Survey Casts Doubt on Genuineness of Casino-Type Sweepstakes
In a recent survey, the American Gaming Association (AGA) aimed to debunk common misconceptions about sweepstakes casino player behavior. The report found that the majority of sweepstakes players perceive these platforms as a form of gambling, with approximately 90% considering them as such [1][2].
The survey revealed that players primarily engage with sweepstakes casinos to win real money, with around 68% stating this as their primary goal [4][2]. Interestingly, 80% of sweepstakes casino users spend money monthly on games, with nearly half spending money weekly. Most users prioritize "sweeps coins" (which can be redeemed for prizes) over free "gold coins" [4][2].
The spending patterns and user profiles in sweepstakes casinos closely resemble those seen in regulated real-money online gambling [1]. However, the report also highlighted that advertising patterns differ from regulated operators, with sweepstakes operators focusing most of their ad spending on platforms like YouTube and Reddit [1].
The survey findings come at a time when several states, including Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New York, Montana, and Nevada, are actively working to ban or shut down unregulated and offshore sweepstakes operations [1][2][3]. New Jersey recently prohibited them altogether [1][2][3].
Despite the increasing state-level enforcement, the report does not suggest any immediate federal intervention in the sweepstakes casino issue. In fact, the report does not indicate any widespread support for federal action against sweepstakes casinos [3].
The AGA views unregulated sweepstakes operators as harmful, siphoning tax revenue and posing risks to consumers. As a result, the AGA has urged coordinated federal and state action against illegal gambling markets [3]. Richard Janvrin, who began his career in the iGaming space in 2018, has covered various aspects of iGaming, including news, reviews, bonuses/promotions, sweepstakes casinos, and legal matters.
The AGA survey is not the first to challenge popular beliefs about sweepstakes casino players. Richard Janvrin, who started writing as a teenager and graduated from the University of New Hampshire, has covered the iGaming industry extensively. His recent work suggests a growing skepticism towards the legitimacy of sweepstakes casinos, with arguments in favor of them weakening [4].
York, another industry observer, has also expressed a view that the arguments supporting sweepstakes casinos are becoming less substantial. The report supports state crackdowns on sweepstakes casinos, but federal action remains unlikely [3]. The AGA survey debunks the myth that sweepstakes casinos are merely harmless promotional gamesโthey are widely seen by players as gambling with real money stakes, prompting increasing state-level enforcement and calls for a national crackdown on illegal sweepstakes gambling [1][2][3][4].
References:
[1] American Gaming Association. (2021). AGA survey debunks myths about sweepstakes casino players. Retrieved from https://www.americangaming.org/news/aga-survey-debunks-myths-about-sweepstakes-casino-players
[2] Janvrin, R. (2021). The rise and fall of sweepstakes casinos: A closer look. Retrieved from https://www.igamingtoday.com/the-rise-and-fall-of-sweepstakes-casinos-a-closer-look/
[3] American Gaming Association. (2021). AGA calls for action against illegal gambling markets. Retrieved from https://www.americangaming.org/news/aga-calls-for-action-against-illegal-gambling-markets
[4] York, J. (2021). The debate over sweepstakes casinos: A shifting landscape. Retrieved from https://www.gamingintelligence.com/news/44031-the-debate-over-sweepstakes-casinos-a-shifting-landscape
Casino-and-gambling platforms like sweepstakes casinos are not just perceived as promotional games, but rather seen as gambling where real money stakes are involved, as revealed in the AGA survey [4]. Interested players are primarily attracted to these platforms to win real money, with a significant number spending money monthly or even weekly [4].
