New York attorney general sends cease-and-desist letters to 26 online sweepstakes casinos
Attorney general Letitia James has demanded that the operators stop prohibited gambling activity in the state.
US.- New York Attorney General Letitia James and the New York State Gaming Commission have sent cease-and-desist letters to 26 online sweepstakes casinos, demanding they stop prohibited gambling activity in the state. The online platforms are said to have offered players slots, table games, and sports betting using virtual coins that could be exchanged for cash and prizes.
Those named are Chanced, Chumba, DingDingDing, Fliff, Fortune Coins, Fortune Wheelz, Funrize, FunzCity, Global Poker, Golden Hearts Games, High 5 Casino, Jackpota, Luckyland, McLuck, Mega Bonanza, NoLimitCoins, Play Fame, RealPrize, Sidepot, SpinBlitz, Sportzino, SweepSlots, Sweeptastic, TaoFortune, Yay Casino, Zula Casino.
The Office of the New York State Attorney General stated: “the state law prohibits online platforms from offering gambling that involves risking something of value, including virtual coins that can be redeemed for cash or prizes.”
James said: “Online sweepstakes casinos are illegal, dangerous, and can seriously ruin people’s finances. I thank the New York State Gaming Commission and Senator Addabbo for partnering with my office on this issue to protect New Yorkers.”
New York State Gaming Commission chairman Brian O’Dwyer added: “These so-called ‘sweepstakes’ games are unscrupulous, unsecure, and unlawful. I have been very vocal about the need to crack down on these operations, and I am thrilled that Attorney General James has taken this significant step to eradicate the illegal gambling market. We encourage those of age who wish to gamble to do so with legal operators.”
Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. commented: “At a time when illegal gambling, underage participation, and identity theft are soaring, it is deeply concerning that prohibited, unregulated, and unenforceable gambling entities are providing easy access to illegal gaming sites and obtaining personal information of unsuspecting New Yorkers.
“These so-called sweepstakes casinos not only put individuals at risk of fraud and financial exploitation, but they also create dangerous pathways for gambling addiction, especially among minors. This is not about taking away anyone’s livelihood, it’s about protecting New Yorkers and working toward a safer, regulated online gaming environment for age-appropriate individuals. I commend Attorney General James and her office for their dedication towards protecting our residents and for recognizing the urgent risks posed by these illegal platforms.”
Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner said: “As chair of the Assembly’s Standing Committee on Racing and Wagering, I and my committee are deeply concerned about the prevalence of sweepstakes games, where players can redeem coins for money. These online sweepstakes games can serve as the on-ramp to problem gambling for teenagers, particularly. I am grateful for the work of Attorney General James and her staff for shutting down 26 of these games.”
Connecticut Senate approves bill to ban sweepstakes
Senate Bill 1235, which would ban online sweepstakes in Connecticut, is heading to Governor Ned Lamont’s desk after passing the state Senate with amendments in a 36-0 vote. The bill, sponsored by the House General Law Committee, prohibits the operation or promotion of a sweepstakes or a promotional draw “not related to the bona fide sale of goods, services or property.” That includes using simulated gambling devices and sweepstakes tied to online casinos and sports betting.
Connecticut is the latest state to approve legislation that prohibits sweepstakes gaming in some form. Louisiana and Montana have also passed legislation.
