The Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA) strongly urges Governor Phil Murphy to reject Assembly Bill 5447, a ban on promotional sweepstakes-style gaming that has been rushed through the legislature to appease entrenched casino interests.

“Governor Murphy has an opportunity to do what the Legislature would not—listen to facts, not fear,” said a spokesperson for the SPGA. “This bill doesn’t just mischaracterize an entire industry, it ignores data, undermines innovation, and puts New Jersey’s reputation as a forward-thinking leader in tech and entertainment at risk.”

Assembly Bill 5447 seeks to outlaw promotional sweepstakes platforms that are already legal, do not require purchase to play, and are enjoyed responsibly by millions of adults across the country. These platforms use the same promotional frameworks relied upon by companies like Microsoft and Marriott, and are already equipped with age-gating, geolocation, and robust fraud prevention.

The bill is a direct contradiction to the sensible regulatory framework introduced earlier this year by Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese, an approach that emphasized oversight, licensing, and taxation over prohibition.

Even more concerning, this bill was driven by powerful casino lobbyists with a financial stake in eliminating lawful alternatives. That’s not consumer protection, that’s protectionism.

Governor Murphy can stop this misguided effort. We urge him to stand with consumers and veto Assembly Bill 5447 before it strips away choice and chills innovation in the Garden State.