Tennessee House Moves Forward with HB 1885 to Prohibit Sweepstakes Casinos

(AsiaGameHub) –   Tennessee legislators have advanced HB 1885, further defining a legislative effort targeting online sweepstakes casinos. A unanimous committee decision moved the bill forward for additional scrutiny, maintaining regulatory pressure on the state’s unlicensed gambling sites.

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Key Details

• HB 1885 received a unanimous endorsement from the House Finance, Ways, and Means Committee.
• The legislation is scheduled for review by the Calendar and Rules Committee this Thursday.
• The proposal seeks to categorize sweepstakes casino infractions under the provisions of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act of 1977.

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Tennessee Advances Legislation Targeting Sweepstakes Casinos

HB 1885 continues to progress in Tennessee following its approval by the House Finance, Ways, and Means Committee. The bill is now slated for consideration by the Calendar and Rules Committee. The legislation was sponsored by Rep. Scott Cepicky and co-sponsored by Rep. Clay Doggett.

The primary focus of the bill is to address online sweepstakes casinos that operate as promotional sweepstakes platforms while marketing themselves as legal, free-to-play social gaming sites. Essentially, the bill targets platforms where users wager virtual currency on casino-style games with the ability to exchange winnings for virtual currency or tangible prizes.

This distinction is critical, as legislators aim to differentiate these platforms from authorized gaming entities already governed by state law. Rather than impacting regulated operators, HB 1885 specifically targets internet gambling platforms that function outside of existing regulatory frameworks.

The bill places a strong emphasis on enforcement. By incorporating violations into the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act of 1977, the legislation grants the Attorney General expanded authority. This includes the power to demand sworn testimony, examine business records, and pursue measures to prevent the destruction of evidence.

The bill also introduces stricter penalties. It authorizes civil fines reaching $1,000 per document in instances where records are hidden or falsified. Furthermore, it eliminates a previous six-month statute of limitations, providing officials with an extended timeframe to initiate enforcement actions.