Attorney General James Uthmeier Files Lawsuits Against Operators of Illegal Online Casinos

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.-Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the filing of two lawsuits against the operators of major online "sweepstakes" casinos-including Stake and VGW's Chumba Casino, LuckyLand, and Global Poker-and the payment processors that enable them. The complaints, filed in Hillsborough County Circuit Court today, allege the defendants are operating illegal online gambling enterprises that violate Florida's gambling laws and the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.

"These so-called 'sweepstakes' and 'social casinos' are illegal online gambling operations," said Attorney General James Uthmeier. "If it looks like a casino, takes real money like a casino, and pays out like a casino, it is a casino-and it is illegal under Florida law. These companies have been preying on Floridians, including minors and seniors, with deceptive marketing, and 24/7 access, while dodging our state's licensing, taxation, and consumer-protection requirements. They must be stopped."

According to the complaints, the defendants use a dual-currency model intentionally designed to disguise real-money gambling. Through Defendants' scheme, players purchase packages of "Gold Coins" that come bundled with "Stake Cash" or "Sweeps Coins." The latter function as redeemable wagering credits that can be cashed out for cryptocurrency, gift cards, or cash after minimal play-through requirements. The platforms offer traditional casino games-including slots, blackjack, roulette, and poker-while marketing themselves as free, safe, legal "social" entertainment and promoting large, purported wins through celebrity and influencer campaigns.

Florida law strictly limits gambling and authorizes slot machines only under narrow circumstances at licensed facilities. The lawsuits seek permanent injunctions prohibiting the defendants from operating or soliciting in Florida, forfeiture and recovery of money lost by Florida consumers, disgorgement of ill-gotten gains, civil penalties under FDUTPA, restitution, and attorneys' fees.

To view the complaints filed in Hillsborough County, click here and here.

To view Attorney General Uthmeier's announcement, click here.

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