Sweepstakes Casinos Gaining Traction in Missouri

While residents in the state of Missouri are finally enjoying having access to retail/online sports betting, there is another form of online betting that is gaining traction in the "Show Me" state. Surprisingly, sweepstakes casinos are gaining traction as an acceptable form of online casino gambling.

This is a surprising development given how much resistance there was to finally legalizing sports betting. That took over four years to accomplish. It now appears that since the online gambling gates have been opened, the state's legislature is ready and willing to let things go to the next level by legalizing certain forms of iGaming activities.

The Possible Transition to Online Casino Gambling

Less than two weeks into residents being able to legally bet on sports, attention is now turning to sweepstakes casinos that are already drawing attention from customers from throughout the state. Many residents view these types of online casinos as great alternatives to the long drives they would have to take to visit one of Missouri's licensed retail casinos. While these casinos have proven to be popular, they are few and far between.

Sweepstakes casinos offer a full array of online casino games. It's no small thing that they allow players to enjoy playing online games of chance in a social environment without having to endure any financial risk. Indeed, sweepstakes casinos allow players to play for free with "gold coins" awarded after they complete the registration process. This phenomenon is so new that most states have not yet addressed putting together a legal framework for such activities.

While many states are taking steps to ban such activities, it looks like Missouri lawmakers are ready to give their approval with two key caveats. First, sweepstakes casinos would have to eventually apply for licensing and abide by any regulations set forth by the Missouri Gaming Commission. This is the same regulatory body that oversees retail/online sports betting.

Second, sweepstakes casinos would have to restrict the use of "sweepstakes coins." These are coins that can be awarded or purchased and ultimately redeemed for prizes, including cash. This restriction would need to be honored to avoid promoting actual online gambling. This matters because Missouri law currently prohibits any kind of online casino gambling for real cash.

The current legislation does mention that the use of sweepstakes coins might be permitted if the initial coins are given as part of a no-purchase-necessary program. If players don't have to invest money to purchase coins, anything that they might win would be treated as the giving of gifts. It's worth noting that most prizes are awarded as part of promotional contests where customers compete on games like video slots. As long as said customers don't have to pony up any real cash, it's not considered actual gambling.

It will be interesting to see where this all goes. One can expect there to be issues, but for now, it appears that lawmakers in Missouri are prepared to support sweepstakes casinos, at least for the time being.