The Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement has just issued a cease and desist order against VGW Luckyland, Inc. for operating an illegal online gaming platform. The officials from Delaware reportedly found that VGW Luckyland had misrepresented its offerings as promotional sweepstakes when, in fact, it enabled players to purchase coins for its casino games.

The Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement, in coordination with the Delaware State Lottery, has issued a cease-and-desist order against VGW Luckyland, Inc., an affiliate of VGW Holdings Ltd. from Australia, following an extensive investigation into illegal online gambling activity targeting Delaware residents.

The DGE determined that VGW Luckyland had been misrepresenting its services as promotional sweepstakes while, in reality, offering casino-style games that allowed players to purchase virtual coins and win real-money prizes. This practice, the investigation concluded, constitutes illegal online gaming under Delaware law.

Effective on the 2nd of April, 2025, residents of Delaware are no longer permitted to access or participate in any of VGW Luckyland's online gaming platforms. According to state officials, the operation violated multiple legal frameworks, including the Delaware Penal Code, the Delaware Constitution, and the Delaware Gaming Competitiveness Act of 2012.

This case demonstrates the growing concern over unlicensed online gaming platforms posing as legal sweepstakes, said a spokesperson for the Delaware Lottery. Such operations are not only illegal but pose significant risks to consumers.

Public safety and consumer protection at risk

Delaware officials are raising red flags over the broader implications of unauthorized and unregulated gaming platforms. According to the DGE, these operations are particularly dangerous as they often lack basic consumer protection measures. Players engaging with such websites may face issues like difficulty withdrawing funds, lack of customer support, and susceptibility to cybercrime.

Unregulated gaming sites present a wide range of dangers, including identity theft, fraud, and the exposure of sensitive personal and financial information, the DGE emphasized in a public statement. Without oversight, these platforms are a prime target for cybercriminals.

The DGE further warned that some illegal gaming sites go as far as mimicking the branding of legitimate Delaware casinos. These deceptive tactics include the use of similar-sounding names, matching color schemes and logos, and even registering lookalike URLs. Such mimicry can easily mislead consumers into thinking they are playing on a secure, regulated platform.

Economic impact and public awareness

In addition to putting consumers at risk, illegal gaming platforms rob the state of substantial tax revenue. Regulated gaming operations contribute to Delaware's economy, funding public services and ensuring a safe, monitored environment for players. Unlicensed operators, by contrast, sidestep these responsibilities while exploiting local players.

Officials are urging Delaware residents to remain vigilant and only participate in online gaming through authorized channels. Just because a website or app is easily accessible does not mean it is legal. Residents are advised to verify the legitimacy of gaming platforms through the official Delaware Lottery website at https://www.delottery.com.

About the Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement

The Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement was established under House Bill Number 310 during the 145th General Assembly. Operating under the supervision of Homeland Security and the Secretary of Safety, the DGE holds exclusive jurisdiction over criminal gaming offenses occurring within licensed video lottery facilities and those relating to the operations of the Delaware Lottery.

The Division plays a key role in maintaining public trust by investigating the background and qualifications of gaming license applicants, enforcing gaming laws, and supporting the Delaware Lottery in regulating lottery and gaming activities. This enforcement action reaffirms Delaware's commitment to legal, responsible, and transparent gaming practices, the DGE concluded. Their top priority is to protect residents and maintain the integrity of the state's gaming environment.