SGLA’s Ostrow Pushes For Regulation, Not Ban, of Sweepstakes Casinos in Virginia

Sweepstakes casino operators and stakeholders managed to catch a break in Virginia this week. The state’s 2026 legislative session came to a close Saturday without a definitive compromise on how to handle its two gaming bills: SB118 and HB161. Also, the agenda to create the Virginia Gaming Commission failed to pass, including the provision to ban sweepstakes casino games. 

As this legislative agenda pauses, some stakeholders continue their campaign for regulation, instead of an outright ban. Sean Ostrow, Managing Director of the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA), reiterated its call for a thorough study and sensible regulation. In an op-ed piece published by CardinalNews, Ostrow bats for a more cautious look at an industry that “has been responsibly and unobtrusively operating in the commonwealth for over a decade”.

Sweepstakes Casino Games Are Safe and Fun, Too, for Virginians

Virginia’s SB118 and HB161 aim to allow online casino gaming, but ban sweepstakes casino games. Both bills use language that could ultimately prevent sweepstakes casino operators from using their dual-currency model and offering harsher penalties for violators. 

According to SGLA’s Ostrow, an outright ban would deprive 300,000 Virginia adults of a “safe and fun outlet for free and low-cost online entertainment”. These gaming platforms may not have the popularity of FanDuel or DraftKings, but for Ostrow, they’re a source of cheap entertainment for thousands of locals.

He added that many players enjoy these games for free, without the need for purchase. Those who spend money on these games, Ostrow added, “spend drastically less than the average iGaming customer”.

iGaming and Social Plus Companies Use the Same Protections

In the same op-ed piece, Ostrow highlighted the same commitment to fair and responsible gaming. He explained that these sweepstakes casino operators also rely on the standard Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, including age and identity checks.

Also, these platforms adhere to anti-money laundering initiatives, with responsible gambling protocols.

Ostrow and SGLA Push for “Reasonable Solution”

For SGLA’s Ostrow, there’s a reasonable policy path available for legislators, one that would allow iGaming and Social Plus to co-exist. He then cited studies from different states, including Michigan, that have shown that the absence of sweepstakes casino games “has no appreciable impact on iGaming revenues”. A better approach, says Ostrow, is to regulate both and simply enact appropriate standards. 

He then added that there’s already a reasonable option in the pipeline: SB579, a bill requiring the Lottery Commission to initiate a study on sweepstakes casino games.

Ostrow closed his arguments, saying that Virginia lawmakers have already studied other gaming issues, like sports betting, casinos, and iLottery. Social Plus sites also deserve the same thoughtful deliberation, not an outright ban that’s based upon “misinformation from real-money gambling companies”.

REFERENCES

• Ostrow’s SGLA Op-Ed piece