Florida Attorney General sues major online sweepstakes casinos

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has filed lawsuits against several major online sweepstakes casino operators, including VGW (parent company of Chumba Casino, LuckyLand, and Global Poker) and Stake.us. The state alleges these platforms are operating illegal gambling businesses that violate Florida gambling laws and the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.

The lawsuits claim the companies use a dual-currency system to disguise real-money gambling as legal sweepstakes. Under this model, players purchase virtual currency that comes with redeemable coins used to wager on games such as slots, blackjack, and poker, with winnings redeemable for cash, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. Uthmeier argues that because these sites function like traditional casinos, they must adhere to state licensing, taxation, and consumer protection regulations.

The Attorney General's office further alleges that these platforms target vulnerable populations, including seniors and minors, while avoiding the oversight applied to legal gambling businesses. The state is seeking a permanent ban on these sites operating within Florida and is requesting that the companies be forced to refund money lost by consumers.