A quiet battle is unfolding in state legislatures across the country, threatening a relatively new form of online entertainment. The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance is urgently appealing to lawmakers in Maine to reconsider a bill – SP 825 – that could effectively outlaw “Social Plus” games.
The term “Social Plus” itself is recent, coined in late 2025 by the Alliance’s Managing Director, Sean Ostrow. It describes a growing category of online sweepstakes games, always restricted to adults 21 and over, offering interactive experiences reminiscent of board games, card games, or even casino-style play – all free to start.
The Alliance argues these games represent a legitimate form of free-to-play entertainment, enhanced by sweepstakes promotions. They maintain SP 825’s passage would not eliminate the games, but simply drive responsible operators out of the state, leaving a vacuum for unregulated, potentially predatory, alternatives.
Maine isn’t alone in considering such a ban. Virginia has become the fifth state in 2026, following Maine, Indiana, Florida, and Mississippi, to propose legislation targeting these sweepstakes-style casinos. The debate is rapidly gaining momentum nationwide.
Approximately 50,000 adults in Maine currently enjoy Social Plus games, according to the Alliance. Ostrow warns that a ban would have predictable consequences, pushing the activity underground and exposing consumers to greater risk.
The Alliance emphasizes the safeguards already in place with reputable Social Plus operators. These include stringent age and identity verification, robust data security measures, and tools designed to promote responsible gaming habits.
Lloyd Melnick, Chief Growth Officer at VGW, highlighted the significant investment operators have made in player safety and game integrity. He expressed pride in the features developed to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience.
Rather than outright prohibition, the Alliance proposes a comprehensive regulatory framework for Social Plus games in Maine. This framework, they claim, could generate over $3 million annually for the state through player purchase taxes and operator registration fees.
This proposed regulation would enforce strict age restrictions, protect consumer data and privacy, guarantee timely prize redemption, ensure transparent advertising aimed solely at adults, and provide resources for responsible gameplay. It’s a proactive approach designed to balance entertainment with consumer protection.
The core argument centers on responsible regulation versus complete prohibition. The Alliance believes a carefully crafted framework can harness the economic benefits of Social Plus games while safeguarding Maine residents.
