By Stephen A. Crystal – Founder & CEO, SCCG
Legislation aimed at prohibiting certain forms of digital sweepstakes gaming in Florida has failed to move forward during the 2025 session. House Bill 1467 and Senate Bill 1404, both of which proposed criminal penalties for operating or participating in dual-currency, free-to-play promotional games, are no longer under consideration following the Legislature’s decision to extend the session solely for budget negotiations.
While the bills passed through some initial committees, they were ultimately not included in the agenda for the extended session ending June 6. Unless revived under special circumstances by Governor Ron DeSantis, the matter is effectively off the table for this legislative cycle.
Overview of Proposed Sweepstakes Restrictions
Senate Bill 1404, introduced by Sen. Corey Simon, sought to broaden the definition of “internet gambling” to include digital games that simulate casino-style play and award anything of value based on chance, including models that incorporate skill or offer free-to-play modes. The bill would have also applied similar language to online sports betting and contests of skill, potentially affecting a wide range of promotional game formats commonly used in mobile apps and brand marketing.
If passed, the legislation would have made such activities a third-degree felony under Florida law.
Broader Legislative Context
The Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA), which represents companies operating in the digital sweepstakes and promotional gaming sectors, issued a statement following the bills’ failure to advance. The organization emphasized that similar legislative efforts have been recently rejected in Arkansas, Maryland, and Mississippi.
The SPGA characterized the Florida proposals as part of a broader trend of attempts to expand regulatory definitions of gambling in ways that may impact digital entertainment and promotional activities.
The group stated:
“Lawmakers across the country are rejecting these anti-innovation, anti-business efforts that attempt to dictate what games American adults can play on their phones.”
The SPGA also reiterated that while the legislative session has been extended, it is only to finalize the state budget, and no further consideration of these bills is anticipated in 2025.
Implications for Businesses and Consumers
Had the legislation passed, it could have directly affected mobile games, branded promotions, sweepstakes-based social casinos, and consumer marketing campaigns that include prize-based incentives. According to recent industry estimates, digital sweepstakes campaigns account for over $1.4 billion in annual consumer engagement spend in the United States, with Florida among the top states in participation.
Critics of the legislation raised concerns about unintended consequences for both small and large businesses that rely on promotional gaming models as part of user engagement strategies. Others noted that the proposed definitions could create ambiguity in enforcement and compliance, particularly given the overlap between promotional contests, loyalty programs, and gamified brand experiences.
Status of the Legislative Session
The Florida Legislature’s decision to extend the 2025 session was tied exclusively to budget negotiations. Sine die was initially scheduled for May 2, but has now been extended to June 6. Neither HB 1467 nor SB 1404 appears on the legislative calendar moving forward.
While Governor DeSantis holds authority to call a special session or revive specific legislation, no such indication has been given at this time.
National Outlook
The conversation around sweepstakes gaming is ongoing in other jurisdictions. On May 2, the SPGA issued a separate response to New York Senate Bill S5935 and its amendment, which seeks to ban certain online sweepstakes promotions.
Stakeholders across the gaming, tech, and consumer brand sectors continue to monitor these developments, particularly as states evaluate where promotional models intersect with regulatory definitions of gambling.
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