The burgeoning sweepstakes casino gaming industry has been under fire for more than a year, with retail casino operators and state legislators and regulators taking aim across the U.S.
But at a Saratoga Racing and Gaming Conference panel on Tuesday, the vertical actually got some support — just not necessarily the kind that sweepstakes operators are seeking.
“I don’t believe in banning … anything,” said moderator Bill Pascrell III, a prominent longtime lobbyist for gaming companies. “I think banning things creates a motivation for people to drive toward something without player protection, responsible gambling, [anti-money laundering], et cetera.”
Even so, both Pascrell and New York state Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr. — a prime sponsor of a bill now on Gov. Kathy Hochul’s desk that would specify that sweepstakes casino games are illegal — agreed that ultimately, the best solution seems to be allow the new gambling as long as those companies are regulated and taxed just like authorized gaming operators.
