A powerful organization with a long history in American political activism is opposed to a bill that would ban sweepstakes casinos in California.
The American Civil Liberties Union has joined the opposition to a California bill that would prohibit sweepstakes casinos. The ACLU, which boasts a pedigree of fighting for civil liberties, cites concerns over unintended consequences for companies and consumers.
The Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA) welcomes the company in opposing California Assembly Bill 831, which passed its second committee hearing on Tuesday and is next slated for the Senate Appropriations Committee.
The SPGA argues the “bill’s broad language has created uncertainty around the legality of common sweepstakes and promotional programs.” The organization also criticizes the methods behind the legislation, calling AB 831 a child of a “gut-and-amend” process.
‘Proud to stand alongside the ACLU’
The list of opponents to AB 831 includes:
- ACLU California Action
- American Transaction Processors Coalition
- Association of National Advertisers
- Californians United for a Responsible Budget
- Social and Promotional Games Association
- Social Gaming Leadership Alliance
- Virtual Gaming World
“The SPGA is proud to stand alongside the ACLU, the Association of National Advertisers, and other partners in voicing concerns about AB 831,” an SPGA spokesperson said in a statement. “This diverse coalition, including civil liberties advocates, leading businesses, and industry groups, reflects a shared belief that the bill, as written, could have unintended consequences for lawful promotional practices without offering clear consumer protections.”
In the statement, the SPGA says the ACLU opposes AB 831 in part because of concerns over “vague definitions that could criminalize standard promotional activities.” In other jurisdictions where sweepstakes casino bans have emerged, opponents have made claims that bans on sweepstakes marketing tactics would eliminate many traditionally accepted advertising practices and harm consumers.
The ACLU has not previously taken a public stance for or against sweeps gaming in any of the states that have dealt with that issue.
