14 Sweeps Operators Ordered to Close Shop in Minnesota

The crackdown on popular sweepstakes casino platforms continues, and the wave of closures has reached Minnesota. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has signed and issued a new batch of cease-and-desist letters to 14 casino and online gaming operators, asking them to stop operations by December 1st, 2025. 

Ellison’s order argues that these websites, including social sweepstakes casinos, violate existing state laws. The state’s attorney general further explained that rebranding poker chips as “virtual currencies” does not make these gaming sites legal. 

Ellison’s recent order follows earlier state regulatory efforts and enforcement led by the Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division, which reached out to over 20 operators with mixed results, since many of these are offshore-based and licensed.

VG LuckyLand, Fortune Coins, and BetUS Among Those Platforms Ordered to Close Down

In a statement published Wednesday, Ellison shared the release of cease-and-desist letters to 14 operators of “illegal gambling sites”– including popular sweepstakes casino platforms like VG LuckyLand and Fortune Coins. The letter calls for the closure of these platforms since they operate illegally.  

According to Ellison, “online platforms offering sportsbooks and casino games run by out-of-state and overseas operators may make it look as though online gambling is legal and safe in Minnesota, but let me be clear: it is not?”. He then added that rebranding poker chips as virtual currencies doesn’t make operations legal. 

In addition to VG LuckyLand, Fortune Coins, and BetUS, the letters were also addressed to these operators: Zula Casino, BetAnySports, XBet, BetNow, BetWhale, EveryGame Sportsbook, BetOnline, Slotsandcasino, Bovada, MyBookie.com, and Sportsbetting.

Popular Sweeps Casinos Continue to Feel the Regulatory Heat

Minnesota’s crackdown on gaming sites is part of a broader national trend, with similar campaigns in Mississippi, Louisiana, and West Virginia against offshore licensed sites and sweepstakes casinos that operate illegally. Minnesota relies on notices and investigations rather than the regular issuance of cease-and-desist orders, making enforcement challenging. 

Although the state’s moves aren’t as aggressive as compared of others, Minnesota remains committed to protecting its players and upholding the integrity of the gaming industry.

Offshore Licensed Casinos Put Local Players at Risk

Minnesota’s campaign also extends to offshore-licensed casinos operating illegally in the state. The Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division (AGE) initially launched a campaign against these websites. However, the campaign delivered “mixed results” since the division was unable to deliver letters and notices. 

According to Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson, offshore licensed betting sites operate without accountability and offer no protection for players. Commissioner Jacobson has stated that they’re willing to work with the Attorney General to hold these operators accountable and protect the integrity of the state’s gaming industry.

REFERENCES:

• Office of the Attorney General
• Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division (AGE)