Play’n GO Rejects Sweepstakes Casinos Amid Regulatory Focus

Swedish gaming powerhouse Play’n GO has reaffirmed its unwavering stance on regulatory integrity, firmly declaring it will never provide its games to online sweepstakes casinos. The announcement highlights the company’s long-held dedication to operating strictly within regulated markets, amid mounting concerns over the legitimacy and oversight of sweepstakes models.

CEO and co-founder Johan Törnqvist left no ambiguity in his statement: “Sweepstakes casinos do not operate inside a regulated framework and that’s not something we . Our commitment to regulated markets is absolute. We will never supply our games to sweepstakes casinos.”

A Growing Divide Between Regulated and Unregulated Gaming

This move comes as lawmakers and regulators in the United States intensify their examination of sweepstakes casinos, which are often marketed as promotional gaming experiences. Critics argue these platforms sidestep gambling laws while engaging in activities indistinguishable from conventional online casinos.

Shawn Fluharty, who leads Government Affairs at Play’n GO, underscored the broader implications: “Sweepstakes casinos threaten the regulated market model that many of us in the industry have worked so hard to achieve, which protects players first and foremost, and delivers much-needed revenue to jurisdictions.” He added, “Regulators across the US in particular are rightfully beginning to crack down on these unregulated operations.”

Fluharty further warned that companies choosing to associate with sweepstakes operators may struggle to secure regulatory approval in the future. “Regulators have long memories – anyone doing business with sweepstakes casinos today will find it very difficult to do business in a future regulated market,” he said.

Legislation Gains Traction Against Sweepstakes Platforms

While some state-level legislative efforts to prohibit sweepstakes casinos have recently stalled—such as in Florida and Mississippi—others are gaining momentum. Montana is poised to enact the country’s first significant legislative blow against sweepstakes operators, pending only the governor’s signature. This law targets platforms allowing s to place wagers and receive payouts in any form of currency.

In Louisiana, a bill introduced by Senator Adam Bass ed the state Senate and now awaits House consideration. During the bill’s hearing, Bass asserted that “so-called sweepstakes casinos claim to simply be a sweepstakes contest but are in fact unregulated and untaxed gambling.”

Similar legislative initiatives are under discussion in Connecticut and New York. In Connecticut, a bill banning sweepstakes casinos cleared committee approval and now heads to the Senate floor. Meanwhile, New York is actively debating proposals that would grant regulatory authorities the power to define and regulate dual-currency systems associated with sweepstakes platforms.

Several operators have already exited specific states amid regulatory pressure. VGW, which operates Chumba Casino and Luckyland Casino, has ceased sweepstakes operations in Montana in anticipation of the new law.

Industry Backing for Responsible Gaming

Play’n GO’s hardline position is not without financial consequences. The company’s Chief Commercial Officer, Magnus Olsson, acknowledged that the decision to stay clear of the sweepstakes vertical means forfeiting significant revenue potential. “It’s no secret that with this decision – much like with our stance towards Bonus Buy games – we have been, and continue to leave a lot of money on the table,” Olsson noted.

Despite the cost, Olsson emphasized that ethical alignment with regulated markets is central to the company’s vision: “We want to see a fully regulated and sustainable industry that protects players, promotes innovation, and ensures that we actually have an industry in the future.”

Play’n GO’s consistent regulatory stance has also earned it industry recognition. In , leading operator Tipico recently named Play’n GO a priority partner, offering prime placement for its titles. This collaboration excludes games from providers who simultaneously cater to both regulated and grey markets.

Olsson concluded with a challenge to the rest of the sector: “It’s time for other suppliers to do their part too and I’m delighted to see Play’n GO leading the way once again.”

Source:

“Play’n GO will never supply games to sweepstakes casinos” – CEO Johan Törnqvist, playngo.com, May 6, 2025