Arizona Department of Gaming issues cease-and-desist orders
The regulator has sent letters to UK-based Raffall and to an Arizona resident.
US.- The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) has issued cease-and-desist orders to UK-based Raffall and to an Arizona resident who was promoting “Phoenix Dream Home Sweepstakes,” which offered the chance to win a house.
The regulator said Raffall has been directed to remove all gambling-related drawings or giveaways targeting residents, and the Arizona resident has also been ordered to cease promoting or conducting any unlawful gambling activity.
According to ADG’s investigation, the sweepstake’s promotion required participants to purchase entries and that the organisers intended to profit from ticket sales. The regulator said state law prohibits gambling unless it is specifically authorised and that there is no exception for sweepstakes. Raffles may only be conducted by charitable, tax-exempt organisations, and personal profit is prohibited.
Jackie Johnson, director of the Arizona Department of Gaming, said: “Illegal gambling can take many forms and it does not matter if it is labeled a sweepstakes, raffle, giveaway, or drawing. Unregulated operations put Arizonans at risk because there is no oversight, and therefore no accountability or safeguards in place. The Department will continue to take enforcement action to protect consumers, and we urge the public to learn what is legal before participating in or hosting any gambling activity.”
