New York Attorney General Letitia James announced Friday that her office has shut down 26 online sweepstakes casinos operating illegally in the state.
Working with the New York State Gaming Commission, the Attorney General’s Office found the platforms were offering slot machines, table games, and sports betting using virtual coins that could be exchanged for cash or prizes—violating state gambling laws. Under New York law, gambling involving anything of value, including redeemable virtual coins, is prohibited unless properly licensed and regulated.
James said the platforms were operating without state oversight, putting players at risk of rigged or unfair games. Cease and desist letters were sent to each operator, and all 26 have agreed to stop selling sweepstakes coins in New York.
“Online sweepstakes casinos are illegal, dangerous, and can seriously ruin people’s finances,” said Attorney General James. “I thank the New York State Gaming Commission and Senator Addabbo for partnering with my office on this issue to protect New Yorkers.”
Placing a bet at a sweepstakes casino is risky because sweepstakes casinos are not subject to audits and other regulatory oversight by the state. Without oversight, players have no way of knowing whether a sweepstakes casino’s games are rigged, whether it will be able to cover a winning bet, or whether it complies with the many other consumer protection measures required of legal, licensed casinos under New York law. Attorney General James warns New York consumers to steer clear of sweepstakes casinos.
As a result of the cease and desist letters sent by Attorney General James, the operators of the following sweepstakes casinos are ending the sale of sweepstakes coins in New York:
- 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
For those seeking help with problem gambling, resources and support are available through New York State’s Office of Addiction Services and Support. Individuals seeking help can also call New York state’s free and confidential HOPEline, available 24/7, at 1-877-8- HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or text HOPENY (467369).
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