Sweepstakes casino operator Spree has reopened its platform to players in Georgia and Alabama, removing both states from its list of excluded markets. The decision comes amid shifting regulatory and legal landscapes for sweepstakes casinos in the United States.
Spree initially excluded Georgia and Alabama due to the increased legal risks in both states.
In Alabama, Stake.us faced a lawsuit earlier this year, which alleged that the platform was running an illegal gambling ring similar to internet cafes of the past. This was one of several cases within Alabama, which created a climate where operators sought to avoid potential liability by pulling out of the state altogether.
In Georgia, VGW, which operates Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Slots, and Global Poker, faced a lawsuit that accused the company of violating local gambling laws. Although this case was dismissed for lack of jurisdiction, where the judge determined that it wasn’t the right court to hear it, the fact that there was litigation made Georgia a gray area for operators. As a precaution, Spree joined other platforms in restricting access to Georgia players until the legal picture became clearer.
Now that Spree has returned to Georgia and Alabama, its full list of excluded states includes Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Kentucky, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New York, Washington, and West Virginia.
Spree’s return to Georgia and Alabama seems to be driven by a mix of legal changes and business pressures. In both states, lawsuits were dismissed on jurisdictional grounds, and there isn’t a push by lawmakers to ban sweepstakes casinos in these locations, so there’s less risk for operators than initially believed.
The business side also plays a major role. California, one of the biggest markets for sweepstakes casinos, recently passed Assembly Bill 831 onto Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk, putting an outright ban nearly at the finish line. Potentially losing access to such a large customer base has forced operators to look elsewhere for growth.
By reopening in Georgia and Alabama, Spree gains more opportunities to try to offset the loss of California. With McLuck also re-entering Georgia and Alabama earlier this year, this seems to be an emerging trend within the sweepstakes industry, where operators look to return to previous markets.
Other sweepstakes casinos available in Georgia and Alabama besides Spree and McLuck include Stake.us, WOW Vegas, Fortune Coins, LoneStar Casino, and Legendz.
For players in Georgia and Alabama, Spree’s decision means access to another platform in a market that has been inconsistent. In states where sweepstakes casinos operate in a legal gray zone, players often face sudden restrictions, leaving them uncertain about whether their favorite platforms will remain available. Re-entry by Spree offers these players more choice and restores a sense of stability, at least in the short term.
From an industry standpoint, Spree’s move is also about competitive positioning. Sweepstakes casinos rely heavily on user acquisition and loyalty, so being among the first to re-establish a presence in newly reopened states could give Spree a long-term edge. At the same time, it may push other operators to reconsider their own exclusion lists, especially as they grapple with the potential loss of California.
