentum, but the House didn’t bite. No floor vote, no debate, just silence. That stall mirrors flops in Arkansas and Mississippi this week, where similar anti-sweepstakes bills fizzled too. For SPGA, it’s a trifecta worth celebrating.
SPGA Cheers a Trend
The SPGA celebrates loudly. “These bills shared the same fatal flaw: no facts and no foundation,” a spokesperson said. “Legislators are consistently rejecting efforts to criminalize safe, digital entertainment enjoyed by millions of adults across the U.S.”
“When legislation threatens everyday perks from airlines, hotels, and your local coffee shop, it’s clear the bills aren’t just misguided, they’re dangerously out of touch,” the spokesperson added.
They argue these bans could’ve axed loyalty programs alongside sweepstakes, spooking some reps. Plus, the ripple effect, hitting game developers, payment processors, software vendors, and banks, might’ve cost jobs. SPGA’s pitch: killing sweepstakes isn’t a clean win for anyone.
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