New York Attorney General Letitia James has shut down 26 online sweepstakes casinos operating illegally in the state. These platforms offered casino-style games and sports betting using virtual sweepstakes coins, which could be redeemed for cash or prizes — a clear violation of New York’s gambling laws.
Virtual coins used for real cash violate state law
The platforms, operating without regulatory oversight, allowed users to bet using purchased sweepstakes coins in games like slots, blackjack, and sports betting. Despite being labeled “sweepstakes,” these sites functioned as unlicensed gambling operations and posed risks including fraud, financial exploitation, and identity theft.
“Online sweepstakes casinos are illegal, dangerous, and can seriously ruin people’s finances,” said Attorney General James. “We’re taking steps to protect New Yorkers from unregulated and unsafe gambling environments.”
Full list of shut down platforms
The Attorney General’s Office, working with the New York State Gaming Commission, issued cease-and-desist letters to the following 26 platforms, all of which have now ceased sweepstakes coin sales 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
Lawmakers praise the crackdown
New York State Gaming Commission Chairman Brian O’Dwyer supported the move, calling these games “unscrupulous, unsecure, and unlawful.”
State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., a longtime advocate for responsible gaming, added:
“These sweepstakes casinos not only put individuals at risk of fraud and financial exploitation, but also create dangerous pathways for gambling addiction, especially among minors.”
Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, Chair of the Assembly’s Committee on Racing and Wagering, emphasized concerns over teen access to gambling:
“These online sweepstakes games can serve as the on-ramp to problem gambling for teenagers.”
Consumers urged to avoid unregulated sites
Unlike licensed operators, sweepstakes casinos are not subject to audits or consumer protection laws. Players have no guarantee that these games are fair, that winnings will be paid, or that their personal information is secure.
Attorney General James advises all New Yorkers to avoid these platforms and choose only legal, state-regulated gambling options.
Problem gambling support available
For those impacted by gambling addiction, help is available. New Yorkers can contact the State HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or text HOPENY (467369) for free, confidential support, available 24/7.
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