Sweepstakes gambling industry asks governor to veto New Jersey’s ban

The sweepstakes betting industry is calling on Gov. Phil Murphy to veto a ban on such activity that the state Legislature has passed and sent to the governor’s desk.

The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance called on the Democratic governor to veto the bill, which was enacted by lawmakers concerned that sweepstakes gambling is too similar to the real thing, yet is unregulated.

In a statement Tuesday, Jeff Duncan, executive director of the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance, called the New Jersey bill “the wrong solution to a misunderstood issue.”

He said the legislation would impose “sweeping and vague” restrictions that impact not only digital entertainment but a wide range of legal and promotional tools used by New Jersey businesses, from retailers to restaurants to online platforms.