SGLA Seeks To Save Sweepstakes Casino Gambling In New York

Bob Duff

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Publish Date: 09/25/2025

Fact checked by: Collin

Key Points

Advocacy group the the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance is turning its attention to New York
They are seeking to convince New York Governor Kathy Hochul to veto a bill banning sweepstakes casinos
The SGLA also lobbied strongly against California Bill AB 831 without success

Liberty Island, New York

In football terminology, this would be considered a goal-line stand. But give the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) credit. They don't give up, even when all hope appears to be lost.

A lobby group that advocates for free-to-play social gaming sites, the SLGA cites as its mandate to unite industry leaders to promote safe, innovative, and engaging free-to-play experiences.

Currently, two states are on the brink of banning sweepstakes casinos. In both California and New York, bills that would outlaw sweepstakes casino gaming are sitting on the Governor's desk. All it will take is a signature from the Governor, and these bills will become law.

After taking similar action in California with Governor Gavin Newsom, the SGLA is turning its attention to the New York situation. The SGLA is seeking to convince New York Governor Kathy Hochul to veto a bill banning sweepstakes casinos in the Empire State. They are also encouraging New Yorkers to contact Hochul's office to state their opposition to the ban.

“New York, your online social games could be taken away! Tell Governor Hochul to veto S. 5935-A / A. 6745-A and stop the ban on online social games with sweepstakes promotions before it’s too late,” the SGLA posted on its LinkedIn page.

"This new legislation would slam the door shut permanently on your favorite games using sweepstakes promotions. The games may remain to play for free, but sweepstakes promotions would be no more.

"By hearing from players like you, Governor Hochul can make an informed decision that supports both consumer choice and responsible innovation. Key legislators have already started voicing support for sensible, modern regulation and taxation as opposed to outright bans."

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New York Senate Bill set to ban sweepstakes casinos

Senate Bill S5935A was introduced during the 2025-2026 legislative session. If passed, it would prohibit online sweepstakes games and revenue from illegal markets. It would also set penalties and provide for the enforcement of those penalties.

The State Assembly and Senate have passed the bill. It is sitting on Gov. Hochul's desk, waiting to be signed into law.

The sponsor of the bill is New York State Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr. He's long been a prominent proponent of legalized gambling in the state, and it appears that he's having a change of heart.

Speaking at the recent Saratoga Racing and Gaming Conference, Addabbo took a different tack on this issue. He now believes that it would be best for all parties involved if New York were to legalize regulated sweepstakes casinos.

Addabbo is also fighting to bring legal and regulated real-money online casino gambling to New York. Similar to that issue, he believes that the state will be passing on a significant revenue stream by completely banning sweepstakes casinos.

There is another negative outcome that may result from an outright ban. It would be driving players to play these games at illegal offshore sites. Revenue would end up going to those sites. In a legal and regulated environment, it would wind up in the coffers of New York.

California is on the brink of a sweepstakes casino ban

In California, Gov. Newsom has until October 12 to sign Bill AB 831 into law. Similar to the New York bill, it would entirely outlaw sweepstakes casino games in the state.

The SGLA unsuccessfully lobbied the California government to opt for regulation, as opposed to an outright ban. They've sought to convince Newsom to veto the bill.