Restricting Illegal Online Gambling
In the update, the MLGCA pointed out that several states in the US are sending cease-and-desist letters to illegal operators. The goal is to inform the provider that their services are illegal and demand that they block players in the state from participating.
In Maryland, a total of 11 providers were sent letters, and six have responded so far. None of the gaming operators have agreed to block access from players in Maryland. According to The Closing Line, the list of operators includes:
- Golden Hearts Games (Responded)
- Zula Casino (Responded)
- McLuck Casino (Responded)
- REBET (Responded)
- Fortune Coins (Responded)
- Stake.us (Responded)
- BETUS
- BETNOW
- SlotsAndCasino
- Everygame Sportsbook
- BetAnySports
Why These Operators?
It is unclear why the state decided to target these specific brands rather than the other major players in the sweepstakes gaming industry. In the past, Virtual Gaming Worlds, the owner and operator of Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Slots, and Global Poker, has typically been targeted.
Those who responded are sweepstakes gaming brands, but those who have not are offshore casinos or sportsbooks, which are completely different gaming categories. This is interesting to note, and hopefully, the MLGCA will provide further context in the future.
It is also unclear what action will be taken against the companies if they do not stop offering services in Maryland. This new effort of cease-and-desist letters by individual states to such sites may become a trend, which could negatively affect the sweepstakes industry.
Several attempts have been made to stop sweepstakes gaming for the past year. The opposition says the gaming activity is illegal due to nonregulation and licensing. Opponents feel the industry must be shut down as it negatively impacts players.
Those in favor of sweepstakes gaming say it’s legal entertainment based on local and state laws. Players are not obligated to make purchases and can easily play with free coins.
It will be interesting to see if more cease-and-desist letters are sent out this year in other states and how sweepstakes sites respond. Will there be a fight for sweeps gaming to exist?
