Two Sweepstakes Casinos Shut Down in New Jersey

On June 30, Assembly Bill 5447 passed in New Jersey, which would effectively ban sweepstakes casinos. While Governor Phil Murphy has yet to act, he has 45 days to sign or veto the bill.

In preparation for him signing the bill, two prominent sweepstakes casinos, Funzpoints and Spree, have pulled out of the state. 

Both platforms have added New Jersey to their lists of excluded states. 

A Complete Shutdown For Both

In New Jersey, Spree will undergo a complete shutdown, meaning that nothing, including social casino games, will be available. 

New Jersey has been added to the list of excluded states, which now includes Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New York, Washington, and West Virginia. 

Funzpoints will be doing the same. Their games, including social and sweeps, will be inaccessible in both New Jersey and Maryland. 

In Maryland, it's unconfirmed, but it's probable that the owner of Funzpoints, Woopla Inc., received a cease-and-desist letter. Several sweepstakes casinos, including Zula, Fortune Coins, Golden Hearts Games, High 5, Rebet, Stake.us, and more, received them. 

For Funzpoints, New Jersey joins the list of excluded states, which includes Idaho, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, New York, and Nevada. 

Last Sentence of AB 5447 Turning Heads

Ahead of AB 5447 potentially passing, it's the last sentence of the bill that could be "encouraging" sites to leave.

"This act shall take effect immediately" is what the final sentence says. 

Therefore, if it is signed or receives pocket approval within 45 days, the law will take effect immediately. 

Thus, platforms have until August 14 (assuming the full 45 days are completed) to leave before it becomes illegal to offer such games. 

Sweepstakes Casinos That Already Left

Before AB 5447 was ever introduced, platforms like Stake.us, High 5, McLuck, MegaBonanza, and Hello Millions left the state. 

High 5 and Stake.us have opted to leave all states where legal real-money online gambling is available. That list includes New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia. 

Stake.us is also leaving Arizona on August 12.