Americans for Tax Reform Calls for a Measured Approach, Not a Ban, of Sweepstakes Casinos

Americans for Tax Reform, a conservative US advocacy group, has joined the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) in its campaign to oppose a complete ban on sweepstakes casinos.

In an op-ed piece published February 13th, 2026, the group called for “a measured approach” and to stop the plans to ban “good-faith operators”. It added that opportunities have been missed to amend the bill, and there’s still time to shift course and prevent a “California-style ban”.

California’s sweepstakes casino ban took effect on January 1st, resulting in rapid market exits and an estimated annual revenue loss of at least $790 million, per Eilers & Krejcik.

State Ban Could Impact Jobs and Potential Revenues

In its op-ed piece dated February 13th, the Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) lamented the bill’s fast approval in the Senate. The group highlighted how a possible ban could harm jobs and impact the state’s revenue generation, and any policy must not be rushed:

• On industry bans. Banning the sweepstakes casino industry could harm the local job market, disrupt economic activity, and eliminate any consumer benefits. The group added that HB1052 is “an extreme measure” and should not be rushed.

• On Indiana’s economic impact. The group reports 10 million active players in the country, with an estimated 220,000 in Indiana. Based on estimates, this translates to $12 billion in annual sales and a potential tax revenue of roughly $20 million under a sensible tax rate.

ATR Hits California’s Ban as a “Heavy-Handed Policy”

In the same write-up, the Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) also hit California for its “heavy-handed move” and a policy “any red state should not follow”. They also questioned Indiana’s legislators’ decision to allot a short time to debate and hear the bill.

For ATR, sweepstakes casinos have operated in the state for years without incident or complaints, and they should not be “indiscriminately crushed” along with other unlicensed and illegal gambling sites. Instead of a complete ban, the advocacy group calls for sensible regulation. It warned that by pushing with this ban, it will only push players to try illegal casinos and gambling sites that flaunt the law.

The group concluded their arguments by saying that 
“Opportunities have been missed”, and now is the right time for a measured approach, and to stop a complete ban.

As of February 22nd, Indiana’s HB1052 is advanced, but not yet a law. Both houses have passed the bill with amendments and are awaiting reconciliation.

The Indiana legislative session will adjourn on February 27th, so lawmakers have a few days left to discuss, agree, and pass a unified HB1052 before the deadline.

REFERENCES

• HB1052

• Americans for Tax Reform (ATR)