Maryland Gaming Regulator Sends C&D Letters to Several Sweepstakes Casinos
The gaming regulator in Maryland has sent cease and desist letters to more than 10 sweepstakes operators in the state. According to a report from the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, they have sent a total of 11 C&D letters to such gambling operators as Fortune Coins, McLuck Casino, Golden Hearts Games, Stake.US, Zula Casino, and more, and only six have responded - but they are still all operating within the state. The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency has intensified its efforts to combat illegal online gambling within the state by issuing a series of cease-and-desist letters to operators flouting state regulations. According to a recent report, the MLGCA has sent 11 such letters, but despite partial compliance, the operators continue to accept Maryland customers, prompting plans for further enforcement measures. Partial compliance, persistent violations Out of the 11 operators targeted, six have responded to the regulator's demands, including Golden Hearts Games, Fortune Coins, Zula Casino, McLuck Casino, Rebet (it just launched last year), and Stake.US. These operators primarily offer sweepstakes-based gambling options, a popular but controversial model that allows players to participate in games without direct monetary stakes, often bypassing traditional gambling laws. Despite their responses, all six continue operations in Maryland. Meanwhile, five operators - BetNow, BetUS, Everygame Sportsbook, BetAnySports, and SlotsandCasino - have yet to respond. These entities provide users with access to offshore betting, further complicating enforcement due to jurisdictional challenges. Heightened enforcement efforts Maryland's gaming regulator is doubling down on its actions. In addition to sending follow-up letters to non-compliant operators, the MLGCA plans to extend its crackdown to include payment processors facilitating transactions for these illegal platforms. This strategy aims to disrupt the financial infrastructure supporting unlicensed gambling activities. The surge in scrutiny reflects growing concerns nationwide about the proliferation of unlicensed online gambling operations, particularly sweepstakes models. These platforms often exploit legal gray areas, making them difficult to regulate. A nationwide crackdown on sweepstakes operators Maryland's actions align with a wider trend in the United States as gaming regulators address the challenges posed by unlicensed sweepstakes and gambling operators. In Michigan, the Michigan Gaming Control Board has issued similar cease-and-desist letters to LuckyLand Slots, Stake.US, and PredictionStrike. These platforms were accused of promoting unlicensed online lotteries and offering iGaming services without proper authorization. Following these warnings, all three operators exited Michigan's market. Other states have also taken steps to tighten oversight. In Nevada, for example, Global Poker recently informed its customers that its sweepstakes services would no longer be available in the state starting April 15 due to regulatory pressures. Similarly, last year, the Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement and the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection issued cease-and-desist orders to sweepstakes operator Virtual Gaming World. VGW was also ordered to cease its operations in Washington and Idaho, highlighting the nationwide pushback against unlicensed operators. Outlook for the future Maryland's actions reflect a growing awareness of the need for robust enforcement mechanisms to combat illegal online gambling. The rise of offshore operators and sweepstakes platforms has created new challenges for regulators, who must now navigate jurisdictional barriers and adapt to evolving technologies. The MLGCA's approach, which includes targeting financial enablers like payment processors, signals a more comprehensive strategy to address these challenges. However, as seen in other states, achieving compliance remains a complex task, requiring coordination between regulators and lawmakers. For Maryland residents, the crackdown serves as a reminder to verify the legitimacy of gambling platforms before participating. Licensed operators ensure consumer protection, fair play, and the integrity of gaming operations - standards often lacking in unregulated markets. As Maryland continues its enforcement efforts, the gaming industry will be watching closely to see whether these measures succeed in curbing illegal operations and setting a precedent for other states dealing with similar issues.