New York Attorney General (AG) Letitia James has announced that her office, in cooperation with the New York State Gaming Commission, has identified and shut down 26 sweepstakes casinos operating in the state.
The AG office sent cease-and-desist letters to the targeted operators, arguing they’re conducting illegal gambling under New Yok law. The paw prohibits online platforms from offering gambling that involves risking something of value. That includes virtual coins that can be redeemed for cash or prizes.
In a press release, the AG emphasizes that sweepstakes casinos are not subject to regulatory oversight. That means the platforms could offer rigged games, putting New Yorkers at risk.
According to James: “online sweepstakes casinos are illegal, dangerous, and can seriously ruin people’s finances.”
The New York State Gaming Commission Chairman Brian O’Dwyer emphasized that sweepstakes games are insecure and unlawful.
He added: “I have been very vocal about the need to crack down on these operations, and I am thrilled that Attorney General James has taken this significant step to eradicate the illegal gambling market. We encourage those of age who wish to gamble to do so with legal operators.”
Sweepstakes casinos started leaving New York in March after a Senate Bill moved to the floor for a vote. By late May, VGW, the parent company of Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Slots, and Global Poker, announced that it would stop sweepstakes play.
According to the AG’s office, the following platforms have left New York:
In addition to the platforms listed by the AG website, others that have discontinued operations in New York include Stake.us, Funzpoints, Vegas Gems, Moonspin, Rolling Riches, Smiles Casino, Carnival Citi, Punt.com, Pulsz, and Pulsz Bingo.
While James has stated her office has stopped sweepstakes casinos in New York, some platforms still list New York as an eligible jurisdiction. They include:
It is worth noting that these operators might also leave the state, so players should check the platform’s terms and conditions or sweepstakes rules for any updates.
While AG James has taken direct enforcement action, companion bills to ban sweepstakes platforms officially are still active for the 2025 legislative session.
State Sen. Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. introduced Senate Bill 5935 in March. Its advancement to the Senate floor triggered the initial mass exodus of platforms. However, the proposed legislation has made little progress since then.
The proposal’s companion bill, Assembly Bill 6745, advanced through the state’s Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee at the end of April. After over a month of no progress, it has picked up and moved through an additional committee.
New York’s 2025 legislative session adjourns on June 12. That means if New York wants to follow Montana, which officially banned sweepstakes casinos, lawmakers must act quickly; however, given the AG’s actions, that might not be necessary.
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