Maine Lawmakers Contemplate Dual-Currency Sweepstakes Ban

• Maine Sen. Craig Hickman (D-14) introduced a bill to ban dual currency sweepstakes games
• The bill seeks to prohibit dual currency and casino-style sweepstakes games
• Those operating prohibited games can face a fine of $10,000 to $100,000

Maine lawmakers will be the latest to evaluate a potential ban on dual-currency and casino-style sweepstakes games.

Sen. Craig Hickman (D-14) recently introduced SP 825, a bill to prohibit online sweepstakes games that utilize dual-currency systems or simulate casino gaming.

The bill effectively prohibits sweepstakes games in the state that use a system of paying for coins or tokens for game play, which can be exchanged for cash prizes.

Online Sweepstakes Are “Unlawful Gambling”

Hickman’s legislation clarifies that operating or promoting an online sweepstakes game in the Pine Tree State is tantamount to “unlawful gambling” within the Maine Criminal Code.

“The bill impacts online games or contests that use a dual-currency system of payment and that simulate casino-style gaming, including, but not limited to, slot machines, poker and other table games, lottery games, bingo or sports wagering,” the bill’s summary notes.

Any licensed Maine gaming operator found to be operating or promoting an online sweepstakes game, under the legislation, will have their license revoked by the Maine Gambling Control Board.

The legislation also sets a fine of no less than $10,000 and no more than $100,000 for any person or entity found operating an unlawful sweepstakes game.

The bill currently sits in the Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs.

SGLA Speaks Out on Bill

The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance Managing Director Sean Ostrow noted today that its partner companies operate fully within Maine’s currently consumer protection laws and remain committed to working with lawmakers to provide further regulations to protect consumers and bring tax revenue into the state.

“Social Plus games are a longstanding online product that tens of thousands of Maine adults currently enjoy. LD 2007 would ban this social games category entirely, stifling innovation and stripping millions of dollars of economic activity from small businesses, advertisers and – ultimately – the state. SGLA urges the Legislature to take a more considered, long-term approach to this innovative sector and regulate, rather than senselessly ban, this popular form of free to play, casual entertainment,” he said.