SGLA pushes for regulation of sweepstakes rather than outright ban in Indiana

The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) urges Indiana Lawmakers to Rethink Ban on Sweepstakespushing instead for regulation.

Testimony on Indiana Parliamentary Bill 1052 ” was heard on January 5, sparking a new push from the SGLA to encourage lawmakers to reconsider outright banning Social Plus games, or sweepstakes. The bill would ban online social games offering sweepstakes promotions, currently restricted to people over 21.

Nine states, including Indiana, are working on legislation to ban sweepstakes in 2026. That’s according to testimony at the Indiana House Public Policy Committee hearing on HB 1052.

Other states were not mentioned, but advocates noted states that currently ban them.

–Steve Bittenbender (@BittGDCG) January 6, 2026

“Social Plus gaming is a safe and legal form of entertainment that has been operating responsibly in Indiana since 2012,” Sean Ostrow, executive director of the SGLA, said in a statement. press release. “HB 1052, as currently written, would criminalize law-abiding businesses while doing little to stop illegal operators who exploit consumers. The hundreds of thousands of Hoosiers who enjoy these games deserve a regulated environment that protects them and preserves choice.”

In lieu of this ban, the SGLA proposed a strengthened regulatory framework, estimating that it would generate more than $20 million in annual revenue for the state of Indiana via player purchase taxes and operator registration fees. Suggested regulations would mandate strict age verification, data privacy and responsible gaming protections.

“Responsible regulation, rather than a ban, is the pragmatic way forward,” Ostrow said. “We are ready to work with Indiana lawmakers to protect consumers, support local businesses and generate meaningful tax revenue while keeping these popular games accessible to adults.”

Opposition to Indiana’s sweepstakes ban

THE first hearing I saw testimony from Dan Marks, chief financial officer of ARB Interactive, and Lloyd Melnick, chief growth officer at VGW, who both argued that the regulations would not have the intended consumer protection effect in the state.

“HB 1052 is an overbroad attempt to protect consumers from bad actors who will continue to prey on consumers whether the bill passes or not,” Marks said during the hearing. “If this passes, consumers will be in even greater danger as legitimate companies like ARB go out of business and our players turn to offshore locations that operate illegally.”

Likewise, Melnick advocated for regulations that would protect consumers without punishing legal operators, arguing that “Social Plus games benefit players by providing them with a wide range of fun and safe entertainment.”

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