Minnesota Attorney General Cracks Down on Sweepstakes Social Casinos
Minnesota Attorney General Targets Sweepstakes Social Casino Websites
Earlier this week, Minnesota’s Attorney General Keith Ellison announced an order for 14 sweepstakes social casino websites to cease all operations within the state. This action marks a significant regulatory move against these types of online platforms.
Attorney General Affirms Illegality of Sweepstakes Social Casinos in Minnesota
AG Ellison made it clear that sweepstakes social casinos are illegal under Minnesota law. He warned that operators and owners of these sites could face severe penalties. The attorney general emphasized that despite attempts by some platforms to rebrand gambling chips as virtual currencies, the operations remain unlawful.
Ellison stated, “Online platforms hosting sportsbooks and casino games run by out-of-state or international entities may give the illusion that online gambling is legal and secure in Minnesota, but it is not. Rebranding chips does not alter the illegality of these activities.”
The AG’s office published the names of the 14 websites involved, which include VG LuckyLand, Zula Casino, Fortune Coins, BetAnySports, BetUS, XBet, BetNow, BetWhale, EveryGame, BetOnline, Slotsandcasino, Bovada, MyBookie, and Sportsbetting. These sites are prohibited from continuing their operations within the state’s jurisdiction.
Wider Opposition to Sweepstakes Casinos and Player Motivations
Minnesota joins other states in rejecting the sweepstakes model, seen by many regulators as a means to circumvent traditional gambling laws. Surveys from the American Gaming Association reveal that most players engage with sweepstakes social casinos with the intent to win real money, highlighting concerns about the nature of these platforms.
While critics call for tighter restrictions, industry representatives like the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance advocate for recognition of the sweepstakes sector as a legitimate economic contributor, noting its role in job creation, tax revenue, and fostering innovation.
Regulatory Actions Against Sweepstakes Casinos in Various States
Despite the industry’s appeals, several states have enacted or proposed bans on sweepstakes social casinos. For example, California plans to outlaw these platforms starting in 2026. Additionally, advertising policies have shifted, with companies like Google no longer allowing sweepstakes casinos to promote themselves as “social” casino games.
Meanwhile, Utah has experienced a surge in class-action lawsuits against sweepstakes operators, with 14 new cases filed in a single week, further illustrating growing legal pressure on this sector nationwide.
