Correction: The below story corrects incorrect information received by LSR. We regret the error.
The deadline to act on a bill that would ban sweepstakes casinos in New Jersey is up to the Assembly.
NJ gives governors 45 days to act on a bill before it passes without a signature. The bill to ban sweepstakes casinos, A5447, was in Murphy’s hands on July 1 following Senate approval on June 30, which puts the deadline at Thursday.
However, since the Assembly is in recess, the deadline is technically extended until the day the Assembly returns. That may not be until November, though the chamber could come back at any point.
The governor’s office told LSR it does not comment on pending legislation.
Sweepstakes groups urge Murphy to veto
The two trade groups representing sweepstakes casinos made their cases for why Murphy should veto the bill.
The Social and Promotional Games Association asked Murphy to reject a bill that was “rushed through the legislature to appease entrenched casino interests.” New Jersey launched its online casino market in November 2013, a few weeks after Delaware launched the first legal iGaming market in the country.
“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.”
The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance, meanwhile, said the bill was the “wrong solution to a misunderstood issue.”
Bill started as sweepstakes regulation
Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese originally introduced a bill that would allow sweepstakes casinos and treat them as online casinos in the state.
A5196, introduced in January, was eventually withdrawn in April without a hearing.
Winning money is a top sweeps motivation
According to multiple surveys commissioned by the American Gaming Association, nearly two out of every three sweepstakes players said they were motivated to play by the chance of winning money.
Nine in 10 sweepstakes casino players said the games are likely gambling.
Sweepstakes casino ads also account for nearly half of all online casino ad impressions, according to data from Sensor Tower.
